There was a point when a gym bag was merely a utilitarian purchase. With the evolution of athleisure, though, gym bags have morphed into multitasking holdalls that wouldn’t look out of place in the office and even double as weekenders or carry-ons. Sure, you could just use that random free tote floating around your closet or even an old, oversized purse. But the best gym bags are made from water-resistant materials that avoid damage caused by sweat or unintentional water spills; have built-in pockets to store everything from resistance bands to your laptop; and generally make you look like you have it together (even when you’re rolling up to your morning workout with seconds to spare).

To make sure we’re recommending the best of the best, we evaluated the size, materials, color options, storage features, and strap options for each bag. No matter what silhouette you prefer, we’ve got options — and budget-friendly ones across the board.

Best Overall

FocusGear Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0 Duffel Bag

What We Love: The oversized shoe compartment.

What We Don’t Love: It’s a little more functional than fashionable.

This may not be the sexiest gym bag on the market, but it checks all the boxes: There are 10 total compartments to keep all your gear organized (including a dedicated shoe pocket that fits up to men’s size 14s and a wet pocket for swimsuits or sweaty sports bras); mesh pockets on the outside were designed to hold a 32-ounce water bottle and a standard size protein shaker so you don’t skimp on hydration or refueling.

Size: 20 L x 10.5 D x 11 H | Colors: 9 | Shoe Compartment: Yes | Material: Unlisted

Best Budget

Nike Duffel Bag

What We Love: The oversized Swoosh makes you look practically elite.

What We Don’t Love: There’s no water bottle holder.

Nike’s Brasilia Duffel Bag rings up at under $50, but has all the essentials of a more expensive bag: a zippered main compartment; a separate, zippered inner compartment to keep your shorts or sweaty workout clothes from stinking up the rest of your stuff; a coated bottom that protects anything stored inside; and outer pockets so you can easily stash your keys or phone on the go. It’s also available in a smaller and larger size.

Size: 25 L x 12 D x 12 H | Colors: 6 | Shoe Compartment: Yes | Material: Polyester

Best Splurge

MZ Wallace Nik

What We Love: There are 16 pockets!

What We Don’t Love: There’s no padding on the luggage strap, which may dig.

MZ Wallace’s bags are perennially popular among gym-goer’s because they don’t look like a gym bag, but they easily store anything you could possibly need during a workout. There are seven exterior pockets, nine interior pockets (including one that fits a 16-inch laptop), a luggage sleeve that turns it into a cross-body bag; and a key ring strap so you don’t waste time digging. And it’s made from the brand’s signature lightweight material, that’s foldable and water- and stain-resistant.

“An investment for sure, but MZ Wallace bags are some of my favorites,” says Shannon Bauer, InStyle Associate Editorial Director. “This duffle is practical and stylish and looks brand new several years after I got it. I also get endless compliments on my yoga mat bag from the brand.”

Size: 17 L x 7 D x 12 H | Colors: 8 | Shoe Compartment: No | Material: REC Oxford

Best with Shoe Compartment

ICEIVY Gym Duffle Bag

What We Love: There are straps on the outside that secure a full-size yoga mat.

What We Don’t Love: Reviewers had some complaints about quality.

The updated version of ICEIVY’s highly rated gym bag has an expanded storage capacity, complete with a built-in, zippered shoe compartment with venting to let out any post-workout stink. And the main compartment is divided into two pockets: one for your dry stuff, and one for any wet gear. Depending on how much you stuff inside, hold this bag by the straps, add the detachable shoulder strap to turn it into a crossbody or shoulder bag, or wear it as a backpack.

Size: 19 L x 9 D x 10 H | Colors: 10 | Shoe Compartment: Yes | Material: Unlisted

Best Duffel

Alo Yoga Traverse Duffel

What We Love: The luxe neoprene fabric is durable and water-resistant.

What We Don’t Love: There are only two pockets.

You can’t go wrong with a classic duffle, especially one made from hardy neoprene. It has both an interior and exterior zip pocket for tucking away anything important, like a backup pair of workout underwear, but you can toss anything else into the roomy main compartment. It’s also structured enough to stand in as an overnight bag, with a detachable carrying strap that makes hauling it around a little less tough on your hands.

Size: 18 L x 10.5 D x 8 H | Colors: 1 | Shoe Compartment: No | Material: Neoprene, polyester

Best Small

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

What We Love: It’s also available in a range of sizes

What We Don’t Love: Reviewers noted some pilling on the fabric.

Dagne Dover’s Landon carryall is so sleek and chic, it’s hard to think of as a gym bag. It still has enough space to hold a change of clothes and includes breathable pockets and pouches to store everything from water bottles to headphones. But before you think it’s too nice to dirty up with your gym gear, know that it’s made from durable, water-resistant neoprene and lined in a waterproof material made from recycled bottles — so it can handle your sweatiest activities. The small and medium are popular sizes for gym bags but it also comes in extra small (purse size), large, and extra large, so you can select based on your size needs. 

InStyle editors are huge fans of Dagne Dover (in fact, we've used the backpack for work), and the Landon Carryall is no exception. “The medium size is my go-to gym bag,” says Bauer. “I can fit my work laptop, change of clothes and shower supplies without feeling like I’m lugging a massive duffle bag around all day.” InStyle Director of Content Strategy Samantha Brash thinks the strap is the perfect length and loves the snaps on the sides of the bag. "[They] make it more compact without sacrificing space on the inside," she says.

Size: 12 L x 6 D x 7.5 H | Colors: 13 (4 limited) | Shoe Compartment: No | Material: Neoprene, air mesh, polyester

Best Extra-Large Bag

Away The Packable Carryall

What We Love: It packs down into a removable zip pouch.

