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You'll want to hit the gym just to show them off Tote Diaper Bag
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? Luckily for us, there are *so* many stylish options around at the moment.
Yep, 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 designs 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 spenny side. Worry not, our roundup also has you covered with some on-sale steals as well as picks from the good old high street. No need to thank us.
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.
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.
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.
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 with ease, 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.
Where to start? FP Movement's holdall has oodles of storage pockets, two carry handle options, and it comes in three perfect colours. For under £100, we think this is a great contender for all your adventures, from gym classes to weekends away.
Sweaty Betty's OG Icon Gym Bag has had an upgrade. Made from sleek, wipe-clean nylon, the updated shape has two ways to carry (short handles and a detachable shoulder strap), as well as an inner laptop sleeve, water bottle holder and outer zip compartment for your shoes. Plus, there's a yoga mat strap on the base.
Having set out to design the perfect gym bag, we think Rains may have succeeded. Simple, sleek and oh-so-good to look at, it is suitable for both your gym ventures and weekend getaways.
With a waterproof rating of 8000mm, you needn't worry if the rain catches you out sans umbrella, and your valuables will be just as safe in the waterproof front pocket as the rest of your kit is - sitting dry in the main compartment.
Forget juggling multiple bags, this Nike backpack can fit all your everyday essentials – from a laptop to a yoga mat – to see you through your entire day. Made from at least 50% recycled polyester fibres, we love the olive green hue.
M&S' brilliantly stylish (and affordable) gymwear line, GoodMove, has got the goods when it comes to gym bags, too. This one is made from Stormwear™ water-repellent fabric and has a zip closure and two side water bottle pockets.
P.E Nation has been the go-to for trendy gym wear staples for as long as we can remember. And their gym bags don't disappoint on that front, either. An homage to '90s sportswear, this lightweight unstructured carry all gets a fashion upgrade thanks to the leopard print.
This retro duffel from Nike is a stylish option and surprisingly spacious at 24L. It will fit an entire workout outfit, shoes, and a water bottle in it's spacious main compartment, while interior and exterior zipped pockets make for easy, quick-grab organisation. Comes with a removable cross body strap.
Is it a tote bag? Is it a backpack? Technically both, thanks to top handle *and* back straps. Made from water-repellent functional fabric, this design is made for wet-weather commutes – ideal if cycling to or from work is your daily exercise.
This is probably the most useful, multi-functional bag we've come across. You can carry it either as a backpack or a tote, which is *ideal* for commuters squeezing onto packed morning trains. The stand-up design means it will perch sturdily on the locker room bench without toppling over. Plus, it's got all manner of water bottle pockets, bungee cords, and zips to store and secure your things. Available in grey or black.
From its terracotta pink hue to its chic quilted design, Gymshark's barrel bag is made for toting your fit kit in style. More than just metal accents, the side release clips can securely hold your yoga mat. Made from 100% recycled materials, it gets a sustainability tick too.
We love Adanola for its unbeatable leggings and cult sweatshirts. Add this quilted nylon tote to our wish list. We bet it would make a great makeshift pillow, too for that post-gym commute home.
It's called a 'favourite' for a reason. It's tough, holds all your stuff, looks great, and feels good on your shoulder. What more could you ask for? Looking inside the bag, there's plenty of compartments and pockets for maximum organisation and if you don't want to carry it on your shoulder, there's also two grab handles.
Word on the street is that this barrel bag is the perfect size for your 'fit and gym equipment. And by word on the street, we mean happy customers that have deemed this baby five-star worthy.
It also happens to be extremely well priced. So, really, what are you waiting for?
Sick of lugging round XL gym bags? If Mary Poppins had a gym bag, we guarantee she'd be toting this one around. It's big enough to hold all the essentials (sports bra, leggings, trainers, towel, water bottle) but doesn't look it at all. Impressive, huh? And we haven't even mentioned the gorgeous red wine hue.
If a loaded-down gym bag makes your shoulder ache, try Under Armour's hybrid style. Different straps mean you can carry it on your back as a rucksack, or crossbody like a duffle. Ideal for commuters who have to cover some ground on foot. Made with water resistant fabric.
In an on-trend quilted fabric and eye-catching mint gree hue, this tote bag makes carrying your yoga mat to and from class much easier thanks to the dedicated strap at the rear. And for days when you don't need your mat in tow, simply zip the strap to the bag for a sleek design.
This Puma bag is perfect for those wanting an upgrade from their canvas tote. The monochrome design will go with practically every gym outfit you have, plus the padded and adjustable shoulder strap will mean it won't dig into your shoulder (even when it's stuffed full).
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