Pop Top Bags - Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about Escama pop top bags? We have answers!

#1 - Are these ‘real pop tops’?

Yes – these are real, post-consumer pop tabs. Each tab came off of a can, (they're not specially made in a factory). Why do these tabs look so perfect? They look perfect because they've been sorted, trimmed, washed and polished in a multi-step prep process. Read the whole story here.

#2 - Are pop top bags heavy?

No -- Escama bags are surprisingly lightweight. Because they're made of lightweight aluminum, pop top bags weigh less than purses made of leather or other materials. They're a good option for women who don't want to carry a heavy purse.

#3 - Are Escama bags stiff?

No – Escama bags are supple and pliable. The purses look like rigid metal chain mail but they feel like soft woven fabric -- this is because they're made of crochet. Each tab is stitched together to create a unique chain mail fabric that looks and feels like nothing else. 

#4 - Do Escama bags come with a liner and zipper?

Yes – all Escama bags come beautifully finished with fabric liner and zipper. Bigger purses come with a custom silver fabric, custom metal YKK zippers and inside zipped pocket(s). Our smaller clutch bags come with matching color nylon fabric liner and zip top closure.

#5 - Are Escama bags durable?

Yes – pop top purses are very well made and can be worn for many years. Some of our fans are still using the same purse that they purchased nearly twenty years ago. 

#6 - Who wears these purses? Are they for young women? 

Our fans are young or old, they come in many shapes and sizes, women or men, from all over the world. The thing that they all have in common is that they love to carry a bag that makes them stand out in a crowd. These purses always draw attention and start conversations. Click here to see photos of a few fans.

#7 - Where are Escama purses made?  Who makes them?

Escama purses are made in Brazil. Since 2004, we have worked directly with our artisan partners – a fair trade women’s artisan cooperative – to design and create bags and accessories. To find out more about who makes Escama bags, click here.

#8 - Are these 'going-out bags' or for every day use? 

Silver bags are popular to carry for formal occasions like weddings and special events. But Escama designs our bags to be functional and practical for everyday use. Silver purses can make any outfit pop and Escama bags are known to draw attention. Here are some styling tips on how to accessorize with a silver pop top bag. 

# 9 - Are the artisans paid fairly for their craft?

Yes – Escama is a collaborative venture that is guided by fair business practices. Prices are negotiated with artisans’ input and are adjusted for inflation, increased costs of materials and other factors. Deposits are paid in advance and balance payments are paid on date of export. We continue to work with the same group of artisans since 2004.

#10 - How do I clean my Escama bag?

·        The bag is made of aluminum pop tabs and nylon crochet thread. Aluminum won’t rust like other metals so you don’t need to worry too much about water. 

·        Pour some warm water into a bowl together with a little bit of Dawn dish washing liquid.

·        Dip a clean rag into the water & dish washing solution and then squeeze out most of the water.

·        Gently rub the damp rag onto the outside of the bag to remove grime that may have built up over time.

·        Soak the rag again to remove any dirt and then squeeze out most of the water. Repeat this step a few times to remove any grit and impurities from the bag.

·        Dry the bag and zipper with a clean rag so that it feels mostly dry, then hang the bag in the sun to complete the drying process.

#11 - My bag is falling apart, can you repair it?

Maybe yes, maybe no. It depends on the type of damage. Escama Studio works with a talented seamstress in the San Francisco area who may be able to do repairs on a case-by-case basis. Send us a message and let's take a look.

#12 - What is Escama Studio’s Return Policy?

Here is a link with details of our return policy and how to make a return.

#13 - What does 'Escama' mean? 

The word Escama (es-KA-ma) means 'fish scales' in Portuguese, the language of Brazil. We chose the name because everything we make looks like the scales of a giant fish. Here's a link to find out more about the name Escama. 

Do you have any other questions? Contact us here.