9 best gym bags for women that will make you want to work out

With extra-stretchy straps at the front for your yoga mat, separate compartments, and easy-to-clean, sleek materials – this functional carryall appears to have it all. The neoprene zipped compartment at the bottom is probably our favourite aspect of this to-and-from duffle – it can easily fit two pairs of trainers, or you could use it for wet towels or sweaty clothes (so they’re completely separate from the rest of your belongings).

It’s pretty big, so you wouldn’t need a separate bag for work and gym – and its luxe feel means it could also double up as a smart weekend bag. It has poppers on either end, so you could make it slightly smaller if you wanted to. The straps easily fit over your shoulder, and inside the main compartment, there are two extra pockets – one with a zip and one with a popper, perfect for valuables. Plus, there’s even a designated water bottle holder to keep your bottle upright and prevent any unwanted spillages.

Using utilitarian sporty elements such as mesh side pockets, a drawstring closure, reflective handles and nylon fabric, this fashion backpack from Andi feels immediately cool and stylish. At first, we weren’t so sure it would be big enough to suit all our gym needs, but it’s deceptively larger than you think. Easy to carry, versatile and ideal for every day, there are lots of things to love about this bag. Oh, and it’s 100 per cent vegan, and water-resistant, too.

Sweaty Betty arguably makes some of the best sporty-chic backpacks out there, with its refreshingly real "gym-to-gin" mentality. And this lightweight, two-in-one commuter backpack is our new favourite. Designed with both your laptop and yoga kit in mind, it’s made from durable matte nylon fabric and features two external zip pockets, plus an internal laptop compartment. The best part? You can change it up and use it as a tote instead of a backpack by unclipping the straps and concealing them in a hidden extra section at the back. Talk about a multitasker – it’s perfect for walking, travelling and when you’re on the go

We’ve been using this large Lululemon slouchy tote for a couple of years now and the separate compartments are a godsend. The central zip divider is so useful – it even has a mesh top to air out your sweaty gear – and the extra strap is pretty handy for when you’ve got to lug around everything from your laptop and trainers to make-up essentials. Whether you’re spinning, HIIT training or aligning your chakras in yoga – this bag ticks the gym essentials, offering all the space you’ll need. Lululemon also makes a smaller (and slightly cheaper) version of this bag for those days when you don’t need to have everything on you.

Adidas by Stella McCartney’s designs always give us a lesson in fashion meets streetwear practicality. This simple yet fun tote is roomy enough for a towel, a change of clothes, toiletries and even a protein bar or two. It is perhaps a little less sturdy than some of the other options on this list (as it’s unlined), but what makes it stand out from the competition is the fact that it’s made with Primegreen – recycled materials – so you know you’re making both a fashion-forward and environmentally conscious decision with this on your arm.

It’s hard not to feel immediately stylish with this perfect “sling it all in” gym tote from PE Nation. The set shot bag, with its sleek outer and a capacious inner – both lined with discrete zipped compartments – will not only elevate your day-to-day but also won’t look out of place at post-work drinks. It’s very large, so you needn’t worry about not being able to squeeze in all your fit-kit, and comes with a long detachable crossbody strap, for hands-free ease.

With many of us deciding to forego public transport once offices reopen, and commit to riding to work on two wheels instead, you’ll need a well-designed and work-appropriate backpack. This gender-neutral backpack from Nicce caught our eye mainly because of its large reflective strip down the front – so you can be safe, and stylish, on the roads. There are two side pockets – perfect for a water bottle or small umbrella – and the drawstring plus utilitarian buckles mean your belongings are nice and secure.

From sustainable brand Bamae, this eco-friendly carrier takes things back to basics, with a simple, spacious design. There are no fancy compartments or prints here – just classic practically in 100 per cent sustainable organic cotton. The vibrant red really pops against the durable white straps – and we think this bag, with its universal, minimalist appeal will look just as good at the beach as at your yoga class.

For the adventurers among you, you may be looking for a gym bag that can also double up as a waterproof weekend bag for hiking or camping trips. Enter Columbia’s duffel, built with their outdry extreme waterproof technology, not even the most testing of British weather can dampen your clothes in this.

Similar to the Bamae bag (£25, Bamae.com) , there are no handy internal zipped compartments – but it does come with removable padded shoulder straps so you can switch it up from a duffle to a backpack.