Gear Up for Your Next Workout With These Chic Gym Bags
Sometimes, looking cute is all the motivation you need.
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Looking for some motivation to hit the gym? Nothing will get you in the mood to sweat quite like some fresh new gear. From cute matching sets to workout shoes, you could treat yourself to any kind of fitness gift—but if you really want to get a grip on your grind, we’d suggest investing in one of the best gym bags on the market. We’re talking waterproof totes, durable duffels, and sporty backpacks that will take you to and from that pilates, spin, or HIIT class in style. Whether you work out daily, weekly, or once in a blue moon, you need to transport your belongings there and back. And you might as well look good doing it.
Of course, you could keep stashing your workout essentials in your everyday designer tote—but there’s no need to dirty that with your sweaty post-gym clothes and sneakers when there are bags with dedicated compartments for those very items. From chic neutral slings to more colorful carryalls, there’s an option for every kind of gym-goer out there. Did we mention that many of them will even fit your laptop and are great for travel? To make things even more convenient, we’ve gone ahead and rounded up the 12 best gym bags on the market, so you don’t even have to break a sweat...yet.
Pros
- Trolley sleeve
- Separate shoe compartment
- Built-in adjustable yoga mat straps
Cons
- No laptop sleeve
Calpak has quietly established a cult following thanks to its the size, versatility, and wide-ranging colors of its bags. We love how this sling style has built-in yoga mat straps and a separate shoe compartment, plus it can also be used for travel, thanks to its handy luggage trolley sleeve.
Dimensions: Height: 12.75 inches; width: 19.25 inches; depth: 8 inches
Colors: Greige, Black, Sage, Tea Rose
Customer review: “This bag is perfect for the gym! It easily fits my towel, clothes, shoes, and even my big water jug all in one place. The multiple pockets are super convenient, and the shoe holder is a total game-changer. It’s not just great for the gym, though—I also love taking it on overnight trips when I don’t need to pack much. I got it in green, and it stands out so well and looks super cute. Plus, the fabric quality is excellent! I'd recommend this bag for anyone who is on the go!”
Pros
- Compact
- Trolley sleeve
- Water bottle pockets
Cons
- May be small for some
This sleek backpack will make stopping at the gym before (or after) work a breeze. With a laptop compartment and outside water bottle holders, you can rest assure your stuff will be neatly organized throughout the day.
Dimensions: Height:16.5 inches; width: 11.4 inches; depth: 7.3 inches
Colors: Traverse Grey, Black Grey Eucalyptus
Customer review: “Great backpack for travel or going to the gym. Good colors, and I enjoy the different pockets and organization.”
Dagne Dover Medium Landon Carryall Bag
Pros
- Laptop compartment
- Trolley sleeve
- Removable shoulder strap
Cons
- Hand-wash only
- Pricey
The first word that comes to mind when we see this bag? Sleek. Roll up to that quarterly meeting right after barre and be prepared for a flurry of compliments.
Colors: 6 options
Customer Review: “This bag truly fits all your essentials and more. I use it for work, gym, and travel and have never run out of space. The small organizer pouches and the side pockets...really makes packing and organizing especially easy.”
Pros
- Spacious
- Zip-top closure
Cons
- No exterior pockets
We love the blue shade of this bag, and with an interior water bottle sleeve, it’s the essential tote for your daily commute to and from the gym.
Dimensions: Height: 21 inches; width: 13.5 inches; depth: 6.25 inches
Colors: Shadow Blue, Black, Iris Quilt, Black Shine
Customer review: “This bag is PERFECT! Photos don’t do it justice. Great for the gym. Great for transporting important things with electronics. I could justify having two!”
Pros
- Plenty of pockets
- Convertible
Cons
- No laptop sleeve
- On the smaller side
When you can’t decide between a backpack or a duffel for the gym, why not opt for both? Designed to fit in a locker, you’ll love this updated take on the classic carryall, which even comes with a drawstring bag to keep your dirty clothes separate inside.
Dimensions: Height: 10 inches; width: 17 inches; depth: 8.5 inches
Colors: Atlas Pink, Beige, Maple, Olive
Customer review: “I bought this because I love that it can be transformed into a backpack, which will make it great for travel. I also use it as my every day gym bag and it's perfect. All of the interior pockets make organizing things much easier.”
Pros
- Laptop sleeve
- Separate compartment for sunglasses
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Can be small for some
If you’re someone who goes to the gym (or anywhere) with a ton of beverages, this bag was practically made for you. The outside pockets can fit 40-oz tumblers and there are four more pockets inside for all of your needs.
