Popular Types of Sports Bags: A Complete Guide for You

Sports bags have evolved from simple gear carriers to essential lifestyle and branding tools. Whether you’re a sports retailer, corporate buyer, or brand owner, understanding the wide range of sports bag options can help you choose products that appeal to your target market, align with your brand identity, and deliver both function and style.

A sports bag is a specially designed bag for carrying sports equipment, clothing, and accessories, offering durability, organisation, and comfort tailored to active lifestyles. These bags come in various types—such as duffels, gym backpacks, and drawstring bags—each with unique benefits depending on the sport, user needs, and market trends.

In recent years, sports bags have also become fashion statements, driven by the rise of athleisure and health-conscious lifestyles. Choosing the right type, material, and design can increase both sales potential and customer loyalty.

Imagine a young tennis player walking into a tournament with a branded duffel bag that not only stores her gear efficiently but also turns heads with its stylish design and logo placement. That’s the power of a sports bag—function meeting fashion, with branding that speaks volumes.

What Is a Sports Bag and How Is It Used?

A sports bag is a durable, purpose-built bag designed to store and transport sports equipment, clothing, and personal items. It typically includes multiple compartments, sturdy handles or straps, and materials suited to active use. Sports bags are used by athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and casual users to organise gear and maintain convenience during training, competitions, or travel.

A sports bag differs from regular backpacks or tote bags in its functional design and rugged build. It’s not just about carrying items—it’s about accommodating the specific needs of different sports. For instance, a football player might require a large central compartment for a ball and boots, with side pockets for water bottles and snacks, while a swimmer’s bag might prioritise waterproof linings and ventilation for wet gear.

What Are the Sport Bags Called?

The term “sports bag” is used broadly, but depending on the region and context, you may hear terms like “kit bag,” “gear bag,” or “athletic bag.” In North America, “duffel bag” is often synonymous with sports bag, while in the UK, “holdall” is common.

What Is the Difference Between a Sports Bag and a Gym Bag?

While both serve athletic purposes, gym bags are typically smaller, designed for carrying workout clothes, shoes, and personal items to and from the gym. Sports bags, on the other hand, can be larger and more specialised, accommodating specific equipment for team sports, outdoor activities, or travel.

Common Uses Across Sports

• Team Sports: Carrying uniforms, shoes, balls, and safety gear.
• Individual Sports: Transporting rackets, gloves, mats, or swimwear.
• Recreational Use: Doubling as a travel or weekend bag due to versatility.

Which Types of Sports Bags Are Most Popular?

The most popular sports bag types include duffel bags, gym backpacks, drawstring bags, tote-style sports bags, wheeled sports bags, and specialised sport-specific bags. Each type serves different needs based on storage capacity, portability, style preferences, and sport requirements. Choosing the right type depends on your target audience, product positioning, and intended use scenario.

1. Duffel Bags – The All-Rounder of Sports Bags

Duffel bags are arguably the most recognisable type of sports bag, favoured for their spacious interiors and easy-access designs. They typically feature:

• Large main compartment for uniforms, shoes, and gear.
• Adjustable shoulder straps for comfort during travel.
• Side pockets for smaller essentials like keys, wallets, and snacks.

Why is Popular:

• Suitable for team sports like football, basketball, and rugby.
• Highly customisable with large surface areas for logos.
• Available in various sizes (small 40L for gym-goers to extra-large 90L for tournaments).

2. Gym Backpacks – Compact & Versatile

Gym backpacks combine the structure of a backpack with the functionality of a sports bag. They are ideal for daily fitness routines, commuting, or light sports activities.

Key Features:

• Multiple compartments for clothes, electronics, and personal items.
• Padded straps for long wear.
• Ventilated shoe compartments in premium models.

Why is Popular:

• Hands-free convenience.
• Stylish enough for urban and casual wear.
• Fits the athleisure lifestyle trend where one bag works for both gym and work.

3. Drawstring Sports Bags – Lightweight & Promotional

These bags are simple yet effective, usually made from polyester or nylon with a cinch-top closure.

Key Features:

• Extremely lightweight and cost-effective.
• One large compartment for essentials.
• Easy to store when not in use.

Why is Popular:

• Favoured by youth sports teams and event giveaways.
• Low-cost option for bulk branding.
• Popular with schools and promotional campaigns.

4. Tote-Style Sports Bags – Fashion Meets Function

Tote sports bags bridge the gap between casual carryalls and functional sports storage.

