Foldable, rolling, and chic laundry hampers are possible
Cai Cramer is a shopping writer at PEOPLE.com with 2 years’ experience in journalism and digital media. She regularly tests the best and buzziest products in the beauty and lifestyle spaces and has researched and written about moisturizers, blow dryers, clothing, and luggage, among many other popular products. Picnic Hamper Basket
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Everyone does laundry — apparently even Kim Kardashian — and the first step is rounding up your dirty clothes. If you're in the market for a new hamper or basket, we've got you covered. But which one should you choose?
"It really depends on your habits, so be mindful of where you set clothes on a daily basis," says professional organizer Laura Bostrom of Everyday Order. She recommends hampers made of soft materials (or at least with soft linings) that won't snag your fabrics. They should also be easy to move around and, ideally, stylish.
To help you narrow down your choices, we rounded up functional, durable, aesthetically pleasing options of various sizes and styles. We also put some of our favorite laundry baskets and laundry hampers to the test to see just how easily we could carry or maneuver each one from the bedroom to the laundry room. From lidded woven containers and braided baskets to collapsible, rolling, and easy-sorting models, you'll find it all here.
Check out the best laundry hampers and baskets below.
Handwoven design has down-to-earth appeal
Looks elegant in any room
Doesn’t have a liner
Your idea of the perfect hamper is likely different from the next person's. But if we could only recommend one, we're confident Pottery Barn's Tava Hamper would be an all-around hit. It's handwoven from rattan, a naturally durable material with a down-to-earth appeal that's still plenty modern.
As Bostrom notes, a cloth liner would be ideal for preventing snagging, so we docked it a few points for missing that. And while this hamper's cut-out handles make it easy to carry, a removable liner would also allow you to transport your loads to the washer without moving the entire basket, which weighs 8.5 pounds when empty. But you can always buy one separately.
The Tava Hamper is versatile enough to complement a range of decor schemes, and the lid offers a tidy, streamlined touch. It also comes in a double-wide version with dual compartments for those who like to pre-separate their darks and lights. The price is a bit steep, but with Pottery Barn, you can count on quality.
Dimensions: 27 x 16 inches | Material: Rattan | Color(s): Natural
Three handles, so you can carry multiple ways
If you’re anything like us, you might have assumed that all plastic laundry baskets are functionally the same. Well, we’re here to tell you that our lab testing definitively proved that all laundry baskets are not created equal — and this one is truly the best of the best.
The feature that truly sets this basket apart from the rest is the third handle on the side of the basket, which makes it easy to carry laundry on your hip if you need to free up your other hand. An extra handle might seem like a small addition, but it makes all the difference when it comes to carrying your laundry comfortably. We stuffed this laundry basket to the brim and towed it up and down two flights of stairs with ease. And when we were done using the basket, we simply folded down the basket, which collapses to be near-flat, and easily stored it in the back of the closet.
Each set comes with two fully collapsible laundry baskets, so you’re actually paying about $23 per basket, which feels like a steal. The one point against them is that they’re not the most aesthetically pleasing baskets, so if you’re looking for something that looks pretty sitting out in your room, you might not like these. But if you’re on the hunt for a sturdy, well-designed laundry basket, we can’t recommend this highly enough.
Dimensions: 23 x 18 x 10.5 inches | Material: Polypropylene | Color(s): Grey, black, dark blue, light blue, pink, red, green, purple, white
At-home assembly takes a bit of extra time
Interested in a more wallet-friendly design? This lidded laundry hamper is an excellent choice. Made of bamboo and Oxford fabric, it's super lightweight (under 3 pounds) but sturdy enough to resist toppling over when stuffed full of clothes. We didn't test this option, but this laundry hamper is worth the money based on its materials, look, and positive ratings.
Thanks to four detachable support rods, it's also collapsible. You can fold it flat within seconds and stash it away to save space if needed. While there's no removable inner bag, the cut-out handles make this hamper easy to carry. Just a heads up, you'll have to assemble it at home.
