The bag is handy and practical for everyday wear (Image: Uniqlo / TikTok @CheapHolidayExpert)
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.
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.
Until Sunday, you can get the Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder bag in one of 10 colours for just £12.90, with shoppers raving about how roomy and practical it is.
, 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 on , 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”.
Can you do a 3 day trip using just a Uniqlo sling bag?! ?????? We all know that it’s basically a Mary Poppins bag, and so I stared wondering whether it was possible to do an entire holiday in one… ?????? When off to Albania to do a £100 holiday, the weather promised sunshine every single day, and so I thought it was time to test it out! 1️⃣ STEP 1 1️⃣ I knew that my travel outfit was going to be KEY and so opted for all my bigger bulkier items for the flight out. This included: – A cap, – A shirt over a t-shirt – A denim jacket with inside pockets – Trousers – Over-ear headphones 2️⃣ STEP 2 2️⃣ I planned my next 2 days of outfits around what I was already wearing. So on day 2, I wore the shirt with a skirt I’d packed. And for day 3, I wore my trousers with a new vest top. 3️⃣ STEP 3 3️⃣ For my toiletries, I gave myself a small pouch to fill, opted for minimum makeup and skincare, and decanted EVERYTHING. I also took a comb over a brush and used 2-in-1 products. 4️⃣ STEP 4 4️⃣ Electronics can get BULKY and so I took a risk and just charged my power bank up to full so that I could charge my phone and watch directly from that. This also worked well as I was staying in a hostel so that I could have them in my bed alongside me. And that’s how I was able to pack so light! ?????? FOR THE EAGLE EYED OF YOU ?????? You may have spotted that I do indeed have a BACKPACK in the videos of the £100 trip… Yep, I took a backpack for my laptop and big camera since I was there to work which is why I didn’t make a video about my light packing efforts at the time, as that wasn’t the purpose of the trip. I just thought it would be fun to test my Uniqlo bag theory whilst I was there and I’m very happy to say – IT WAS TOTALLY POSSIBLE! ?????? LET ME KNOW… Do you think you could do a 3 day trip in a bag so small? And would you be interested to see me film a video doing this again? I may even leave my laptop and camera at home so that I can make it LEGIT!!!
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 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 , 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’.
The bag can be worn as a cross-body or adjusted to become a shoulder bag. (Image: Uniqlo)
Since the success of the Uniqlo bag, many other brands have jumped on the trend, creating their own similar items. offers its £18 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, have created the , with a woven design that could be worn from day to night.