Get your hands on the shoulder bag you need for summer

It's been a year since I embarked on a three-week Europe trip, and the bag I bought to carry from country to country remains one of my best purchases ever. However, it's also one of my most basic.

I'm unsure if it was TikTok, word of mouth or a mix of both that made the Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag the most ubiquitous travel accessory of the last few years. I first heard about it through a friend I travelled with, who suggested it before we left. Hers was cream, mine was black, and a fellow pair of Canadian besties on our tour had the same pair. It was a comforting experience, knowing you could identify a fellow tourist from a mile off by spotting their Uniqlo bag.

However, it isn't just travellers who love this bag. I use it constantly while out and about on weekends, and I'm planning to buy it in a few more colours. Since coming home, I've read that mums, teens, and fashion girlies also all adore it. So, what is it with this bag?

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

$24.90 on Uniqlo

What's the deal with this bag?

Available at Uniqlo, the bag is made of a 100 per cent nylon shell, with a 100 per cent polyester filling, lining, and shoulder strap. While there's nothing fancy about these materials, the construction is water-repellent and protects against light rain, which is convenient on days when the weather might shift unexpectedly.

The bag measures 28cm wide, 17cm high, and 10cm deep. The adjustable strap expands from 62cm to 116cm, so you can wear it on a shorter or longer strap depending on your preference.

The rounded shape of the bag sits perfectly on the body, curving into the side. This keeps it feeling secure when you're using it for travel, especially in areas where pick-pocketing is common.

Why do people love it?

After a lot of thought, I've decided that the universal love of this bag comes down to three aspects: convenience, durability, and affordability.

Uniqlo's website describes the bag as having "surprising storage capacity", and I can't think of a more apt statement. While travelling, this small bag held my wallet, my portable charger, my phone, various brochures and maps, and quite often a water bottle, all while still zipping up easily. It was the only bag I took on various flights, and kept with me on the coach that toted me around the continent.

I wore it every single day, putting it through its paces. I spilled Italian pasta sauce, wine, water, and coffee on it. I got sweat all over it, exploring on days that hit the high 30s in cities with no concept of shade. I chucked it into overhead compartments, rearranged the contents, and twirled it around my wrist when I got bored in long lines, and it didn't show up one bit of dirt or one sign of wear throughout.

And best of all? This bag was $24.90. It's honestly a wonder I haven't bought more yet given how affordable it is and how many cute colours are available. It has lasted so well that I haven't thought to yet.

However, I recently spotted a crocheted version on the Uniqlo website, so I've got a feeling my collection is about to grow.

Similar options

While the Uniqlo Mini Round Shoulder Bag would be my top recommendation to any traveller (or anyone in general), Uniqlo didn't invent the concept. It sprouted from fashion-forward girlies who began wearing bum bags as cross-body bags, which evolved into a popular trend, meaning you can get several similar options.

Louenhide Boyd Nylon Sling Bag

$69.95 on The Iconic

Peta and Jain Maia Bag – Iconic Exclusive

On sale for $52.46

W&G Traveller Crossbody Messenger Bag

Get it for $38.36

Latmap Sling Bag For Women

Buy yours for $30.49

Nautica Women's Nylon Crossbody Bag

$40.62 here

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