How to Pack a Gym Bag for Work

Seamlessly transition from office to gym with a perfectly packed bag. Stay fresh and organized with clear, compact storage solutions for work and workouts.

Exercising before or after a long day of work isn't always easy, but it can be well worth it for the physical and mental health benefits. Beyond mustering the energy and commitment to consistency, there can be logistical barriers.

Packing a gym bag like a pro is one way to streamline your routine. This means making sure you have the right set of clothes to change into and personal hygiene products to make the transition to work or back home smoother.

We're rounding up all our best tips for how to pack a gym bag for work, including selecting a bag, figuring out exactly what to bring, organizing your belongings, and ensuring everything is accessible and easy to find when you need it.

Choosing the Right Gym Bag for Work & the Gym

First, decide on a bag. This could be a designated bag that only holds items you use at the gym or workout studio. Or it could be a larger carrier, such as a duffel or weekender, that doubles as your work bag and gym bag. A versatile tote or backpack is another great option

In any case, make sure there's plenty of space for your workout clothes and any personal hygiene or getting-ready items you need afterward (store those in our clear toiletry bags). Ideally, your bag should have various compartments and pockets to keep things organized and accessible. If not, Truffle's bag organizers can help.

The bag should be lightweight and easy to carry but also polished and professional-looking so it's not out of place at the office. A bag that can fit all of your needs while being comfortable to transport makes a great all-day companion.

Packing for the Gym Before or After Work

When packing for your gym session, you'll need:

Workout Clothing And Gear

Make sure you have a clean, breathable, sweat-wicking outfit, including a top, bottoms, and socks. Unless you're doing barre, yoga, Pilates, or another shoeless workout, pack a pair of trainers too—in a separate compartment if possible.

Fitness Accessories

You'll also want to bring a water bottle and potentially a hair tie or headband to keep your hair in place and out of your face. Other items you may want to pack include a smartwatch or fitness tracker and a small sweat towel.

Packing Post-Workout Must-Haves

After your workout, you’ll want to freshen up and feel ready for the rest of your day—whether that means heading to the office or returning home. Here's what you might want to have:

• Shower and hygiene products: Some gyms provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, but if not, bring travel-sized bottles and pack them in a travel toiletry bag. You can also pack things like deodorant or body lotion and maybe flip-flops or waterproof shower shoes.
• Beauty and grooming essentials: This might include a brush or comb, hair-styling products, dry shampoo, face wipes, a few makeup items, and a mini perfume bottle. A clear makeup bag can help you keep everything visible and organized.
• Clothing items: Pack a fresh set of undergarments and wrinkle-free workwear that won't crease in your gym bag. If you're heading to the gym after work, consider whether you want to change back into your work clothes or would rather slip into something comfier, like a lounge set.

For jewelry, choose simple pieces you can wear to work and during your workout. Or bring a travel jewelry case to keep it tidy and tangle-free—just make sure your bag is secure in a locker any time it's out of your sight.

These are all part of your gym bag essentials—items that ensure you’re not scrambling before or after every session.

Keeping Your Gym Bag Organized & Fresh

Ahead, pointers for keeping your gym bag organized and fresh.

Use Separate Pouches for Different Items

Designated pouches and compartments are your friend when packing a gym bag. This will ensure you can find any item when you need it while keeping smelly gym gear away from the rest of your stuff.

Clear zipper pouches offer convenient visibility, while privacy cases can keep your personal belongings out of sight. You may want a small jewelry case, a makeup bag, a toiletry bag for shower and grooming essentials, and a water-resistant bag for your used gym clothes.

Keeping Your Gym Bag Office-Ready

As mentioned, some gym bags and weekenders have separate shoe compartments. If not, you might want to get a special drawstring bag for your trainers or use odor-absorbing pouches to prevent smells from wafting out of your bag when you open it at work.

When you get home in the evening, take your gym clothes out right away to prevent lingering odors, then wipe down and disinfect your gym bag so it stays clean and fresh. Also, take inventory of what's in there and repack, replenish, or reorganize your bag if needed.

Stay Organized With Truffle's Clear Bags & Bag Organizers

Useful, functional, and unexpectedly sleek, the travel toiletry bags, clear cases, and organizational pouches from Truffle are just the thing for packing your work and gym bag.

Build a bundle today based on your unique needs, and let Truffle keep you effortlessly organized.