Key Features:

• Open-top or zippered design.
• Wide straps for shoulder carrying.
• Often made from canvas, leather, or high-end polyester.

Why is Popular:

• Popular among yoga practitioners and recreational sports enthusiasts.
• Appeals to female markets and lifestyle buyers.
• Works well for dual-purpose use (sports + shopping).

5. Wheeled Sports Bags – Heavy-Duty Travel Solution

For athletes who travel often or need to carry heavy gear, wheeled sports bags offer the ultimate in convenience.

Key Features:

• Built-in wheels and retractable handles.
• Reinforced base for durability.
• Large compartments for team equipment or multi-day trips.

Why is Popular:

• Reduces strain from carrying heavy loads.
• Perfect for tournaments, away games, and extended trips.
• Often used in sports like hockey, cricket, and baseball.

6. Specialised Sports Bags – Tailored for Specific Activities

These are purpose-built for a sport’s unique equipment and storage needs.

Examples:

• Tennis Bags: Dedicated compartments for rackets, balls, and accessories.
• Golf Bags: Club dividers, tee holders, and rain hoods.
• Cricket Bags: Padded bat sleeves and helmet compartments.
• Swimming Bags: Waterproof linings and mesh ventilation.

Why is Popular:

• Ensures gear protection and longevity.
• Enhances performance readiness by keeping equipment organised.
• Ideal for professional athletes and serious amateurs.

Comparison Guide: Popular Sports Bag Types

What Materials Are Commonly Used in Sports Bags?

Sports bags are made from materials such as polyester, nylon, canvas, leather, and TPU, each offering different levels of durability, weight, water resistance, and cost. The choice of material depends on the target market, sport type, and brand positioning. For example, polyester is affordable and easy to print on, nylon is stronger and more water-resistant, canvas offers a natural look, leather adds luxury appeal, and TPU provides full waterproofing.

Polyester

Polyester is the most widely used material in sports bags due to its cost-effectiveness and versatility.

• Pros: Lightweight, resistant to stretching/shrinking, excellent colour retention.
• Cons: Less breathable, may feel synthetic.
• Best For: Promotional sports bags, team duffels, low-to-mid price ranges.

Why Choose Polyester: Polyester balances performance and price, making it ideal for bulk orders or branded giveaways where cost control is important.

Nylon

Nylon is valued for its high tensile strength and resistance to abrasion.

• Pros: Extremely strong, more water-resistant than polyester, smooth texture.
• Cons: Can be more expensive, prone to UV degradation without treatment.
• Best For: Premium gym backpacks, outdoor sports bags, travel duffels.

Industry Tip: Many high-end sports brands use ripstop nylon to enhance tear resistance and longevity.

Canvas

Canvas, typically made from cotton or a cotton blend, offers a natural texture and casual aesthetic.

• Pros: Breathable, strong, can be waxed for water resistance.
• Cons: Heavier than synthetic materials, requires more care.
• Best For: Lifestyle sports bags, yoga totes, retro-style gym bags.

Trend Note: Eco-conscious buyers prefer organic or recycled canvas for sustainability credentials.

Leather

Leather is used in premium sports and lifestyle bags for its luxurious appearance and long lifespan.

• Pros: Extremely durable, timeless look, develops patina over time.
• Cons: Expensive, heavier, requires maintenance.
• Best For: Luxury gym bags, lifestyle sports totes, high-end brand lines.

Branding Advantage: Leather panels or accents can elevate the perceived value of a bag, even in hybrid material designs.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU is a flexible, waterproof, and highly durable material often used as a coating or full construction.

• Pros: 100% waterproof, lightweight, resistant to oil and chemicals.
• Cons: Higher cost, limited in style variations.
• Best For: Dry bags, swimming gear bags, outdoor adventure packs.

Use Case: Perfect for markets targeting water sports, fishing, and rainy climates.

Common Sports Bag Materials

How to Choose the Right Sports Bag for Your Market?

Choosing the right sports bag for your market means aligning material, size, design, features, and price point with your target customers’ needs. You must consider their sport type, lifestyle, brand expectations, and buying habits.

1. Understand Your Target Market Segment

Before selecting a design, clarify who will use the sports bag and for what purpose.

• Athletes & Sports Teams: Prioritise durability, branding space, and large capacity.
• Gym & Fitness Enthusiasts: Lightweight, compact designs with ventilation for sweaty gear.
• Outdoor & Adventure Users: Waterproof materials, reinforced stitching, multiple compartments.
• Lifestyle/Urban Buyers: Premium finishes, stylish designs, hybrid functionality for gym-to-office use.