Dimensions: 25.5 x 16 x 13 inches | Material: Oxford fabric, bamboo | Color(s): Black, gray
Three different compartments for sorting laundry
Design is sturdy and elegant-looking
Not meant to be carried up and down stairs
Massive loads of laundry call for a massive laundry basket — but that doesn’t mean it has to be unsightly. This wheeled laundry sorter from Better Homes & Gardens can handle three large loads of laundry without breaking a metaphorical sweat and looks good while doing it. The three compartments are also great for separating lights, darks, and colors or sorting three different people’s laundry loads. It's also useful for keeping your favorite sheets separate from your clothes.
In our tests, the wheeled basket easily rolled across our laundry room floor. We also appreciated the wheel’s stoppers, which can securely lock two of the wheels so that the laundry doesn’t roll away from you while you load and unload. Each of the three laundry baskets is made from cotton fabric that dried quickly when splashed with water.
Because it’s so wide, this laundry sorter would be cumbersome to carry up and down stairs, so we recommend keeping it in your laundry room for clothes-sorting if your home has multiple floors.
Dimensions: 34 x 17 x 34 inches | Material: Cotton, steel | Color(s): Grey
Collapsable bin takes up limited space
Sleek design with four wheels
Though you may go through mountains of laundry a week, you might not have the space to store a massive laundry basket. That’s why we were particularly fond of this one from Amazon — even with a hefty dirty pile that included two outfits (plus our favorite women's pajamas) every day, this laundry basket fit it all. Once we were done with our load, the basket easily collapsed down to the size of a couple of records stacked on top of each other.
Did we mention that this basket also has wheels?! That’s right, this collapsible bin also has wheels. We also loved the mesh liner that can be zipped over the top of the basket to prevent laundry spillage. Though it does have one small leather strap, we’d much prefer if the basket featured at least two substantial straps. But that might compromise the clean, minimalist design, which we’re also big fans of. So if you need to carry this bin up and down stairs, it might be difficult with just one handle strap. But overall, this collapsible basket is a well-designed and well-priced option.
Dimensions: 16 x 8.5 x 27.5 inches | Material: Fabric | Color(s): Dark grey, light grey, grey linen, light blue, navy blue, pink, white
Slightly cumbersome to carry up stairs
Rolling laundry baskets can help take the grunt work out of doing laundry (and save you from back pain!). The Sterilite Hamper is lightweight yet felt sturdy during our testing. The two wheels rolled easily when pulled, which is probably the most important factor that we look for in a rolling laundry bin. It’s made from sturdy plastic with ventilation holes on the side to prevent damp, dirty clothes — your favorite workout sets after a gym session comes to mind —from smelling up your closet.
We found that the basket can comfortably hold about two loads of laundry, which might be otherwise cumbersome to carry, but because of the wheels and convenient pull handle, transporting heavy laundry loads feels easy in this basket. If you do want to lift the bin up, the side handles make that easier. We also love that this bin comes with a flip-top lid that can be lifted off when you’re ready to load your laundry machine.
Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 29 inches | Material: Plastic| Color(s): White
Doesn’t have a bag
Yamazaki makes our favorite foldable option. Available in white or black, the Tower Laundry Hamper has a steel frame and a cotton liner. The sturdy, utilitarian design weighs less than 5 pounds and supports up to 11 pounds.
The liner isn't removable (though Yamazaki also makes a version with a removable bag). However, the frame collapses, allowing you to carry the whole thing one-handed.
Dimensions: 25 x 14 x 12 inches | Material: Steel, cotton | Color(s): Black, white
Fit two full loads of laundry
Stands upright on its own
Doesn’t have a longer strap for carrying over the shoulder
There are many benefits to using a laundry tote over a basket — they can squish to fit into small spaces, they can stretch to fit more clothes, and they’re sometimes even easier to carry. We were able to fit two full loads of laundry into the Better Homes & Gardens Laundry Deluxe tote and still found it easier to carry up and down stairs than a traditional basket.
