Uniqlo’s viral crossbody bag has had a faux leather upgrade for the new season

The bargain bag is lauded for being able to hold all your essentials

The mini nylon bag has more than 130 million views (and counting) on TikTok (The Independent)

Thanks to their hands-free practicality, laid-back style and ability to elevate a simple outfit, crossbody bag styles are fail-safe investments – whether it’s Cos’s grain leather riff on The Row’s luxe slouchy design or Uniqlo’s even more affordable alternative to the coveted banana bag style.

Launched last year, the latter style, hailing from the cult Japanese label, costs just £14.90. The mini round shoulder bag is now ubiquitous both among the street style set (Lyst even named it as the hottest product in the world) and on TikTok, where the tag has more than 130 million views and counting. Now, the bag has had two sleek upgrades for autumn.

While the original bag is designed for active wear with a nylon and durable water-repellent finish, the latest version to join the roster boasts a soft corduroy fabric that’s perfect for the winter months. Plus, there’s now a larger size available in an expensive-looking faux leather finish. Complete with the same adjustable strap and handy inner pockets for storage as its predecessor, the bags are shaped to fit comfortably across your body.

With proud owners lauding its roomy design (there’s even room for a book on the commute) and autumn-ready hues, ranging from olive green and rust, cream and chocolate, it’s a must-have for your transitional wardrobe.

Naturally, we were lured in by the hype earlier this year. Here are our thoughts on the viral Uniqlo crossbody bag – and everything you need to know about its autumn upgrades.

Uniqlo round mini shoulder bag: From £14.90, Uniqlo.com

(Uniqlo)

Effectively a styled-up bum-bag, Uniqlo’s crossbody is complete with a useful adjustable strap, while the sizeable design leaves ample room for your essentials.

Storing a book (no small feat), keys, cards, a couple of make-up products, airpods, sunglasses and even a hat (after a bit of shoving), Uniqlo’s crossbody is a welcome respite from the mini (read: entirely unpractical) bags in vogue of late.

Not only does the crossbody design tick the functionalist criteria, the wealth of colour options and nylon (£14.90, Uniqlo.com) or cord fabrics available mean the bags offer fun styling accessories. While the black and off-white finishes are ideal layering pieces for minimalists, the new cord olive green, rust and brown hues are perfect for adding texture to your winter ensembles.

For less than £15, you can’t argue with the price – and with a colourway and fabric for every type of dresser, enough room for all your daily belongings and a practical hands-free design, Uniqlo has nailed the brief.

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Uniqlo round shoulder bag, faux leather: £24.90, Uniqlo.com

(Uniqlo)

A standout piece in Uniqlo’s first collection with designer Clare Waight Keller at the helm, this elevated take on the viral crossbody bag features a faux-leather finish and roomier size. Looking far more expensive than its price tag suggests, it comes in sleek black, autumn-hued dark orange and a minimalist natural finish. A good option for the commute, the larger size leaves plenty of room for your essentials.

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Looking for more bag inspiration? We also love the Cos crossbody accessory