The Letchi bag: Réunion Island's star fruit, for every day
Why the lychee, how the pattern was drawn with an island illustrator and which size to choose: everything about our Letchi bag.
By Tropical Factory3 min read
The Letchi bag is a Tropical Factory tote illustrated with lychees, Réunion Island’s iconic fruit, in pinks and bright reds. It is made from recycled plastic bottles and comes as an XL classic tote, an S classic tote and a pouch.
Whether you call it letchi, litchi or lychee, here is what you need to know about this design.
Letchi, litchi or lychee?
All three names refer to the same fruit. On Réunion Island, it is called letchi, as the island’s official tourism website points out. In mainland France you will more often see litchi, and in English lychee. Our design is called Letchi, the island way, and its product page lives at /en/product/litchi/ so everyone can find it.
Why the lychee?
On Réunion Island, the lychee is much more than a fruit. According to Réunion Island’s official tourism website, it ripens in December and is served at Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations.
That is what the pattern tries to capture: the sweetness and intensity of the fruit, its bright, mouth-watering colours, the white flesh under the red shell and the sunny mood of the orchards.
A design drawn with an island illustrator
The Letchi bag belongs to the Collab' range, alongside Case créole and Paille-en-queue. These designs come from a collaboration with Léa, an illustrator based on Réunion Island whose work draws on the island’s wildlife, plants and landscapes.
On the bag you will find whole and open lychees, green leaves and a large red flower on a light background. The words 'Reunion Island' are handwritten at the bottom.
Letchi bag sizes
According to the product page, at the time of writing:
| Size | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| XL classic | €29 | Shopping, beach, everyday bag |
| S classic | €20 | Small errands, a trip into town |
| Classic pouch | €14 | Make-up, pens, chargers, small items |
The XL is the most versatile: a towel, a water bottle, a book and a picnic all fit. The S is more discreet, perfect for travelling light. The pouch slips into your bag or suitcase.
Availability can change: the product page always shows the options in stock.
How to wear the Letchi bag
- At the market: its reds stand out among the stalls, and the XL has room for the week’s fruit and vegetables.
- At the beach: it carries your towel, sunscreen and water bottle.
- In town: the S size goes with a light outfit, a dress or jeans, without getting in the way.
- As a pair: an XL with a matching pouch also makes a lovely gift.
The Letchi and its fruity cousins
If you like fruity patterns, the Letchi has two neighbours in the shop:
- Pitaya, inspired by the tropical fruit of the same name and its vivid colours;
- Victoria, a tribute to the Victoria pineapple.
We brought these three designs together in Réunion Island’s tropical fruits as patterns.
A gift idea for the holidays
Since the lychee is Réunion Island’s Christmas fruit, the Letchi bag is a natural end-of-year gift: for someone living far from the island, for someone who has left it, or for a friend in mainland France discovering Réunion culture. Find more ideas in our island Christmas gift ideas.
The shop delivers to Réunion Island and Europe with Colissimo, and orders ship within 5 business days of confirmation. Remember to order early for the holidays.
FAQ
Is the Letchi bag insulated?
No. On the product page, the Letchi comes in classic versions (XL, S) and as a pouch. For an insulated bag, have a look at the insulated range.
What is the bag made of?
Recycled plastic bottles, like every Tropical Factory bag.
Where can I see the bag in person?
At the Tropical Factory stall at the Saint-Paul street market, on Fridays from 8 am to 2 pm and Saturdays from 8 am to noon, or at one of our stockists on Réunion Island.