Tip: Use surveys, customer interviews, or online trend analysis tools (like Google Trends) to identify emerging styles in your target demographic.

2. Define the Bag’s Primary Function

The primary use case will determine the technical specifications.

3. Select the Right Material for Performance & Brand Image

Your choice of fabric impacts durability, cost, and brand perception.

• Polyester: Best for affordability and bulk orders.
• Nylon: Premium choice for strength and outdoor use.
• Canvas: Eco-friendly and casual lifestyle appeal.
• Leather Accents: Adds luxury to lifestyle and fashion sports bags.
• TPU/PVC: Essential for waterproof performance.

Tip for Resellers: If targeting eco-conscious markets, opt for recycled polyester (RPET) or organic canvas.

4. Balance Design & Branding Potential

B2B buyers often choose bags that double as marketing tools.

• Large flat panels for logo printing or embroidery.
• Colour matching to team or corporate branding.
• Detachable badges or metal logo plates for premium lines.

5. Consider Pricing & MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)

Match cost structure to your target market’s price tolerance.

• Entry-level markets: Focus on cost-efficient polyester designs.
• Mid-tier: Mix nylon and premium features.
• Luxury: Small-batch leather or designer collaborations.

Sourcing Tip: Choose manufacturers like Szoneier who offer low MOQ customisation, so you can test multiple designs without overstock risk.

6. Evaluate Supplier Capabilities

A great design is useless without reliable production. Ask:

• Can they handle custom sizes, materials, and branding?
• Do they offer rapid prototyping and sample approval?
• Are quality checks performed at each production stage?
• Do they have global shipping experience?

Are Sports Bags in Style and Demand?

Yes, sports bags remain consistently in style and high demand due to the global growth of fitness culture, outdoor recreation, team sports, and travel. Their designs have evolved beyond purely functional gear into fashion and lifestyle accessories, appealing to a wider audience. From minimalist gym duffels to luxury sports totes, the market is expanding across price points. Seasonal trends, sustainability, and multifunctional use continue to drive sales, keeping sports bags relevant in both retail and wholesale sectors.

Why Sports Bags Remain Stylish in future

Sports bags are no longer just for carrying gear — they’ve become a statement accessory. Global style trends show:

• Hybrid designs that blend athletic function with everyday fashion.
• Premium finishes such as leather trims, metal accents, and custom colours.
• Streetwear influence, where sports bags are styled as casual daily carry.

2. Growing Global Demand

Demand for sports bags has steadily risen, influenced by:

• Boom in the health & fitness industry — Statista projects the global fitness market to exceed $140 billion by 2028, creating consistent demand for gym-related products.
• Increase in recreational travel — Sports bags double as travel duffels, appealing to the growing “weekender” and short-trip market.
• Rising team sports participation — From football to basketball, schools and clubs require durable, logo-friendly team bags.
• Corporate wellness programs — Companies order branded sports bags as promotional or employee wellness gifts.

3. Seasonal & Event-Based Sales Peaks

Sports bag sales often spike during:

• Back-to-school season (team sports equipment purchases).
• Pre-summer months (outdoor sports & travel season).
• Holiday gifting periods (premium sports bags as lifestyle gifts).
• Major sporting events (Olympics, World Cups, marathons).

4. The Role of Sustainability in Style Trends

Eco-conscious designs are gaining traction:

• Recycled polyester (RPET) sports bags appeal to environmentally aware buyers.
• Vegan leather accents attract style-focused customers avoiding animal-based materials.
• Minimalist, timeless styles encourage longer use, aligning with slow-fashion values.

According to McKinsey’s fashion report, over 60% of Gen Z consumers prefer brands that actively address sustainability.

Conclusion: Partner with Szoneier for Custom Sports Bags

Szoneier stands out as a reliable, experienced, and innovation-driven sports bag manufacturer with over 18 years in design, production, and global supply. Whether you need duffels, gym backpacks, or specialised sports bags,We offer OEM & ODM services, premium materials, low minimum order quantities, and free design support. Our integrated supply chain, rapid sampling, and strict quality control ensure every custom sports bag meets your market’s style, function, and durability requirements — helping your brand stand out while reducing time-to-market.

Contact us today to discuss your custom sports bag project and bring your ideas to life.