The Uniqlo crossbody bag – or Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag, as it's officially known – has had a crochet upgrade for summer and, although we already own virtually every iteration, we're sprinting to the checkout. If there's one thing we've learnt about the Uniqlo bum bag, it's that it tends to sell out.
Back in autumn, the brand introduced to an oversized faux leather version as part of their designer collaboration with fashion icon Clare Waight Keller, and just a few months prior to that we were presented with a hugely popular corduroy release.
According to The Lyst Index Q1 2023, the Uniqlo crossbody bag became the most-searched for product of the year as well as the most affordable product to ever be featured by the global shopping app. Told you it was popular.
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Taking inspiration from The Row's slouchy banana bag, the first £14.90 crossbody bag from Uniqlo – crafted from water-repellent nylon – went viral almost immediately after its release in 2022. It was available in both a handful of neutral tones and vibrant pastel hues – from lemon yellow to an alluring, Bottega and GANNI-esque apple green shade – and the related hashtag quickly racked-up over 62.9 million (!) views on TikTok.
Of course, TikTok is great for a viral fashion must-have. It introduced us to Mango's new-season collection of designer-inspired handbags and must-have office-perfect cardigan, and gave us the Skims Fits Everybody stretch-jersey midi dress. But now that the Uniqlo Crossbody Bag is available in virtually every fabric, colourway and size? Well, it officially trumps the lot.
All four iterations are banana-shaped: not only very cool, but mum-would-be-proud levels of functional, too. Granted, not the most game-changing silhouette in the world, but there-in lies its appeal. It has a an adjustable strap, smooth zip-top closure and fits ALL of your essentials inside. Even a book. Even a full pack of Jam Tarts, for God's Sake.
TikTok user @jesselleking said: "You know everyone talks about these Uniqlo bum bags and how much they fit in them? I truly think I have outdone myself tonight so I'm going to show you exactly what I've managed to squeeze in here. I nipped into Sainsbury's Local on my way home to get myself some snacks and I thought no way am I going to be able to stuff all this in my bag… but it happened.
“What we have in here: mini deodorant to start with, can't leave the house without one. Big bag of Hula Hoops. Whole packet of jam tarts. A packet of mini rolls. A can of the Starbucks Double Shot Espresso. And then, I also have: my card holder, some medication, my AirPods, Vaseline, my keys, my Loop earplugs, some more medication, some Polos and two lipglosses. Like – how did all of that get in here?”
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As for how to style it? In a multitude of ways, to be honest. Amidst a cost-of-living crisis when making smart swaps to ensure your wardrobe transitions well between winter and summer is of upmost importance – the Uniqlo mini round shoulder bag is a trans-seasonal hero.
During the winter, you can style it up over a wool coat, straight leg jeans and chunky winter boots, but it looks just as great over denim shorts and an oversized poplin shirt on your Mediterranean summer holidays, too. Or, y'know… just over a summer dress here in the UK.
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Sold? We thought so. You know what to do.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Editor Europe Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
