When travelling or going on a day trip, it can be tricky to find the perfect bag for the occasion, especially if you need it to fit all your essentials but don’t want to lug a rucksack or tote bag around. In the winter months, you might want to stash gloves and a hat away, while the summer months often call for having sun cream and sunglasses on hand, so a practical bag is a must.
Uniqlo’s Round Mini Shoulder Bag has been something of a viral sensation since its initial release thanks to its stylish design and ability to carry more than you might imagine.
The bag comes in a huge range of 10 colours including bright shades, pastels and neutrals, and the bags are reduced to just £12.90 – but you’ll have to be quick as four shades are already sold out, and the deal ends Sunday.
The bag, from the popular Japanese brand, has been one of its top sellers for years, but has recently gone viral again after a travel influencer called Cheap Holiday Expert on Tiktok, shared how she managed to fit everything she needed for a three-day trip to Albania inside the Round Mini Shoulder Bag.
In her video, the TikTok creator explained that she was able to fit in three days of clothing, plus toiletries and electronics. In the bag, she managed to fit “a skirt, a vest top, a nightie, two pairs of socks, and two pairs of underwear”, with the help of a vacuum pack bag. She then decanted her toiletries into tiny pots and was able to fit: “Moisturiser, cleanser, foundation…lip and cheek tint, eyebrow gel, mascara, a travel toothbrush and some toothpaste.”
Finally, she added a portable charger, a watch charger and her keys. The creator noted that even with all of these belongings the bag zipped up “so easily”.
We’ve even put the bag to the test ourselves here at Express.co.uk and found it to be more than spacious enough as a day-to-day bag.
Express.co.uk’s Shopping and Affiliates Editor Aimee Robinson owns a black version of the bag, said: “I bought the trending Uniqlo bag two years ago and it’s been the bag I reach for the most. While it might look small, I’m always surprised by how much I can fit in and the cross-body strap makes it so easy to wear.
“It’s my go-to casual bag, whether I’m nipping out to the shops or heading out for a day sightseeing on holiday. There’s enough space to fit my phone, keys, purse, lip balm, sun cream, water bottle and my umbrella.”
Shoppers are leaving their reviews on the Uniqlo accessory, with one saying: ”Great bag, fits so much! Perfect for travelling! I use it every day.”
Another added: ”Perfect little bag to just throw on. Light and roomy when you don’t want to carry something heavy and are out [and] about.” [SIC]
A third said: ”I wish there would be a zipper pocket inside though, otherwise great and adjustable!”
The simple design is compact, with a nylon fabric and water-repellent finish, however, it’s worth keeping in mind that the description says ‘the finish is not permanent’.
Since the success of the Uniqlo bag, many other brands have jumped on the trend, creating their own similar items. Next offers its £18 Sling Cross-Body Bag which comes in seven shades, and they’ve even branched out to patterns, including an on-trend leopard print. The designs feature sturdy, adjustable straps which continue underneath the bags.
Or, if the canvas versions are too casual for you, Marks and Spencer have created the Faux Leather Woven Sling Bag, with a woven design that could be worn from day to night.