Uniqlo’s latest ‘ultra mini’ is a practicable charm based on their highly successful ‘round’ bag

The Uniqlo ‘Round’ crossbody bag has been quite a global sensation since its launch in 2023. Yet, Uniqlo has not quite given up on what more they can do with the crescent-shaped bag. They have so far created pieces in collaboration with Studio Ghibli, offered those in gingham (now they can be matched with similarly patterned and coloured tops and skirts for a total look), and upsized them in—regrettably—tacky-looking polyurethane. Between all that, they were vigilant enough to track knock-offs, and even sued Shein for copying that very bag. Now, for those who have not had enough of the reliable Rounds, there is an ‘Ultra Mini’ version in seven colours to score.

The thing is, if you already own a regular-sized piece—or more, you may not find the Ultra Mini ultra appealing. The smaller version is exactly like the older, but at half the size and the capacity of the bigger one. But if you equate small with cute, the Ultra Mini might really be the companion to the original Round that you have been waiting for. This offspring comes with a slide release buckle to secure each top end of the bag, which means you can hang it on almost any bag you already own, as a charm that can actually be used to store things, much like the Muji Mini One-Shoulder Bag we featured last month. But with the Uniqlo, you can build quite a family of Rounds, to better outdo those who raise a ménage of Monsters.

Uniqlo Round Ultra Mini Bag, SGD14.00, is available at all Uniqlo stores. Photo: Zhao Xiangji