words by Kayleigh Baker
Is your gym bag looking tired and smelling less than fresh? It’s time for an upgrade. Investing in the right gym bag can not only prove incredibly practical, but help you keep your kit clean, hygienic and safe between gym trips.
Forget flimsy straps and cheap fabrics; we’re bringing you the best gym bags for every lifestyle with our edit of the 10 best women’s gym bags. So, whether you need a bag to carry your yoga kit to asana, stash your laptop or contain enough clothes for a weekend staycay, you can find the perfect gym bag for you.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A GYM BAG
Want a new gym bag but not sure what to look for? Consider what your gym bag needs to hold. Laptops, activewear and trainers or simply your keys and a yoga mat? If you prefer to change at home and take just the essentials to the studio, a slimline yoga mat bag might be the perfect choice.
Alternatively, if you like to get in a quick 5K on your lunch break at work, a larger tote that can accommodate a change of clothes, trainers and toiletries might be necessary.
Once you’ve narrowed down the size of your gym bag, you can start thinking about its key features; like pockets, material, style and price.
ESSENTIALS FOR EVERY GYM BAG - WHAT TO PACK
It isn’t just your trainers and leggings that belong in your kit. There are lots of other essentials that can turn an average experience in the locker rooms into something to be relished. Here are 10 items that we believe belong in every gym bag:
- Hand sanitiser
- Body wash and deodorant
- A clean towel
- Snacks/protein powders
- Hairbrush
- Moisturiser
- Extra socks
- Hair ties
- Reusable water bottle
- Headphones
THE BEST WOMEN'S GYM BAGS
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MZ Wallace - Medium Metro Tote
Best for: Timeless style and heavy wear
Putting your canvas shopper to shame, the MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote is crafted from incredibly durable quilted nylon with luxurious Italian leather trims.
Featuring six interior pockets, you can pack it, roll it or crush it and it promises to bounce back to its former glory. Weighing in at just under half a kilogram, you can carry more without feeling weighed down.
Best for: A stylish design that’s also comfy on the shoulders and back
From commute to class, this adidas by Stella McCartney backpack is designed for style, practicality and comfort. Adjustable, soft shoulder straps allow you to customise your fit, while an air mesh back panel aids air flow when you’re on the go.
Plus, there’s plenty of places to keep your essentials. This design also gets thumbs up on the sustainability front, thanks to its recycled polyester fabrication.
Best for: Swimming, sweating and holidaying
Ditch single-use plastic bags and store your wet swimwear or sweaty clothes in the stylish La Pochette Wet Bag instead. Whether you’re into swimming, surfing, running or simply sunbathing; this ingenious pouch is waterproof, deodorising, antibacterial and features a nano-defense anti stain coating.
Sleek and leak-proof, there’s even a separate compartment to stash your dry clothes. Genius.
Best for: Stylish transitions from studio to brunch
One part handbag, one part backpack, the ANDI Studio Backpack is ideal for those days when you’re doing it all. With top handles and adjustable back straps, you can wear it your way when you’re on the train, in the park or heading to the gym.
Deceptively spacious, it has a front snap pocket and two mesh side pockets, alongside a functional drawcord opening. Made from lightweight nylon, it’s also water resistant inside and out.
Best for: Exceptional craftsmanship and big-city style
We challenge you to find a yoga mat bag as chic as the SAIA Emmeline. Made from plush vegan leather with a faux suede interior and premium gold plated hardware, the Emmeline breaks convention.
A functional cross-body strap allows you to go hands-free, while a slim pocket gives you a place to slip your phone when you’re heading out the door.
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Adidas X Stella McCartney - Tote Bag
Best for: All-purpose use from office to gym and everything in between
Bought to you by champions of eco-friendly design, the adidas by Stella McCartney tote bag harnesses Primegreen materials - so it’s sustainable, durable and made for high performance.
With an impressive volume of 46L, it has wide carry straps for extreme comfort, a zip front pocket and sleek branding that gives a nod to its designer origins.
Best for: Travelling, commuting and compartmentalising your entire kit
Whether tucked into your gym locker or slid under your aeroplane seat, the MZ Wallace Crosby Traveller Bag is made for busy schedules. Eight interior pockets, nine exterior pockets and a detachable pouch ensure there’s a place for everything.
Built for durability, this tote is crafted in the brand’s signature Oxford quilted fabric with premium Italian leather trims.
Best for: Lovers of adaptable design
Taking the term ‘multifunctional’ to a whole new level, The ANDI transforms from tote to crossbody bag and backpack to airport carry-on in an instant.
Plus, it features an interior pouch to keep your keys, cards and phone separate from your sweaty kit. Spacious, water-resistant and vegan, the ANDI doesn’t disappoint.
Best for: A bag for any weather with contemporary aesthetics
Laptop, yoga mat, dance shoes and toiletries – it’s easy to take everything you need out and about in the Nike One Luxe Bag. With a vertical compartment for your straighteners, a hidden yoga sleeve and two removable pouches; one gym clutch and one laundry bag, keeping your kit organised is easy.
Made from lightweight nylon with a water-resistant coating, this bag can withstand any showers you get caught in, too.
Best for: The fashion-conscious travelling yogi
Channelling sophisticated NYC style, the MZ Wallace’s Yoga Mat Bag allows you to effortlessly carry your mat whether you’re dashing to the studio or packing for a work trip.
Its durable quilted nylon construction and drawstring closure keeps your mat safe from showers and pollution, while a crossbody strap allows you to sling it on to bike or run across town.
THE VERDICT
With so many women’s gym bags to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your taste and workout style. If you didn’t find your ideal one in our top pick, check out our full edit of gym bags. Here, you’ll find more styles from premium activewear brands in a variety of colours, patterns and sizes.
