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The best gym bags for women: totes, duffels, holdalls, backpacks and more
You'll want to hit the gym just to show them off
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Whether you're a pre- or post-office workout type or you prefer to do your exercise sessions on the weekends, there's no denying you need a gym bag. What else would you use to haul all your fit kit around? Those old, sweaty and stained tote bags don't quite cut it, let's be honest – especially if you're the kind of person who likes to be decked out in the best hi-tech trainers, funkiest leggings and most stylish bras to get your exercise in.
Luckily, there are *so* many stylish options around at the moment. Gone are the days of having to pick from a few bland, basic options that look like something your dad used to carry back in the day. (Sure, dad trainers may have had a fashion overhaul, but dad backpacks belong in the past for good reason...) Now, you can take your pick from minimal totes to sporty backpacks, feminine shoulder bags and cool duffels that work just as well on the street as they do in the studio.
There really is something for everyone's taste – and budget. While we've made sure to include the extremely practical styles from our fave dedicated athleisure brands, they do tend to err on the pricier side. But worry not: our roundup also has you covered with some on-sale steals as well as picks from the good old high street. You're welcome.
Best gym bags for women
How to clean your gym bag
If you're splashing out on a new gym bag, you're going to want to keep it looking as good as new for as long as possible. Over time, it can become as smelly as your sports bra after a gruelling circuit workout. But fear not, keeping it fresh and funk-free is a breeze.
Most styles have been designed to make cleaning as easy as a regular once-over wipe with a damp cloth. Or try our top tip – mix warm water, white vinegar and essential oil for an odour-busting boost.
Certain fabrics will require a tiny bit more TLC. If you're opting for canvas, you'll want to spot clean the areas in need, and machine-washable bags usually recommend a cold cycle.
There are also things you can do to keep your gym bag cleaner for longer. Removing any sweaty or wet gear as soon as possible helps with the smell, and the same can be said of airing it out after each use.
Gym bag smell hack
If you don't quite manage to prevent the stench, dropping a few dry tea bags in overnight or adding dryer sheets to the bottom of your gym bag are clever tricks that kill unwanted odours.
Or, if you have any essential oils to hand, why not add a few drops to a spray bottle and spritz to your heart's content? Don't forget to let it dry out afterwards, though.
Essentials for every gym bag
Gym bags are a valuable bit of kit, but packed with the right goodies you can take them to the next level.
Activewear, trainers and water bottle aside, we picked out the essentials you'll want at your fingertips to make your trip to the gym as easy-going as you deserve it to be after putting in as many reps as possible on the floor.
- Hand sanitiser
- Face wipes
- Moisturiser
- Sunscreen
- Dry shampoo
- Hairbrush
- Hair ties
- Tissues
- Deodorant
- Towel
- Flip flops
- Extra briefs
- Extra socks
- Menstrual products
- Lock
- Snacks
Once packed, they can stay put, and you won't have to worry about morning brain sabotaging your session.
So, whether you're looking for a backpack that'll do for both the gym and work, a holdall that can seamlessly transition into a weekend bag, a tote stylish enough to double as a handbag or a duffel big enough to store everything but the kitchen sink, we've got you covered in our edit of the best gym bags available now. Look no further for the perfect solution to your packing woes.
Courtney Smith is Fashion Assistant at Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK, where she works across both print and digital. She has been in the fashion industry for over nine years, initially as a model and later as a fashion assistant and writer in media. When she is not assisting on shoots with the likes of Tom Daley and Raye or bringing about a surge in online hula hoop sales, she can be found at the ponds getting in some quality time with her one true love: swimwear.
Maddy Alford is the Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK, covering fashion content online and in print. Maddy specialises in shopping galleries and first-person reviews of the best fashion buys, from jeans and jewellery to wedding dresses, gymwear, and winter coats. She also writes op-eds on on pop culture, viral fashion moments, travel journalism, fitness, and the LGBTQ+ community's relationship with style. Maddy is also a fashion stylist who has worked on over 100 photoshoots at Hearst, including those starring Raye, Niall Horan, and Lena Dunham. Previously, she has worked in fashion PR and e-commerce, including stints at ELLE US and UK, Net-a-Porter, InStyle, and Time Out New York. Maddy has ten years of experience in the fashion industry in both London and New York City, after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She is passionate about second-hand shopping, inclusive fashion, running on Regent's Canal, and finding London's cosiest pubs.
Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer’s letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.
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