The trusty bum bag has been controversial accessory since it entered the world of fashion. Offering a kangaroo pouch-esque storage pocket fixed on an adjustable strap, it is an iconic – if highly divisive – essential for travellers and fashionistas alike.
Appearing in a Sports Illustrated Christmas guide way back in 1954, the bum bag – or ‘fanny pack’ as they call it across the pond – was advertised as a practical addition to the equipment arsenal of cross-country skiers, hikers, cyclists and equestrians. Though the concept of a small bag or pouch worn at the hip or the front of the body was no new thing – this newer, modern iteration of the well-loved design appeared to change the game.
Seventy years later, as the cross-over between fashion and sporty practicality becomes increasingly popular, the bum bag has experienced quite the renaissance. Aesthetic trends such as Gorpcore, Normcore, Scandinavian Chic, Granola Girl core and many others have brought sleek, minimal, and utilitarian accessories back into the limelight. Now worn securely across the body as opposed to in a belt-like manner, the practical accessory has been rejuvenated as a highly coveted closet staple.
Enter: The Uniqlo round shoulder bag. First released in the summer of 2022 and currently sold at a retail price of just £14.90, the bag went viral after Tik Tok user @caitlinphilimore posted a video urging her followers to run to Uniqlo and pick up the shoulder bag that somehow defies all reasonable laws of physics.
My first exposure to the bag that is now securely attached to my hip at all times occurred when my flat mate accidentally ordered two. I had been complaining about how cycling to my evening Improv classes was becoming a pain, as all I really needed was my trusty 1-litre Nalgene water bottle, my phone, and my over-ear headphones – yet all I had to store these essentials was a tote bag that kept threatening to slip off into oncoming traffic.
She left the hallway momentarily, swiftly returning with what appeared to be a regular old bum bag in a lovely burnt orange colour. Somehow, by the grace of God – or Uniqlo – the bag fit all three of my essential items plus a book to read whilst I waited. Shock and awe.
Let us break it down for you.
Buy now, £14.50 | Uniqlo
Storage
Though it barely measures the length of a ruler, the crossbody variation of the classic bum bag seems to be able to fit enough inside to feed a small village. With a width of 28cm, height of 17cm and depth of 10cm, it makes absolutely zero sense that one can fit an entire pack of biscuits, a book, and a water bottle inside with room to spare.
The bag itself is divided into three compartments. There’s the main space of the bag and two roomy pockets sewn into the entire length and width of one side. For reference, I’m able to fit four coke cans in the main compartment, followed by six lip balms in one of the pockets (it’s an addiction, no comments please), plus a set of hair-ties, paracetamol, and a selection of sanitary products in the other. I swear. It’s quite literally unbelievable.
Materials
It is crafted from a soft nylon fabric that’s treated to have a washed look, which means that the bag does not show dirt easily. However, if you decide to take it along to a festival, you’ll want to wipe it clean in a damp cloth and some diluted soap or detergent. One of the only downsides to this absolute wonder is that you can’t chuck it in the washing machine.
I myself have been caught in torrential downpour with my trusty Uniqlo bag attached to my side, and neither the bag nor its contents suffered any damage. Though I wouldn’t go as far as claiming it’s completely waterproof, it does hold up incredibly well during London showers.
Design
The rounded shape of this bag is another way in which it differs slightly from a traditional bum bag. The extra thick piping at the base ensures that it holds its shape even when full to the brim with various contents. It’s also shaped to fit the contours of your body perfectly, so much so that it almost feels weightless – no matter what you’ve managed to pack in there.
This brings us nicely to…
Weight
Thanks to the adjustable strap, which is approximately 116cm, you can evenly distribute the weight of your Uniqlo bag depending on how much you’ve managed to fit inside. Plus, the strap itself is incredibly durable, so you needn’t worry about carrying anything particularly heavy (as I said, four coke cans). If it zips, it fits.
Keith Haring UT Round Mini Shoulder Bag
Now available in a range of eye-popping designs as part of Uniqlo’s ongoing collaboration with the Keith Haring Foundation, the viral bum bag has been given quite the makeover. Choose from white, black, yellow and blue colourways which feature various iconic Haring motifs and match your viral accessory to your vibrant personality.
Buy now £14.90
Verdict
These bags sell like literal hotcakes and they’re constantly out of stock, so you better grab one before they’re gone. You won’t regret it.
Buy now, £14.50 | Uniqlo
