If you haven’t spotted Uniqlo’s crossbody pouch bag at some point over the last three years, where have you been? The small but mighty unisex bag was launched in 2022, and even now, I don’t feel like I can head out for the day without spotting at least one person wearing it. The bag has become one of the best-selling bags of all time for the Japanese retailer, largely thanks to its versatility and surprising spaciousness.
I bought mine back in 2022 after spotting it in the men’s section of the Spitalfields store in London. I was after a small crossbody bag I could use for everyday errands when I didn’t fancy taking a bigger bag. I didn’t realise then that it would transform into a viral sensation.
But that’s precisely what happened. The bag’s popularity exploded after a viral TikTok video showed its Mary Poppin’s-esque ability to hold far more than meets the eye. Searching the hashtag #uniqlobag on Instagram brings up more than 5,000 results. And even though Uniqlo has an entire range of bags, most posts are dedicated to the famous pouch bag.
It’s even inspired other retailers to follow suit with their own versions of the bag. New Look, Marks and Spencer and Next offer crossbody pouch bags that look similar to the Uniqlo bag. For me, though, it’s all about the original.
When I consider the cost-per-wear of my Uniqlo bag, it’s quite something. The bag retails for just £14.90, and I reach for it multiple times a week.
Whether popping to the shop or exploring a new destination on holiday, the bag has become my trusty go-to. It can hold my essentials and some extras like a book, perfume, or a water bottle. If I want to pack it full to the brim, I can even attach my water bottle to the side of the bag for extra storage.
When packing this way, I can fit my purse, a bottle of suncream, a book, an umbrella, perfume, lip balm, lipstick, a packet of tissues, keys, hand sanitiser, and a hair brush. Perhaps the only downside of this is that, given it’s a crossbody bag, on busy days when I’ve really packed things in, my shoulder does start to feel the brunt of my inability to travel light. The zip fastening means it’s easy to open and close (even when you’ve got everything except the kitchen sink in there).
Aside from its surprisingly spacious interior, I like that the bag has an adjustable strap, and if it does get a little scuffed, you can chuck it in a normal wash (luckily, as mine is black, I don’t have to do this too often).
Since the first bag was released in 2022, it has had several makeovers, with a new version in a range of colours and fabrics being released. Now, in time for spring, the Uniqlo pouch bag has enjoyed its latest seasonal glow-up. As well as the usual colours, the bag is now on offer in a range of pastel shades and a cottage-core style gingham pattern.
The gingham version of the bag, available in black, pink, blue and yellow, also has a striped shoulder strap.
But, just like the original version, the price tag remains at an affordable £14.99.