What We Don’t Love: There’s only one interior zip pocket.

Away knows a thing or two about bags, and this carryall is no exception — it’s big enough to hold multiple pieces of clothing plus shoes, but smushes to the size of a tiny zip pouch. It’s the perfect bag to pack if you’re going to be hitting the gym on vacation (it even has a built-in trolley sleeve that secures to your suitcase if you’re using it as a carry-on). And since it’s made from water-resistant recycled nylon, you don’t have to worry about it getting dinged up on the go.

Size: 20 L x 9 D x 15 H | Colors: 3 | Shoe Compartment: No | Material: Recycled nylon

Best for Crossfit

Rogue Gym Bag

What We Love: The fabric is super lightweight and basically indestructible.

What We Don’t Love: There aren’t many pocket options.

Rogue is one of the biggest names in the CrossFit biz, so it makes sense that they’d have their gym bags on lock. This is a traditional duffle designed to take a beating, just like your muscles on leg day; it’s made from 1000D Cordura, a lightweight nylon fabric that’s way stronger than it looks. Load it up with your weight belt, grips, lifting shoes, and more and you’ve got two carrying options: two handles or an adjustable and fully removable shoulder strap.

Size: 24 L x 10 D x 10 H | Colors: 2 | Shoe Compartment: No | Material: Cordura nylon

Best for Boxing

Elite Convertible Boxing Gear Gym Bag and Backpack

What We Love: While there isn't a designated shoe compartment per se, there are many to choose from overall, so everything has its place.

What We Don't Love: There's only one color option.

Anyone who’s thrown a punch in a boxing gym knows how smelly those gloves can get. Good thing Elite Sports built an expandable mesh compartment into this bag, so all your gear can air out on the go without transferring odors into the main compartment. There’s also a hardshell pocket for valuables so things like your sunglasses and phone don’t see any abuse when you toss the bag around.

Size: 16 L x 9 D x 19 H | Colors: 1 | Shoe Compartment: No | Material: Polyester

Best for Yoga

Caraa Yoga Tote

What We Love: The luxury detailing.

What We Don’t Love: It’s only available in black.

A luxury option similar to MZ Wallace’s bag, Caraa’s Yoga Tote (formerly known as Sport Tote) — which converts to a backpack via removable straps — is crafted from water-resistant Italian nylon and features Italian leather detailing to upgrade your gym experience. Inside, the bag is lined with antimicrobial nylon to combat any odors; there’s also a separate shoe compartment and plenty of space left over to carry a yoga block with you. Hidden yoga mat straps make travel to and from the studio hands-free.

“I have used the Caraa tote as my commuter bag for years,” says Bauer. "It converts from tote to backpack if it gets too heavy or I need to be hands-free and the details make it look more high-end than a typical utilitarian bag.”

Size: Unlisted | Colors: 1 | Shoe Compartment: Yes | Material: Nylon

Best for Swimmers

Speedo Teamster 2.0

What We Love: Multiple side pockets give you even more storage room.

What We Don’t Love: The pockets aren’t ventilated for wet gear.

Of course, Speedo’s most popular bag would support every swimmer’s need. There are multiple pockets to keep wet suits, caps, and goggles separate from any other gear — including your laptop, which has a dedicated sleeve. And with an abrasion-resistant shell and water-resistant bottom, you can rest easy tossing this bag around the pool area. There’s also a huge range of colors to show off your personality as well.

Size: 17 L x 20 H | Colors: 42 | Shoe Compartment: No | Material: Polyester

Best for Tennis or Pickleball

Ytonet Tennis Bag

What We Love: This affordable bag offers tons in the way of pockets. 

What We Don’t Love: If you need room for extra outfits or shower supplies, it may be too small.

Whether a pickleball novice or a tennis pro, this bag is love-all. The main compartment has an opening at the top for the tennis racket handle to stick out and can hold up to two rackets or six pickleball paddles. There are also separate pockets for smaller things like balls or a phone and a large front pocket for anything else. A small exterior water bottle sleeve, anti-theft zipper, and a hook for hanging your bag on a fence round it out.

Size: 5.5 L x 13 D x 19 H| Colors: 4 | Shoe Compartment: No | Material: Polyester

What to Keep in Mind

• Size: The size of a gym bag depends on how you’re using it. If you’re carrying a whole change of clothes plus any specific gear (think: yoga blocks, boxing gloves, weight belts), you’ll likely want a larger back. The same goes if you’re looking for versatility in a gym bag; a larger bag can also be used for travel. If all your workout calls for is a change of clothes, you can probably get away with a smaller bag.
• Type of Workout: The workouts that you do the most will also determine the type of bag you choose. Swimmers are going to want lots of pockets and waterproof components, whereas boxers need a bag large enough for gloves and wraps (with mesh to let the stink out). Yogis will love a bag with mat straps, just as tennis players will feel best with a bag that fits their racket. Studio hoppers, on the other hand, will benefit from a bag with ample organizational features. 

Your Questions, Answered

Should I take everything out of my gym bag once I'm done using it?

It’s good practice to remove anything that could be stinky — such as shoes or boxing gloves — from your bag to let them (and the bag) air out post-workout. That’s especially true for anything wet, whether that’s a sweaty sports bra or a bathing suit; leaving those lingering in the bag for too long can cause a literal stink. Every so often, you should also wipe down the inside of your gym bag to keep germs from taking hold.

Why Shop With Us

Ashley Mateo is a freelance writer and editor. She was previously the Site Director of Redbookmag.com and the Deputy Digital Editor at Shape. She is a running coach, a marathoner, and generally well-versed in terms of activewear. InStyle editors also weighed in with their favorite gym bags and what makes them so great.