Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Calling all sporty girls! I’ve got something for you.

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.

Available in: Black, Sky, Navy, White, Pink

This bag ticks nearly every possible amenity off the list. You can charge your devices in it, wash it, stash your shoes separately, stack it on your suitcase, and fit everything including the kitchen sink.

Customer Review: “I do the aquatic exercises, whirlpool and then shower...I wanted a bag that could hold my change of clothing, gym clothes, hygiene travel bottles, weights and shower/pool shoes plus babysit my cellphone. This bag does all that and more. It’s roomy...did I mention I take along two full towels also.”

Available in: Green, Pink, Black, Gray

Duffles tend to skew way too large, to the point where they’re unwieldy. This one perfectly walks the line of having enough space without taking up your entire backseat.

Customer Review: “I was looking for a gym bag of this size...there were more pockets inside than I realize which helped me organize my stuff a bit better. I love the front velcro pocket, that velcro is super strong.”

Available in: XS–XL sizes; Black, Olive, Grey, Mauve, Navy, Orange, Orchid

The first word that comes to mind when I 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.”

Available in: Black, Green, Blue, Rose

Sometimes simple is best, and this streamlined tote does everything you need. Nothing more, nothing less. (And it’s made entirely of recycled water bottles.)

Customer Review: “Ok, this bag is perfect for work, the weekend, or [as a] carry-on. It is high quality and seems like it will last a lifetime...The bag has the perfect amount of compartments and closures.”

Available in: Medium or Large; Black, Olive, Blue, Grey, Maroon, Light Pink

Whether you don this bag on your shoulder or hold it by the handles, with or without a mat in tow, you’re the best in show. Stylish, available on Prime, and under $30. Now that’s a triple threat.

Customer Review: “I go to yoga straight after work so I was looking for a bag that could hold a set of yoga clothes, sandals, a mat towel, and a small towel, [plus] other little extras such as my combination lock and my yoga mat...I wasn’t expecting the most amazing bag ever but this bag is worth every penny and then some.”

For those days when you’ve packed three different outfits and various toiletry and makeup pouches, this duffle unfurls into a compartmentalized hanging organizer that was practically made for those tiny gym showers.

Customer Review: “Don’t have to worry about digging in my duffle to find what I’m looking for. Easy to use and functional! Who doesn’t love that!?”

Available in: Black/Rose Gold, Black, Navy, Olive, Red, Sky, Green Camo, Grey Camo

Backpack loyalists will be backpack loyalists. That’s just how it is, and I get it. For anyone who can’t bear the thought of crossbody or one-shouldering anything, this Puma pack is top-tier for gym trips.

Customer Review: “This backpack exceeded my expectations. I love the design in its fabric, the color black is deep and the rose gold of the logo looks high quality...I want this backpack to carry all my sports essentials.”

Equally perfect for country club lunches and quick games of jail on the court.

Customer Review: “Awesome. I love this bag. It is big, which is perfect for me. I highly recommend.”

Available in: Mustard, Chalk, Black

If you’ve ever found yourself wishing there was a fanny pack-style that could fit larger items—say, a water bottle—dream bigger. This sling bag from Bellroy is all you need and more.

Customer Review: “This may be the perfect sling...holds a lot for its small size...Sling bags are usually awkward on me as a woman. Boobs either get in the way, or it doesn’t sit flush on my back...I have zero issues with any of that with this bag.”

For an activity where you only use your body, yoga sure has a lot of accessories. With this bag from Gaiam, you can fit two blocks, a blanket, a mat towel plus a sweat towel, a water bottle, a strap, plus all your other essentials. No yogis left behind.

Customer Review: “I was looking for a large bag that could carry my gym and yoga gear as well as accommodate my work clothes when I hit the gym after work...It also feels very sturdy and well made.”

Available in: Blue, Grey, Black, Purple

Personally, I find myself traipsing to yoga class with my mat in a strap and my other belongings (water, phone, keys, wallet) clumsily clutched in my hands. For me, this bag is a revelation. A mat bag with room for other things!

Customer Review: “I’ve been using this for a couple months now and as a yoga instructor this is perfect...It holds my mat, mat towel, block, strap, socks, wallet, keys, phone, water bottle, portable speaker...It has a nice wide opening and all of my items are easy to get in and out of the bag.”

Available in: Multi, Lavender, Orange, Linen, Black

To all the minimalists strutting into the gym with just a Poland Springs and their AirPods: I see you, I respect you, I admire you.

Customer Review: “This has been amazing for bringing a water bottle on long walks or afternoon adventures. Fits a variety of water bottles and has a convenient pocket for your phone, credit cards, and keys!”

Available in: Black or Plum

Variety is the spice of life, after all. Switch it up between a tote bag and a backpack, because why not?

Customer Review: “I bought this bag to go on light packing weekends away/busier days in the office where I want to fit the gym in too, and it’s perfect! Love switching it up from a rucksack to a tote bag, too, and it can fit in a surprising amount of items!”