Made from a pretty white canvas, this laundry tote with printed gray lettering has a certain country-chic vibe that looks adorable sitting out in any bedroom. The two plastic ring handles feel sturdy in hand, and the tote’s flat bottom allows it to stand upright, even when packed with clothes. The one thing we’d change about this laundry tote is the lack of a long strap, which would be helpful to sling the hamper over your shoulder for longer journeys to the washer. But overall, we’re huge fans of this extra large, elegant tote (and the price is shockingly reasonable!).
Dimensions: 43 x 21.5 x 64 inches | Material: Polyester, Cotton, EVA handle | Color(s): White
Durable with thick canvas liner
Not meant to be carried up and down stairs
Interested in a rolling unit? Check out the Elevated Laundry Basket from Steele Canvas Basket Corp. It has an industrial-grade steel frame with durable caster wheels and a thick canvas liner that folds securely over the top. We were pleasantly surprised with this laundry basket’s quality during our test, noting that the frame feels sturdy and the wheels glide with ease. We opted for the dark green basket, which was a beautiful addition to our laundry room.
This hamper comes in a handful of tasteful hues and five sizes, including a double-wide option with a separator for pre-sorting clothes. If you need a bin that can be easily carried up and down stairs, then this heavy rolling bin might not be right for your needs. But overall, we think this elegant bin is worth the investment, and we imagine that it’ll continue to perform well for years to come.
Dimensions: 5 sizes available | Material: Steel, canvas, vinyl | Color(s): Gray, olive, khaki, navy, natural
Wedge-shaped design fits snugly in corners
Paper construction might not be good for humid or moisture-prone areas
If you have corner placement in mind for your laundry bin, the Brightroom Tapered Hamper might be just the thing. The wedge-shaped design fits into nearly any corner, allowing you to make the most of your available space.
Its braided paper frame is certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), and the canvas liner is conveniently removable. But due to the paper content, we wouldn't recommend this hamper for bathrooms and other moisture-prone zones.
Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 14 inches | Material: Braided paper, canvas | Color(s): Natural
Not as structured as we’d like
Jute is another incredibly strong plant fiber. And since it regrows quickly after harvesting, it's also considered a renewable resource. If you're a fan of the material, you'll appreciate this laundry basket from H&M.
The undyed design is woven from 100% jute braided ropes. In lieu of a lid, it has a built-in cloth cover that cinches closed with a drawstring. This hamper doesn't have as much structure as rigid designs, but if that doesn't bother you, it's a stellar choice.
Dimensions: 21 x 14 inches | Material: Jute | Color(s): Natural
Sleek design doesn’t look like a laundry hamper
Perforations in stainless steel prevent moisture from being strapped
Industrial-modern look isn’t everyone’s taste
You might also consider a metal design, like the Household Essentials Round Laundry Hamper. It's made of stainless steel and features square-stamped perforations to prevent moisture from getting trapped while offering a decorative touch.
This piece also has a wooden lid and a removable fabric liner with handles, so you won't have to lug the whole thing around on laundry day. If you like the industrial-modern look, it's a prime choice.
Dimensions: 23 x 14 inches | Material: Stainless steel, wood | Color(s): Silver
Removable mesh bags are machine washable
If you like to pre-sort your darks and lights before laundry day, this one's for you. The Hennez Laundry Basket has two compartments, each with a removable mesh bag you can haul to your washing machine. The bags are also conveniently machine-washable.
This double hamper has a bamboo frame and ventilated fabric walls with a water-repellent coating. Not only that, but it boasts a generous 140-liter capacity and folds up flat for easy storage.
Dimensions: 26.5 x 22.5 x 15 inches | Material: Bamboo, fabric, mesh | Color(s): Off-white
Comes with a removable canvas liner
Doesn’t have a lid or wheels
If you like having a designated towel hamper in your bathroom or near your pool or hot tub, go with the Iron Storage Barrel from The Container Store. The classic wire design is made of vinyl-coated iron for rust resistance in humid, moisture-prone environments.
