FAQs
Company Questions
Where are JW Brewster products made?
Our products are made in a South African factory that employs living wage local craftsmen. These women and men hand make our bags from local leather that comes from free range Namibian micro farms.
How do you support all cultures, all lifestyles, and all people?
We are an LGBTQA+ owned business and our values - celebrating culture, treating people with respect, and putting our best into every product - are founded in celebration of the life of our matriarch, Judy Brewster. Check out our about us page to learn more about how we embrace this mission.
Policy Questions
What is your return policy?
We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return. Please see additional details on our return policy here.
What is your shipping policy?
All of our products are shipped for free, no matter how much or how many. If you would like expedited shipping, options are available to purchase. Please see additional details on our shipping policy here.
Technical Specifications
Product Questions
What do the bags weigh?
The luxury bag with the strap weighs 2.9 pounds (1.33 kg). The classic bag with the strap weighs 2.6 pounds (1.16 kg).
What are the bags’ dimensions?
Both the luxury and the classic weekender bags are 18.5 inches (470 mm) long and 9.9 inches (250 mm) high and wide. The drop height of the handles is 11.8 inches (300 mm) and the shoulder strap is 39.4 inches (1,000 mm) long before adding the length of the buckles.
Why are the handles longer than typical duffel bags?
Although the shoulder strap is of what we consider a typical length, we engineered our handles to be longer than standard. That will allow you to still comfortably hold the bag at your side, but will also enable you to wear the bag comfortably over your shoulder unlike our competitors. You can even comfortably wear it over both shoulders like a backpack!
How much weight can the bags hold?
You can fit a pair of shoes, a toiletry bag, two pairs of pants, two pairs of shorts, four shirts, and a pullover into the bag comfortably (23.5 liters). You can fit quite a bit more if you don’t mind a tight squeeze.
We recommend trying to keep the weight under 44 pounds (20 kg) for your own comfort, but we’ve tested the bags with 110 pounds (50 kg) without issue. The materials we use are very strong.
How many pockets does the bag have? What can fit?
Outside of the main volume, there’s a front pocket that’s 5.5 inches (140 mm) wide by 6.3 inches (160 mm) tall. That’s enough to fit most cell phones, a passport, or a few items around that size. Ideal for emptying your pockets at the TSA line.
What does it mean when we say we make all JW Brewster bags out of natural, genuine, and sustainable full grain leather?
Our bags are made from genuine local Namibian leather that only comes from organic free range animals that have been treated in the most humane way. That means that the bags have more character and may have subtle scratching that comes along with the animal’s free range lifestyle. We think you’re going to love the look!
We tan our leather at one of Africa’s most eco friendly tanneries which was awarded Africa’s tannery of the year. They recycle their water and treat all discharged water at the end of the production process.
What’s the story with the interior liner?
The luxury weekender model has a washable and removable liner (with a velcro attachment) and the classic weekender has a permanent liner (sewn in). The design of the liner matches the design of the front pocket, inspired by our South African roots and artisans.
What’s the difference between the Classic and the Luxury JW Brewster Weekender models?
The luxury bag features additional leather accents on the handles and the strap to give it a bigger personality. It also has a removable and washable liner for higher level function to go along with the beautiful form. The classic bag has all the quality and most of the features of the luxury bag but for a lot less price!
Use and Care
Product Questions
How do you recommend carrying the bag?
Unlike the competition, there’s no best way to carry your JW Brewster bag! Handles over one shoulder or over two, just in your hand, or classic shoulder strap use are all great options.
Why is this bag recommended for gym use?
This bag was sized to fit your shoes and gym clothes plus all those accessories with ease but not have too much space left over. The luxury model also has a removable and washable liner that makes cleanup easier. Not to mention, either option will look great in any gym!
What goes into making these bags such a special quality product?
We hand make every bag and carefully select our inputs, like our YKK antique zippers and leather from organic free range animals, so you’ll be able to feel the care we put into the product with every use. With quality control checks and rigorous training, we are committed to delivering the highest quality products with the most innovative and efficient design to every customer.
Do these bags last longer than typical fabric bags and bags with mostly fabric and some leather?
Bags made entirely or mostly of fabric are less sturdy given the fact that fabrics are inherently less durable than leather. On average, a leather bag will last five years longer than a cloth bag and with our high quality construction and materials we believe there's a lifetime of difference.
Are there any specific care instructions that should be noted?
Water Damage: Allow the leather to dry naturally and slowly. Avoid direct heat!
Stains: Use a damp cloth and wipe lightly. If the stain persists, rub gently with an old toothbrush to disperse. Oily marks are almost impossible to remove, so handle your bag with clean hands.
Moisturize: To extend the life of your leather, treat it with a leather conditioner and avoid extreme temperatures.
Interior Liner: Our luxury bag’s liner is machine washable; however, we suggest hang drying to keep the fabric in its best condition.
Delivery and Presentation
Product Questions
Does the leather smell?
When the bag is first opened, it may have an odor from our hand made production practices. Just leave it open for a few days and that should dissipate and leave the bag with a gentile leather smell.
My bag just arrived and the leather is wrinkled. What can I do to fix it?
As the bag has been gently rolled in its box, it shouldn’t have lasting wrinkles. If left unwrapped for a few days the bag will likely return to its natural wrinkle free look. If that is still not effective, filling the bag with a pillow or similar item for a few days has been highly effective for other customers.
How are these bags packaged?
These bags are delivered gently rolled in a JW Brewster custom box that presents well as a gift.
Other
Have any other questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out! We strive to respond to inquiries within one business day.