This article is part of our series?Battle of the Brands, in which we compare category-leading products to their counterparts to determine which are actually worth your money.
If you’re a bag person like me, you’re probably aware of the recent crossbody bag trend and have seen people either on TikTok or Instagram raving about the Uniqlo and Baggu crossbody bags. Unlike other handbags, these convertible shoulder bags offer several practical advantages that will convince you to purchase one. Both the Uniqlo and Baggu bags provide comfort, security and versatility, making them an essential accessory for people who value functionality and convenience. However, they differ in a few ways, so we wondered, which is better? I tested both bags to find out.
In all honesty, I enjoyed both of these bags. They’re both lightweight, durable and travel-friendly — all things I look for when picking out a crossbody bag. Nonetheless, I set out to pick a winner between the two. I used them for a week while traveling, going to concerts and during my everyday activities.
Uniqlo Mini Shoulder Bag vs. Baggu Medium Crescent Bag at a glance
Compact, lightweight and water-resistant, this shoulder bag is quite useful in everyday life. All in all, it’s a great piece, though it could use a couple extra pockets. The design is simple and clean, and it comes in nine different colors. Despite its small size, it’s actually quite roomy. I was able to fit multiple items inside, including my wallet, keys, makeup and even some snacks.
Baggu’s Medium Crescent Bag fits perfectly when you first slip it on. I was particularly impressed with the amount of pockets inside, though they make the bag a bit bulky. With over 10 colors, it’s easy to match with any outfit. This bag is ideal for casual days and is large enough to carry more than just your essentials — I even fit a 32-ounce water bottle inside.
Quick comparison
| Fabric | Shell: 100% nylon, Filling: 100% polyester, Lining: 100% polyester, Shoulder: 100% polyester |
Recycled heavyweight nylon, recycled ripstop nylon lining |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Bag: 11 x 6.7 x 3.9 in., Belt length: 24.4 to 45.7 in. |
Bag: 8 x 13.75 x 4 in., Adjustable logo strap: 37.5 in. |
| Colors | 9 |
14 |
| Pockets | One inner pocket |
Two interior zip pockets |
| Price | $20 | $52 |
Uniqlo’s bag is more practical and feels softer
Baggu and Uniqlo essentially have the same design when it comes to their crossbody bags. They both resemble the shape of a half moon and have a single adjustable strap that is long enough for crossbody use but also short enough to use as a shoulder bag. I feel that the Uniqlo shoulder bag was easier to style with my outfits because it was a tad smaller and more minimalistic than the Baggu. Both bags have plenty of colors to choose from, but Baggu does have more unique prints like stripes, gingham and even a cute cloud pattern. I prefer Uniqlo’s options because they are slightly more practical when I am trying to match my outfit.
In terms of fabric, both bags are made of nylon; however, the Uniqlo bag is lined with polyester, whereas the Baggu is just nylon. I preferred the feel of Uniqlo’s fabric because it felt a bit softer and gentler on the skin than Baggu’s. But if sustainability is more important to you, then Baggu is likely the winner for you. One of the brand’s biggest values is sustainability, and this bag is made with 100% recycled nylon. Even the package I received the bag in was made with 100% recycled materials.
Choose the Uniqlo bag if you value style, but if you value sustainability, go for the Baggu bag.
Baggu’s bag has more space for larger essentials
Size-wise, the Baggu bag is definitely bigger than the Uniqlo bag. The Baggu Crescent has a main compartment with two fairly large zip pockets. In addition to my essentials, I was able to fit my 32-ounce Owala water bottle in the Baggu, which was a bonus for me because I bring my water bottle everywhere. It was especially helpful when I was traveling and hiking because it was easy to slip the bottle into the bag instead of carry it in my hand. The Uniqlo bag is a bit smaller — it has a single main compartment and two small, open pockets. I was able to fit all of my essentials (wallet, keys, earphones and sunglasses), but it barely fits my water bottle. If I were to put my water bottle in the bag, there wouldn’t be space for my other items.
Although it’s smaller, I feel that the Uniqlo shoulder bag is a decent size, and I would probably reach for this bag instead of Baggu’s version if I were running errands or meeting a friend for a drink. The Baggu Crescent feels better for travel thanks to the security that the zip pockets provide, and the extra space allows for more room to pack things. Whenever I used the Baggu bag in front of my friends, I felt like Mary Poppins pulling out infinite items from her magic bag.
The Baggu bag is definitely more spacious and has more secure pockets than Uniqlo’s.
The Baggu bag’s strap is more comfortable
If you’re anything like me, comfort is one of the most important factors when it comes to fashion and clothes. I focused most of my attention on the comfort of the adjustable straps when I was testing both bags. The Baggu strap was noticeably more comfortable than Uniqlo’s, and at times I forgot that the strap was even there. The material also felt higher quality than Uniqlo’s. After wearing the Uniqlo bag for a whole day, I would start to notice the strap digging into my skin, especially when I filled it to the brim. However, it isn’t an issue if the bag isn’t directly touching your skin. The Uniqlo version hugs a bit closer to the body, but it’s not necessarily uncomfortable. I found myself crossing the bag around the front of my body instead of the back because it felt compact enough to rest on the front of my body, which allowed me to have my eyes on it the whole time. Because the Baggu version is a bit bigger, I found myself slinging it toward the back more because it was less awkward to wear it that way.
Bottom line
If all you’re looking for is a simple, affordable shoulder bag, then the Uniqlo one does the job. It’s more than $30 cheaper and doesn’t make any deal-breaking sacrifices. I reach for the Uniqlo bag when I just want to bring essentials. However, the Baggu crossbody is higher in quality and checks all the boxes when it comes to features. I would definitely recommend the Baggu bag to anyone who’s planning on traveling in the near future. Personally, I am more inclined to save money on this kind of item, especially since the Uniqlo shoulder bag meets my basic needs just fine.
