It’s hard to imagine a time when the Uniqlo round shoulder bag didn’t exist. The ‘moon bag’ has been a bestseller for the Japanese brand since its release in April 2022, and I can almost guarantee that every time you step outside, you’ll spot at least one person with it slung over their shoulder.
Since its debut, Uniqlo has continued to impress with updated iterations of the viral bag, from corduroy styles for autumn to charming gingham versions for spring. Naturally, plenty of high street stores followed suit, and this year, Next has taken the lead with a clever design that taps into the trending colour combination and playful polka dot motif of the moment - the Blue/Brown Polka Dot Sling Bag.
While the design itself isn’t exactly new or groundbreaking (although I’m still amazed by how much this style of bag can hold), it’s actually the pattern that gives the style a fresh feel for 2026.
Featuring bold blue and brown polka dots, Next is following in the footsteps of other high street brands embracing this colour pairing - just look at M&S’s floaty midi skirt and spotty blouse in the same palette. Like those pieces, I predict this bag will become a bestseller in no time.
Perfect for day-to-day errands, the Next bag is brilliant for outings with friends and family. It’s easy to style with key capsule wardrobe staples, and will slot seamlessly into your current rotation. Pair it with classic jeans, a cropped trench jacket and ballet flats for an easy breezy, chic look.
And, as you probably already know, the original Uniqlo bag is also a great travel companion - timely as we head into the warmer months and start planning summer getaways. Style it with lightweight linen pieces during the day to stay cool and comfortable.
