Best Stylish Workout Gym Bags For All Occasions
11 of the Best Gym Bags for Upping Your Workout Style Game
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
If you're reading this, you've probably already found the gym classes you love paired with your trustworthy pair of high-waisted leggings. Now it's time to step up your gym-bag game a notch with our ultimate guide to the best gym bags. If you haven't yet found the class for you and are completely new to fitness, we can help there, too. It can be difficult to know exactly what to look for when investing in a new gym bag, especially if they're on the pricey side.
That's why we've searched high and low to find gym bags that are stylish enough to take with you to your workouts, run errands with, or bring on a day trip. Gone are the days when all you had to choose from was a black oversized duffel bag. Now, you can find eco-friendly bags, ones with internal wet and dry compartments, and more. To help you on your search, we've compiled a handy user guide on what to look out for when investing in a new gym bag.
What to Consider When Buying a Gym Bag
- Size — is there enough room for trainers, toiletries, and a full gym kit?
- Storage compartments — look for interior and exterior pockets and small zip-up compartments to separate your sweaty kit from your jewellery and phone.
- Comfort — as the old saying "try before you buy" goes, try to test the bag before you make your purchase.
- Reviews — if you're deciding between a few bags, reviews are always a good place to start.
- Where you'll be using it — if you're a commuter, you might want to consider a backpack or a tote with a comfortable shoulder strap.
- Colour — lighter colours will get dirty quickly, so if you are a regular gym-goer, you might want to opt for a darker shade. Otherwise, prepare to wipe down light bags more often.
- Durability — you'll want a gym bag that is built to last.
- Fabric — a water-repellent bag is great for all occasions, whether that's in the rain, out on an adventure, or if the worst should happen and your water leaks in your bag (we've all been there).
- Lightweight — if the bag is already heavy when empty, then you might want to consider another option (unless you want another session of weightlifting when your kit is inside).
Essentials to Store Inside Your Gym Bag:
- Travel-friendly fillable bottles for products
- Dry shampoo
- Extra bag for storing your sweaty kit
- Hair ties and grips
- Water bottle
- Hairbrush
Read on to shop our favourite gym bags that are durable, stylish, and practical to suit every budget.
Under Armour Women's UA Essentials Signature Tote Bag
Do you often find yourself taking everything but the bathroom sink to the gym? Honestly, same. Thankfully, this supersized Under Armour Women's UA Essentials Signature Tote Bag (£70) has been truly well designed with us in mind. It holds up to 31L with an abundance of interior pockets for stashing mountains of products, and there's even a dedicated water-bottle pocket and laptop compartment. With the added storm technology, the fabric can handle the unpredictable British weather, too.
Alo Yoga Utility Tote Bag
Our search for the ultimate multitasking gym bag is over, thanks to Alo Yoga Utility Tote Bag (£95). This multifunctional bag can be worn as a backpack, or the long strap can be worn over your shoulder. Plus, there is even a short central handle to create a chic holdall. The internal zip pocket and middle divider keep all your gym essentials organised, and the addition of carrying loops for a tennis racket and yoga mat adds a nice touch.
Anine Bing Sport Alex Tote Bag
Anine's Bing's definitive sports line is always a massive sell-out with her minimalistic approach to design and mix of Danish and LA style combined. The Anine Bing Sport Alex Tote Bag (£160) is on the pricier side for a gym bag, but the good news is that it's definitely more than just a gym bag. It's super lightweight, but don't let that fool you in thinking this bag isn't sturdy. The dual handles are a nice bonus, which you can carry over your shoulder or in your hands. If there's one tip we would give you, it's to buy now before it sells out.
Glossier Sunshine Yellow Duffel Bag
If you're after a gym bag that delivers a bundle of joy, then let us introduce you to Glossier Sunshine Yellow Duffel Bag (£19). It's roomy enough to store all your gym wear and much more. The shoulder strap is adjustable and removable, too — a nice bonus. We just wish there was an additional side pocket inside the bag to hold a water bottle, but we can forgive that for coming in at under £20.
Lululemon City Adventurer Backpack
When in doubt, head to Lululemon for a bigger selection of gym bags that you could ever hope for in a variety of sizes, shapes, colours, and price points. Our highlight of the Lululemon City Adventurer Backpack (£98) is that it's so comfortable on your shoulders, thanks to the added reinforced strap structure. It's ideal for commuting if you like to head to work after your favourite class. Because of this, it is slightly smaller at 17L, but there is the addition of an expandable pocket to store your used kit inside. It's water repellent, too, so there won't be any nasty sweaty stains left behind.
Nike Women’s Gym Club Bag
Put some fun into going to the gym with this statement leopard-print Nike Gym Club Bag (£28). Coming in at a massive 24L with a wide underneath, this bag gives you plenty of space for all your belongings. If you are into organisation like us, then you'll adore all the zipped compartments this gym bag has to offer. In addition to being Instagram friendly, the material is made from at least 65 percent recycled polyester fibres, which gets our vote in reducing landfill.
Sweaty Betty Icon Luxe Kit Bag
If the five-star ratings are anything to go by on the brand's website, the Sweaty Betty Icon Luxe Kit Bag (£98) is a must have for taking you from the studio to a UK staycation. This one ticks all of our boxes when it comes to being practical and super stylish. Durable fabric? Check. Internal and external pockets? Check. Added yoga-mat strap? Check. Quick drying? Check. We're hoping they might bring out even more colours soon since the icon bag is currently only available in classic black.
Gymshark X-Series Backpack 0.1
Get your Gymshark fix in now with the X-Series Backpack 0.1 (£35) before the new flagship store opens on Regent Street this summer (which we are counting down the days for, by the way). If you're looking for an all-rounder backpack with lots of pockets and space, then this one is for you. Its clever features include an internal padded laptop sleeve, air-mesh back panel with contoured panelling for ultimate comfort and breathability (no sweaty back here), and a buckle chest harness for those long hikes.
Anya Hindmarch Yoga Household Tote Bag
At £195, the Anya Hindmarch Yoga Household Tote Bag (£195) is certainly more of an investment, but if you are a die-hard yoga fan, how can you resist? Waving the flag high for best of British design, this super-stylish gym bag can be worn as a shoulder bag or handheld tote. It's crafted from a durable recycled canvas and features the brand's trademark gold signature bow and leather lettering across the front. It's roomy enough to fit a laptop, workout clothes (including trainers), and an oversized makeup kit.
Adidas By Stella McCartney Studio Recycled Polyester Sports Bag
Adidas By Stella McCartney fans rejoice: we've found the perfect workout companion in the Studio Recycled Polyester Sports Bag (£140). Want to know why we rate it so high? Well, for one, the bag is crafted from recycled materials and features a minimalistic design. This makes it perfect if you aren't into loud colours and slogans, just the subtle Adidas By Stella McCartney branding. Second, it's huge. You'll be able to fit your entire gym kit inside. In fact, there's so much space that you could probably fit two gym kits inside. However, its size does mean that not everyone will love you on that early morning commute on the tube.
Juststrong Jet Black Backpack
If you love a classic black backpack, then you'll want to head to the gym with Juststrong's Jet Black Backpack (£25). This bag can store up to 18L of gym kit with some reviewers mentioning that there is enough room to fit a netball inside. The padded back panel makes long walks feel like a breeze. You might want to add a separate zipper wallet inside for any small pieces of jewellery, though.
