Calling all sporty girls! We’ve got something for you.
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What might make trips to the gym a little easier? Or, rather, what gives you more motivation to get in on a sweat session? New sneakers, new workout clothes, and, of course, a cute gym bag. Lucky for you, there is no shortage of options on the market right now; canvas totes, travel bags, puffer bags, oversized totes, and waterproof bags are just a handful of your many options.
You may find yourself asking, “Do you really need a bag dedicated solely for the gym?” Well, if you’re asking us, yes—and let us tell you why. Most gym bags are multi-functional, making the transition from work to gym to travel seamless. Plus, having a dedicated space for your sweaty clothes ensures you won’t stink up your usual bag. And, of course, sometimes you just want another bag in your collection (why not?). We’ll spare you the exhaustive list of why you need a chic bag for the gym—you’re here to shop, after all. Ahead, we’ve highlighted 24 stylish gym bags you’ll want to scoop up immediately, below.
This bag has quietly established a cult following thanks to its size, versatility, and plenty of color options. We love how you can use it for multiple things at once, and the shoe compartment is an added bonus.
Customer review: “I’m using it as a gym bag and it fits all my stuff! Love how spacious it is . Not to mention the handles are so comfy I don’t even feel the weight on my shoulder . So happy with this purchase”
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.
Colors: Asphalt Grey, Black, True Navy
Customer review: “Great backpack for travel or going to the gym. Good colors, and I enjoy the different pockets and organization.”
When you can’t decide between a backpack or a tote for the gym, why not opt for both? You can wear this as a backpack or on your shoulder if a tote bag is more your vibe for the day.
Colors: Gardenia White/Tnf Black
Customer review: “So versatile and great bag for carrying laptop/work/hikes. Love it”
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.
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.”
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.
Colors: Dark Lapis Blue, Black
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!”
Designed to fit in a locker, you’ll love this updated take on a classic gym duffel. It even comes with a bag for all of your dirty clothes so your clean and dirty things can stay separate.
Customer review: “I love it!! The perfect bag to fit all my gym necessities! All of the compartments are really helpful. Also, all the ways to carry this bag is wild in the best way possible! If you are a regular gym goer then this is a must-have. I also have used it as a little travel bag.”
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.
Colors: Olive, Navy, 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”
This bag from the viral brand Baggu may be big, but you won’t have a problem fitting everything you need for the gym.
If you’ve ever felt the nostalgia of the drawstring bag of your youth, this updated take (with chic gold accents) might be the gym bag for you.
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.
Colors: Dawn/Silver, Raisin/Gunmetal
Customer review: “I love my Wallace! No weight before you load up with your things. Many pockets and compartments, two straps to choose from and somehow balanced weight when full; easy to keep clean and durable; great bag”
L.L. Bean Boat and Totes are canvas tote bags that will last you for years, come in tons of colors, and are personalizable. We love the Zip-Top style for keeping your belongings in tow for the gym and beyond.
Customer review: “I own this bag in the classic navy blue color, zip-top style, in all of the available sizes. The quality is fantastic, and the monogramming looks great. The extra large size makes a great duffel bag for travel, and the other sizes I use to carry things to/from my car, as a gym bag (large), and purse (for the small). Great price, great quality, highly functional. A true classic!”
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.
Customer review: “Awesome bag, great quality!”
Lo & Sons has plenty of multi-functional bags to choose from, and this one is no exception. We love this for the gym because the entire bottom is a separate zippered compartment that can be undone, allowing you to keep shoes or dirty laundry completely separate.
Colors: 14 options (5 Recycled Poly / 9 Canvas)
Customer review: “Love this bag. I was debating between this one and the smaller size for a gym bag (primarily)/weekend/ travel bag, and I’m so glad I went with the bigger option. It’s great for all my gym clothes, change of clothes, a water bottle and to throw my small purse in, but it still fits in the locker. Love the bottom compartment for some separation. I do wish there were maybe a couple more internal pockets, but definitely not a deal breaker! The structure and material of the bag are great too.”
This backpack—much like its cousin, the quilted tote bag—is the most comfortable (and stylish) option for the gym. We love the zippered back pocket, which is perfect for keeping things stored behind you.
Customer review: “I love this bag; it’s so bright and comfy. Great for walks and carrying a few lightweight items.”
Everyone needs an extra bag, and this one is a perfect option. It’s large enough to serve as a gym bag and can be folded into a pouch when you aren’t using it.
Colors: Black/Gold, Black/Gunmetal, Indigo, Light Mauve
Customer review: “Loved this bag was extremely practical and held lots of things best carry on ever and folds up into the small pouch to store”
Looking for a chic bag to carry your yoga mat? Look no further than this gorgeous one from Rebecca Minkoff. It even has an exterior pocket for your essentials.
For those who need a classic gym bag with a little edge, this barrel-shaped one might just be your answer. It features a zippered outside pocket, clips to hold your yoga mat, shoulder straps, and an adjustable, detachable strap.
Colors: Dusk Green, Onyx Grey
Equally perfect for country club lunches and quick games of king of the court.
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.”
As one may suspect, anything in the Adidas by Stella McCartney line is ultra-popular, and this backpack is no exception. We can’t get over the on-trend shade of red and the roomy interior.
Colors: Active Red/Black/Screaming Pink, Magic Earth/Wild Sepia/Dove Grey
Customer review: “Lightweight, roomy, perfect for gym! Bought on sale for a great price. Awesome color scheme.”
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.
Customer review: “So beautiful on and super comfy! Also so stylish! I absolutely love this bag!!”
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
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