Uniqlo's TikTok-famous shoulder bag tops fashion chart, leads way to new shopping trend
Are versatility and accessibility the new buzzwords to "buying better"?

Uniqlo's round mini shoulder bag tops fashion chart The Lyst Index. (Photo: Uniqlo)
What’s the hottest fashion item this season, you ask? The Lyst Index has named Uniqlo’s round mini shoulder bag as the hottest product for the first quarter of 2023. The Lyst Index is a quarterly ranking of the fashion industry’s hottest brands and products. The fashion technology company taps its 200 million users’ behaviour to track brand and product heat.
Pegged at S$19.90, the bag is the cheapest product to have ever made the chart. Described by a user as a “Mary Poppins” bag, the #uniqlobag hashtag clocked over 63.3 million views on TikTok, surmounting strong fashion contenders like Adidas Gazelle sneakers, Skim’s sculpt bodysuit, and even the viral Astro Boy MSCHF red boots, to take the top spot.
Exactly what is its appeal? No doubt, its small price tag helps. Also, the fact that it smacks of Prada’s ever-popular nylon series and bears a striking resemblance to Lululemon’s viral Everywhere belt bag are contributing factors. The crescent-shaped Uniqlo bag reinterpreted those pluses and turned them into a viral success formula.
"This bag looks flat but can pack lots,” wrote one reviewer.
Another said: “Just right size to fit basic things. Comfortable to wear crossbody. Unique colour.”
“An easy carry-on bag that has sufficient space to store everyday essential items. I like that it conforms to the body and the length can be adjusted,” reviewed another user.
Could this viral trend signal a new tide for ‘buying better’?
Versatile so you can buy less. Unless you intend to stock up on the bag in every colour.
Affordable so you spend less.
Lightweight so it’s good for your shoulder and back.
But if viral bags are not your thing, here are some options for versatile sacs that, like Uniqlo's viral bag, are easy on the pocket.
MUJI MODULAR BAG, S$23.90

UNIQLO DRAWSTRING SHOULDER BAG, S$39.90

VEGIEBAG CRATER DRAWSTRING, S$59, FROM THE EDITOR’S MARKET

https://www.theeditorsmarket.com/
THE PAPER BUNNY PUFFER SWING BAG, S$59

BEYOND THE VINES POOFY BAG, S$89
