Isn’t it funny how you always seem to have an overflowing stock of bags, yet never have the right bag for your needs? You’ve got reusable shopping bags and canvas totes galore, but when it comes time to pack for that long weekend away or night out, you come up short on the best weekender bags and the best evening bags.
Among the hardest bags to get perfectly right, gym bags are right up there with work bags. Whether it doesn’t fit your favorite workout shoes or it clings to the stench of your trusty sweat towel, many bags are simply not suitable for fitness usage. You, my friend, need a designated bag for your best high-waisted leggings and stylish workout clothes sets from Amazon. There are so many disappointing options and so many ways to get it wrong. After some good old fashion research, however, I’ve come up with a list of the best gym bags (complete with customer reviews!) that definitely get it right.
Here, find 27 of the best, most functional, fit (and flirty) gym bags for your next sweat sesh.
Best Overall Gym Bag
Sports Travel Duffel Bag with USB Charging Port
Best Gym Duffle Bag
Everyday Holdall
Best Gym Bag for Work
Medium Landon Carryall Bag
Best Gym Tote Bag
Moss Please Recycle Tote Bag
Best Top Handle Gym Bag
Travel yoga gym bag
Best Organizational Gym Bag
The Hanging Duffle
Best Gym Backpack
Adult Evercat Contender Backpack in Black/Rose Gold
Best Designer Gym Bag
Convertible Stripe Tennis Tote
Best Gym Sling Bag
Lite Sling
Best Gym Bag with Mat Straps
Studio to Street Bag
Best Gym Bag for Yoga
Yoga Mat Bag
Best Water Bottle Bag
Waterbottle Crossbody
Best Convertible Gym Bag
Convertible Tote Bag
Best Black Gym Bag
Luka Duffel
Best Bag with Racquet Holder
Women’s Totepack
Best Tennis Bag
6-Racquet Tennis Bag
Best Stylish Gym Bag
Medium Sutton Deluxe
Best Gym Fanny Pack
Seventeen Hip Pack
Best Swim Bag
TYR Alliance Backpack, 30 L
Safest Gym Bag for Essentials
Coversafe S25 Secret Bra Pouch
Best Gym Bag with Shoe Compartment
Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0
Best Small Gym Bag
Sling Bag
Best Wet Bag
Missing Link 28L Wet/Dry Bag
Best Wristlet for the Gym
Coffee Run Clutch
Best Drawstring Gym Bag
Gym Sack
adidas by Stella McCartney
Best Mesh Bag
Unisex-Adult Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Equipment Bag
Best Gym Bag for Ball Sports
Bag with Ball & Shoe Compartments
What Should I Look For in a Gym Bag?
- Use. What are you using your gym bag for? If you just need somewhere to stash your keys, wallet, and lip balm while you hit the elliptical, you’ll probably want a different bag than someone who frequents hot yoga. Consider what you’ll be toting in your gym bag (strictly clothes? Any sports equipment?), as that should factor into the size and shape of the bag you select.
- Size. To find the right gym bag for you, think about everything you plan on keeping in it. It might even help to make a list, so you don’t forget about all the small odds and ends that need safe keeping. Next, are you storing your bag in a gym locker? If so, consider the size of your gym’s lockers. Just like Goldilocks, the perfect bag is neither too small, nor too big. We’re looking for something that’s just right.
- Versatility. Will you use this bag strictly for gym sessions? If not, what else will you be using it for? You may want to look for a bag with tech compartments if you plan to use it for work. For a bag that doubles for travel, look for a bag that meets carry-on size requirements and has a trolley sleeve.
- Washability. This is your gym bag after all. Think sweaty clothes, stinky shoes, and sopping wet post-sauna towels. You need a bag that will fight the funk.
Meg Donohue
Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Meg Donohue is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com.
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