Ask Belle: Gym Bags and Weekenders
Mar 26, 2015
Hi Belle,
I’ve been addicted to working out ever since I discovered Classpass a few months ago. I’m in need of a cute, functional gym bag that I can carry to work before my evening workouts. Must be big enough for one outfit and gym shoes, hopefully less than $100. No clunky duffles (duh).
Thanks! Paige
I answered this question a few months ago.  But I’m headed back to the gym to get in shape for some summer hiking, so let’s freshen up the suggestions for spring.
For the gym, I like a weekender-style bag. Â It’s a functional piece that you can use to transport gym clothes and for quick weekend trips. Â Here are some recommendations. Â If readers have other, please share them in the comments.
Sole Society Mason Bag ($79, also in cognac or blue)
I must put in a good word here for my Lo & Sons O.M.G. Today I packed: Running shoes, gym cloths, dry shampoo, make-up, a laptop, my legal-size portfolio, and a wallet. It really is the “do-all” bag in my collection, and a work bag that smartly hides its dual-duty of gym bag!
The Lo&sons Catalina bag is great too! Durable and love the shoe compartment!
Shout out here for the Everlane weekender. It’s extremely good quality for the price, looks great + is waterproof. One of the best things I’ve purchased in the last few months.
I thought about that, but she said she didn’t want a duffle. Good recc, though.
I have the Sole Society Mason bag in cognac and love it. The size is perfect for the gym and as an airplane carry on, and the shoe compartment is a great feature. I really liked the Lo & Sons OMG, but ultimately decided a cheaper option was a better choice for me.
I have the Sole Society Mason bag as well and while I love it and the separate space for workout clothes, I wish I had known that the top half isn’t big enough for my laptop. If it were just an inch or two taller at the top it would be PERFECT for me.
I bought the Lo and Sons OMG with the intention of making it a work/workout bag and I would totally advise against it. The bag had a really small opening making it difficult to look inside and find things…something really important in a bag!
Huh? The zipper goes the length of the bag. The only time I’ve had trouble finding something is if it’s under the shoe bag when there are shoes in it. I mean, I guess you can’t have everything splayed out, but it’s definitely not a black hole.
It’s the gym. You need separate shoe areas; you just do. Especially if you cycle and use cleats. Can practicality just not control SOMETIMES? The question was no duffels, I know. But again…it’s the gym. Cute workout clothes should be enough 😉
Not necessarily. I got a Lo & Sons OMG because I kept finding myself taking my gym bag to work events (I workout in the mornings or lunch) and it just wasn’t appropriate. I needed something professional but functional.
I was SO close to purchasing the Sole Society Sia bag (a smaller version of the Mason) but it sold out before I could get it! The Mason looks a little big for a gym bag… anyone have any recommendations for slightly smaller bags that have that separate shoe compartment?
I actually bought my gym bag at one of my 6-yr old daughters favorite store – Ivviva. Its the lululemon for kids – great place to buy totally overpriced yoga wear for small people. Regardless, I do love my bag. Its the Got Game Duffle in black (https://www.ivivva.com/products/clothes-accessories/girls-bags/got-game-duffle?cc=4165&skuId=us_3573908&catId=girls-bags). $78 Good luck!
I am really tempted to try this one: https://fitmarkbags.com/fitness-bags/gym-totes/dashing-tote.