Available in: Black, Blue, Mustard, Green, Red, Ice, Taupe, Ivory, Rose, Grey

Although it’s on the pricier side, this bag is suitable for just about any use you can drum up. For work, for travel, for weekends, you can’t go wrong with a basic black duffle.

Customer Review: “Many compartments for everything, fits the size requirements of most airlines for personal item. Love the color and the material is easy to clean!”

Available in: Sage or Black

Your shoulders are already sore enough from all those serving drills, don’t make the problem any worse with a one-shouldered bag. Keep that posture even on your way to and from the court with a tennis backpack.

Customer Review: “I get compliments almost everywhere I go. There is so much space and my size 10 shoes fit perfect in the bottom shoe area.”

Available in: Pink, Red, Black

You deserve to be picky about your equipment and racquets, but more importantly, you deserve the space to house all your options.

Customer Review: “It easily holds my two racquets, multiple cans of tennis balls, towel, drinks, wallet, and keys with plenty of room to spare. The hook has proven to be a nice feature as I can hang it up on an outside court and it keeps everything off the ground.”

Available in: Pink, Leopard, Ombre, Punch, Ocean Tile, Rouge, Grey, Navy, Black

Working out is more about feeling good and less about looking good. But...maybe it’s not such a bad thing for your gym ensembles to be about looking good and feeling good.

Customer Review: “I like the handle length which gives you the option to carry it as a shoulder bag or as a crossbody with the adjustable detachable strap. I love the lightweight fabric, making it very comfortable to carry for extended periods.”

Available in: 41(!) colors and prints

Perhaps fanny packs once belonged to tourists and parents at amusement parks, but not any more. Fanny packs are for one and all.

Customer Review: “The bag fits all the essentials—my keys, wallet, cell phone, small water bottle, a couple of diapers, and a small pack of wipes, and a few snacks…This bag is exactly what I wanted and I would highly recommend it.”

Available in: Black, Red, Navy, Yellow, Pink, Purple, Orange, Lime, Multi

Swimmers and divers have entirely different needs from the average weight room regular. Luckily, there are plenty of great options available, just like this capacious backpack from TYR.

Customer Review: “This backpack is exactly what I was looking for in size and depth. I am a competitive swimmer but tired of the large 45L bags. This is right in between...My fav bag yet and I’ve had many bags over many years of swim and coaching.”

Worried about leaving your wallet in your locker? Now you can wear your credit card and ID up close and personal.

Customer Review: “After having my car broken into at a trailhead during my hike I thought this would be perfect to keep my ID and credit card with me. I really like the material and the quality. I didn’t even feel that it was there.”

Available in: Small or Medium; Black, Grey, Teal, Navy, Orange, Red

You don’t like when your foods touch, and you don’t like when your shoes touch...your clothes, that is. Keep those bad boys separate from everything else in a bag with designated shoe compartments.

Customer Review: “The extra features make this bag great! Perfect bag for the gym...My favorite part of this bag is the clear vinyl pocket in the bottom of the bag. It totally protects the rest of the bag (and all of your stuff) from wet swimsuits or smelly gym clothes.”

Available in: Blue, Red, Yellow, Orange, Green, Black, Purple, or Limited Edition Prints

I swear by a straightforward sling bag for daily errands and running around, gym trips included. Some may call it basic, but I prefer “functional.”

Customer Review: “Perfect size, perfect pockets (zip on the front for easy access to your cards, etc and a slip pocket on the back for your phone)...The strap is comfy, too.”

If you’ve got wetsuits, towels, flippers, goggles—can you tell I don’t do watersports?—you need somewhere to put it all.

Customer Review: “It’s designed well, comfortable when full, got all the things that other companies making dry back packs is missing...I use it in tropics and snow and as a lifeguard for work. It’s perfect.”

Keep it pared down with a wristlet. The best part about a bag like this is you don’t even need a locker to stash it in, just keep it on hand.

Customer Review: “Great wristlet. Fits important cards and cell phone. Love how my keys can carabiner to the outside.”

Do drawstring bags make anyone else thing of summer sports camps? Channel the excitement you felt as a middle schooler playing soccer with a grown-up version.

Customer Review: “So cute that I take it everywhere! The Sack is a stylish, all-purpose bag. It’s not used only for gym or workout items/purposes. It is lightweight and roomy.”

Available in: Black, Multi, Blue, Marigold, Camo, Green, Navy, Pink, Grey, Red, Purple

No must or mold here, please and thank you.

Customer Review: “This bag though is the perfect size to use at the Y pool. It holds my swim flippers, snorkel, goggles, etc. as well as a small towel and my shower items (shampoo and washcloth, etc.)...easy to hang on the pool hooks.”

Available in: Black, Black/Pink

Whether it’s volleyball, basketball, or soccer, never show up empty-handed.

Customer Review: “Excellent basketball bag. Plenty of room for everything and separate compartments to keep it organized. Love it!”