The Best Drawstring Bags for Everyday Use

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For when a regular backpack is too much.

Drawstring bags became prominent in the mid-80s due to their simple, spacious design. A pouch with drawstrings was a game changer at the time because it offered the functionality of a backpack without the bulkiness. The style became a favorite of schools and sports teams and brands because they were easy to manufacture and slap a logo on.

With fashion's need to reinvent, the drawstring bag has received several redesigns. Most modern iterations play into that '80s and '90s nostalgia or the ever-popular sportswear trend. Over the years, due to their flexibility and durability, drawstring bags became a mainstay for athletes and students. They have room for just the essentials, so are an excellent option for gym lovers and minimal bag lovers.

Material: Recycled polyester

Colors: 1

The North Face, known for creating durable, warm outerwear, also sells accessories and bags. The brand’s Bozer Cinch Pack has a side zipper external storage pocket for extra storage on top of the bag’s deep main compartment. The bag has a top handle as well that makes carrying it a breeze when you don’t feel like wearing it on your back.

Material: Polyester

Colors: 5

The Nike Heritage Drawstring Bag is an affordable, lightweight option with a spacious main compartment. For those who like to store their phone in a bag, there’s a small side zipper pocket to secure your small items.

Material: Canvas, calf-leather

Colors: 1

Saint Laurent has been known for its cool Parisian aesthetic permeating fashion since the early 1960s. The canvas drawstring bag features a handle, and other fixtures, made out of calf leather, and has Saint Laurent’s name etched across it in black. This is a great option for the high-fashion lover who still wants a bag with functionality.

Material: Polyester

Colors: 6

Under Armour’s Undeniable Sackpack has two external zipper compartments to tote big and small items. It uses UA’s Storm technology to create a highly water-repellant shell that can withstand all the elements. Also, a tough TPU-coated bottom panel extends to the bag's front for extra durability.

Material: Polyester

Colors: 31

Perhaps one of the most popular options on the list, Adidas’ Unisex Alliance 2 Sackpack comes with an external zippered pouch and has an easy cinch design. This one comes in 30 colors, making it one of the most color-versatile options, and each one comes with Adidas’ signature three-stripe emblem.

Material: Recycled polyester

Colors: 5

Lululemon’s Lightweight Gym Sack is for gymgoers. It’s water-resistant and has an external pocket to secure your valuables, while the interior pocket can hold some of your smaller items.

Material: Nylon

Colors: 2

Gaining inspiration from L.L Bean's Anorak parka jackets, the Mountain Classic Drawstring Pack was made for adventuring. It incorporates a fun retro design and adjustable straps for an eye-catching option that perfectly plays into the nostalgia trend. Also, it’s water-resistant and has light padding on the center back for extra comfortable carrying.

Material: Polyester, cotton

Colors: 3

This option from Uniqlo doubles as a drawstring bag and a shoulder bag for maximum versatility and feels reminiscent of the popular crossbody bag silhouettes of the early Aughts and 2010s. It can carry everything you need during your day-to-day, and it’s lined to increase the bag’s durability.

Material: Polyester

Colors: 3

For the gym lover who always leaves behind their water bottle, or worse, their phone, Gymshark’s Sharkhead Gymsack is at your rescue. The Gymsack has a classic drawstring design and an external water bottle sleeve for an extra helping hand. Keep in mind that this drawstring bag isn’t machine washable, so it’s best to wipe it clean.