It also has a handy removable canvas liner. But if you're using it explicitly for towels, you could even go without the liner. Unless you prefer hampers with lids or wheels, you really can't go wrong.
Dimensions: Not listed | Material: Iron, canvas | Color(s): Black/white
Beautiful design and color options
Doesn’t come with a lid
The Seagrass Essential Hamper from Hawkins New York comes in several design-forward colors. We're talking mustard yellow, soft rose, olive green, and eggshell blue, plus neutrals like black and white.
As the name suggests, this clothes hamper is woven from natural seagrass, an exceptionally durable and stain-resistant material. It doesn't have a lid, but if that's not a deal-breaker, we say buy it.
Dimensions: 22 x 17 inches | Material: Seagrass | Color(s): Mustard, olive, rose, mint, natural, black, white
Not enough space for adults
For kids' rooms and nurseries, we like the Langyashan Collapsible Basket. The simple design is made of canvas and features a waterproof coating for protection from stains and soiled baby linens.
There are 45 adorable designs to choose from, ranging from cute animals and mermaids to outer space and dinosaurs. At such an affordable price, you might consider getting multiple for laundry, toys, and extra blankets.
Dimensions: 18 x 16 inches | Material: Canvas | Color(s): 45 patterns
The first thing to consider when buying a laundry hamper is the size. It should hold about a week's worth of dirty clothes, if not more. Couples and those who like to pre-sort their darks and lights might want to look for something with two or more compartments, such as the Hennez Laundry Basket With Lid.
A durable design is vital. Your laundry hamper should be made of sturdy materials, so it stays upright when stuffed full of clothes. Be sure to note the weight capacity before buying one. Depending on the material, some large models may not support as much weight as you'd think. Plastic tends to be a pretty sturdy material that’s commonly used in laundry baskets and hampers, but it also might not be as visually appealing as materials like bamboo or cloth.
Last but not least, you'll want to look for a hamper that complements your home design. This may not be as important for one that's concealed in a closet or laundry room, but ideally, the material, color, and style should mesh with the rest of your decor. If minimalist neutrals are your vibe, then our best overall pick from Pottery Barn would be a perfect addition to your room decor.
To find out which laundry baskets and hampers were truly the cream of the crop, we tested 30 of the best-selling products in our homes. We loaded these baskets and hampers up with dirty clothes to see how they stood up to the trials of our real-world laundry processes over a two-week period.
We rated each laundry basket and hamper based on how easily we could carry them up and down stairs, the amount of laundry they could hold, ease of storage, design, and durability. We also researched other highly-rated laundry baskets and editor favorite picks, and in the end, we came away with a list of the best laundry baskets and hampers to make doing laundry a breeze.
"Hampers should be a soft material or have a lining that won't snag clothing," says Bostrom — or other items like silk and satin sheets. If the primary material isn't particularly soft (such as rattan, bamboo, or jute), look for one with a fabric liner. "It also needs to be light enough to carry to the laundry space."
Some people use the terms interchangeably. However, a laundry basket is generally for transporting laundry from one place to another, such as bringing clean clothes from the dryer over to the folding area. A hamper, on the other hand, is for collecting dirty clothes and household linens until it's time to wash them.
Bostrom recommends thinking about where you typically undress at the end of the day, whether it's in your closet, bedroom, or bathroom. "I switched things up and moved our hamper from the bedroom to the bathroom," she says. "This created a better flow for our lifestyle and habits — and fewer piles of clothes on the floor."
Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and product reviewer specializing in home design, storage solutions, and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed Laura Bostrom professional organizer ar Everyday Order, then researched standout laundry hampers for every style, preference, and budget. Cai Cramer updated this list with tested insights from the PEOPLE Tested team.
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