Dimensions: Height: 14.5 inches; width: 18 inches; depth: 6 inches
Colors: Olive, Midnight Black, Almond Birch
Customer review: “Love this bag it has so many great pockets I really enjoy it! The bag is sturdy, and love the olive green color”
MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote Deluxe
Pros
- Trolley sleeve (that also functions as a pocket when not in use)
- Interior pockets
- Multifunctional
Cons
- Pricey
MZ Wallace totes are a tote bag of choice for many—including our senior fashion commerce editor, Dale Arden Chong—and this is the perfect option to last you all day. You’ll love the quilted texture and the removable crossbody strap.
Dimensions: Height: 14.5 inches; width: 14.5 inches; depth: 11 inches
Colors: 6 options
Customer review: “Love, love, love!! Tons of deep pockets to keep you organized! The three storage bags included are very handy and clip to hook inside bag. I don't use the long strap and I have no problems with the bag falling off my shoulder with the shorter handles. Pocket with dual use (slip over suitcase handle or use as yet another deep pocket has a magnetic closure that caught me off guard when I slipped over my suitcase handle but makes sense. Just have to keep that in mind when quick on the go.”
Herschel Supply Co. Novel Recycled Nylon Duffle Bag
Pros
- Classic duffel design
- Spacious
- Separate sneaker compartment
Cons
Heading to work and bringing your sneakers with you? The side shoe compartment on this duffel makes this ideal for easily moving from place to place with an extra pair.
Colors: 8 options
Customer review: “Awesome bag, great quality!”
Pros
- Stylish
- Detachable racquet sleeve
- Fits two racquets
- Adjustable strap
Cons
- Expensive
Equally perfect for country club lunches and quick games of king of the court.
Dimensions: Height: 15 inches; width: 15 inches; depth: 6 inches
Colors: Ivory Pearl/Evergreen, Ivory Pearl/Winetasting
Customer review: “Awesome. I love this bag. It is big, which is perfect for me. I highly recommend.”
Pros
- Stylish
- Convenient side zipper
- Waterproof
Cons
- Drawcord closure may not be secure enough for some
As one may suspect, anything in the Adidas by Stella McCartney line is ultra-popular, and this backpack is no exception. Thanks to a convenient side zipper, you don’t even have to undo the drawstring in order to rummage through the roomy interior.
Dimensions: Height: 18.50 inches; width: 17.75 inches; depth: 5.5 inches
Colors: Black/White, Bahia Glow/Utility Black
Pros
- Fits a lot
- Versatile
Cons
- Not many pockets
Love the look of an easy sling bag, like the Uniqlo Mini Shoulder Bag, and want one for the gym? This is the one to take with you on your next sweat session.
Colors: Black, Espresso, Bone
Customer review: “So beautiful on and super comfy! Also so stylish! I absolutely love this bag!!”
Pros
- Separate shoe compartment
- Removable strap
Cons
- Not machine washable
- No laptop sleeve
What’s not to love about this gym bag? It has clean lines, plenty of pockets, and is also made of water-resistant material; you’ll find yourself taking this bag everywhere.
Dimensions: Height: 12.9 inches; width: 16.9 inches; depth: 9 inches
Colors: Black
Customer review: “Great gym bag! Very lightweight and sturdy. It holds at least two complete days of clothing.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bag is best for the gym?
The best gym bag is one that’s functional, adheres to your personal preferences, and lends itself to your specific workout type. Consider the size and material of the bag, in addition to its actual style. If you’ll be lugging around sneakers and gym equipment, it’s important to choose a bag that you’re comfortable carrying; for some, a backpack with padded straps might be better than a tote or duffel as it more evenly distributes weight, sparing one shoulder from taking the brunt of the stress. It’s also a good idea to choose a bag with a designated shoe compartment for your sneakers to keep unpleasant odors at bay (and to avoid getting other items in the bag dirty).
In general, you’ll want to choose a gym bag that’s durable and lightweight, with different compartments for organizing your belongings. Opt for a gym bag with more storage space if you plan to carry any equipment (boxing gloves, wrist weights, yoga gear); if all you need is a change of clothes and a few essentials, a smaller bag should suffice.
What is the best material for a gym bag?
Gym bags come in a wide range of materials, from leather and polyester to canvas and nylon. Above all else, the best everyday gym bags are durable. You can’t go wrong with something waterproof, especially if your workout involves swimming or is cardio-heavy and will leave your clothes very sweaty. Nylon and polyester gym bags are the most water-resistant, while canvas is typically machine-washable. Leather gym bags are durable and can typically be wiped down when dirty, but they can be heavy to carry and are also on the pricier side.
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