As lifestyles become increasingly multifaceted, the design of sports bags is evolving to meet demands beyond the gym, incorporating functionality for office, travel, and leisure. Recent offerings from several luxury and contemporary brands demonstrate a shift toward versatile, stylish bags that can seamlessly transition between different environments.
British brand Bennett Winch exemplifies this trend with its Sport Holdall, which integrates practical features such as twin external racket pockets, a removable waterproof shoe pouch, and a padded laptop compartment accommodating devices up to 16 inches. Robin Winch, co-founder of the company, described the design challenge as blending functionality without compromising aesthetics. “The challenge wasn’t adding features. It was making them disappear,” he said, emphasizing the objective to create a bag that performs well while maintaining an understated appearance.
Paris-based house Berluti takes a slightly different approach, emphasizing fluid movement with its Fly Bag, crafted from piuma calfskin. A company spokesperson explained that the design intent was to produce a companion that feels natural with the wearer’s motion and is suited to an active, on-the-go lifestyle. The bag aims to bridge the gap between leisure and athletic use without sacrificing elegance.
Similarly, Luca Faloni’s canvas holdall reflects a less technical but equally versatile mindset. The brand’s founder noted that traditional gym bags often lean toward overtly sporty designs, while their holdall offers a softer silhouette and a spacious interior suitable for both business trips and early morning training sessions.
For those who prefer to travel lighter, Dunhill’s Bourdon 40 offers a refined alternative. Made from salt-and-pepper textured canvas with nappa calf leather trim, the bag incorporates subtle nods to the brand’s motoring heritage, including steering wheel-inspired stitching and a reed-patterned padlock reminiscent of Dunhill’s 1924 Unique lighter.
Craftsmanship remains central for established makers like England’s Ettinger. Their Hurlingham bag combines durable, stain-resistant cotton drill canvas with leather trim and internal padding, a design strategy that underscores the bag’s robust and distinctive character. Robert Ettinger, who leads the family business founded in 1934, highlighted the product’s standout qualities in a competitive market.
On the high-fashion end, Louis Vuitton’s Keepall Bandoulière 50 continues to be a symbol of style, notably favored by footballer Jude Bellingham. The bag’s Damier Graphite canvas has helped it become a modern classic, representing a blend of luxury and sporty sophistication.
Environmental considerations also play a role in the new wave of sports bags. Prada’s Re-Nylon duffel bag, made from ECONYL® yarn—a material produced entirely from recovered ocean plastic waste—addresses sustainability without sacrificing performance or design appeal. This eco-conscious approach reflects growing consumer demand for products that combine style with environmental responsibility.
As fitness routines and work habits continue to intersect, the evolution of the sports bag speaks to a broader lifestyle trend emphasizing versatility, quality craftsmanship, and increasingly, sustainability.