The Uniqlo crossbody bag – or Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag, and it's officially known – has had a faux-leather upgrade for autumn, as part of the Japanese label's latest designer collaboration with fashion icon Clare Waight Keller.
That's right: the bag which became the most-searched for product of the year according to The Lyst Index Q1 2023 (and the most affordable product to ever be featured by the global shopping app) has been released in a larger size, in three faux leather colours – giving it the perfect upgrade for the winter months. And with the Uniqlo:C collection one of the hottest high-street launches of the season, it's sell to sell out pretty quickly.
ROUND SHOULDER BAGROUND SHOULDER BAGThe faux leather release follows in the footsteps of the hugely popular corduroy release, which landed on the site at the end of August.
ROUND MINI SHOULDER BAG (CORDUROY) BlackROUND MINI SHOULDER BAG (CORDUROY) OliveROUND MINI SHOULDER BAG (CORDUROY) Off WhiteROUND MINI SHOULDER BAG (CORDUROY) BrownTaking inspiration from The Row's slouchy banana bag, the first iteration of the £14.90 crossbody bag – crafted from water-repellant nylon – went viral almost immediately after its release last year. 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, Mango's 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 autumn-ready faux leather black, white and burgundy? Well, it officially trumps the lot.
ROUND SHOULDER BAGROUND SHOULDER BAGRound Mini Shoulder Bag BeigeRound Mini Shoulder Bag BlackRound Mini Shoulder Bag NavyAll three 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.
Luca Wetherby-Matthews, GLAMOUR's Social Media Manager said: “after seeing *countless* TikToks of the Uniqlo shoulder bag over winter, I finally caved.
"Having been lured in by its Mary Poppins-esque spaciousness and effortless cool-girl style, I knew I had to have it in my life. It’s perfect for nearly all occasions with enough space for your phone, wallet, keys, hopes, dreams, charger, water bottle and even your sandwich if you felt so inclined. I bought the cream colour and feel like it instantly makes my outfit look cooler – (and I've not got the courdroy iterations on my wishlist). Essentially, it’s like the elevated big sister of the bum bag and I’m so obsessed.”
Round Mini Shoulder Bag YellowRound Mini Shoulder Bag GreenRound Mini Shoulder Bag PinkRound Mini Shoulder Bag NaturalElsewhere, TikTok users @jesselleking said: "You know everyone talks about these Uniqlo 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?”
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.
In the winter (now?), 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. Or, y'know… just over a summer dress here in the UK.
Sold? Thought so. You know what to do.
For more from our Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.
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