String bags
The gym bag that closes with two cords acting as straps: perfect for carrying a rolled-up outfit and a pair of trainers, made from washable cotton and quick-drying polyester. Ideal for short trips to the gym or the pool.
A drawstring bag, also known as a gym bag, closes with two cords that serve as straps. It weighs almost nothing, folds into a pocket, and is suitable for short trips: sportswear, dance shoes, swimming gear. However, it offers no protection from anything, neither rain nor impact.
The drawstring bag, a lightweight option for the gym
It fits a rolled-up outfit, a pair of soft trainers, and a flat water bottle. Beyond that, the cords dig into the shoulders, as the whole load is borne by two strings. It's perfect for trips between the changing room and the class, for dance sessions, or after swimming, but not for a weekend or a workshop.
Cotton, polyester, or nylon for a cord bag
Cotton is machine washable and absorbs moisture, practical for the gym but less so for a wet towel. Coated polyester dries quickly and rinses easily, suitable for swimwear. Ripstop nylon resists tears. Look at the metal eyelets at the bottom: that's where the fabric gives way first when the cord pulls on a single point.
What a drawstring bag can carry without straining the back
Flat and wide cords distribute the load better than round strings, which pinch the skin right from the first flight of stairs. A padded back prevents a shoe loop from pressing through the fabric. For daily use, a zippered pocket on the front keeps keys and phone safe, which would otherwise end up at the bottom with the shoes.
