Uniqlo has become a go-to for stylish yet sturdy and affordable basics, not least its bag selection. You’ve probably seen the viral Uniqlo crossbody shoulder bag, a £15 half-circle pouch that has been lauded thanks to its versatile design and ability to store way more than you might expect.
Now, the brand has upped its game with the release of a new trendy bag that is very similar to a designer alternative – but is almost £600 cheaper.
The unisex rectangular shoulder bag has caused something of a buzz among fashion enthusiasts, including my partner, who is a fan of streetwear (and a bit of a fiend for a designer label). “I spotted the Uniqlo item in a sponsored advert on Instagram before it had been released,” he explained. “It looked like the type of thing I was after and reminded me of a bag by the brand Porter.”
For the uninitiated, Porter is a Japanese brand housed under Yoshida & Co., known for its bags inspired by military MA-1 bomber jackets. Along with their nylon exterior, they can also be recognised from the small rectangular patch sewn onto them with the brand name “Porter”.
My partner, who has requested to remain anonymous, explained: “I’d always liked them, but they seem way too expensive.”
The trendy Porter Tanker bags retail anywhere from £200 to £620, so it’s no surprise the £24.90 alternative caught his eye.
The other issue with the Porter bag is that it can be quite hard to source in the UK. Retailers, including END and Ssense, stock the brand, but they can sell out quickly. If not, you have to turn to re-sell sites such as eBay and Vinted. Both the khaki and black versions of Uniqlo’s Multi Pocket Shoulder Bag are currently available on the website.
The Uniqlo option offers a similar colour scheme, coming in both khaki and black. It also has two rectangular front pockets whose placement almost mirrors that of the Porter Tanker.
Both bags also feature a zip opening and adjustable strap. Perhaps the only significant difference is that the Uniqlo option has cheaper-looking hardware and a slightly darker khaki colour. Of course, even if you’re not bothered about designer names, it’s still a great purchase thanks to its versatility, taking you from the office to a casual day out with ease.
“It can fit a 13-inch Macbook, has good compartments and would fit all my daily essentials,” my partner told me.
Each day, he has been able to pack his MacBook and charger, along with his wallet, a book, lunch, aftershave, and his wallet. Handy dividers in the main compartment can be used to protect tech items, such as a laptop or hard drive, while internal side pockets are good for storing any smaller goods.
Keys, a phone, and headphones can be popped into one of the front zipped compartments, while a water bottle slots nearly into the side storage area. Even then, there is still room left over. “Perhaps the only downside is that I wouldn’t be able to fit in anything from the supermarket on my way home,” he added.
“I like the cross-body style over a tote bag so I can have my hands free, making walking comfortable or even cycling into work. It still isn’t as comfortable as cycling with a backpack, but it’s a lot more stylish.”
