Tips for choosing the perfect toiletry bag
Our guide to toiletry bags
Whether it's a city trip, a short break, a business trip, or a trip around the world, one thing is always included on almost every multi-day excursion. No, we're not talking about a suitcase, backpack, or duffel bag, but rather that all-too-rarely-appreciated, practical travel companion: the toiletry bag ! Everyone has one, yet it's far too under-appreciated. Without this small, functional helper, we'd be pretty lost when it comes to packing. We'll tell you what the toiletry bag can do, where its name comes from, what shapes and materials it comes in, and, most importantly, what you should pack in it.
What is a toiletry bag?
The toiletry bag for men and women is a container for storing hygiene products. It's especially useful for traveling, storing washing and grooming supplies such as toothbrushes, shampoo, creams, and even cosmetics.
Where does the term toiletry bag come from and what synonyms are there?
Maybe you've already wondered why it's called a "toiletry" bag or "tote bag." We looked into this question and discovered that there's a plausible explanation for the origin of the term "tote bag." "Culture" comes from the Latin word "cultura," which can be translated as "processing," "cultivation," or "care." In this context, care refers to the care of one's own body. The name can therefore be seen as an abbreviation of the word "body culture." However, other names for the toiletry bag are not "body culture bag" or something similar. Rather, this practical travel companion is also known as a toiletry bag, wash bag, or necessaire. This word, in turn, comes from French and means "necessary." A toiletry bag is therefore a container for essential personal hygiene items.
What materials are toiletry bags made of?
Now that the storage artist's naming scheme has been clarified, let's take a closer look at the different materials used in toiletry bags. More specifically, the three most commonly used materials: polyester, cotton, and our favorite: the leather toiletry bag .
Toiletry bag made of polyester or nylon
Nylon or polyester toiletry bags are made of a type of fabric that is very tear-resistant. The threads used to make the fabric for the toiletry bags are made of synthetic fibers, colloquially known as "plastic." Because the material is woven very tightly, it is extremely durable and, to a certain extent, waterproof. Compared to other materials used for toiletry bags, polyester/nylon is relatively lightweight. Similar to "regular" cotton fabrics, polyester or nylon toiletry bags can be washed if they get dirty after a trip.
Cotton wash bag
Bags made of real cotton are usually somewhat more expensive than those made of synthetic fibers. The fabric for cotton toiletry bags is woven from real cotton fibers and is washable. However, unlike wash bags made of polyester or nylon, a real cotton bag isn't necessarily better. The tightly woven synthetic fibers actually make them more robust and waterproof than cotton bags. Therefore, cotton toiletry bags are more suitable for adults and business travelers who value high-quality design.
However, if you want a high-quality design and a stylish toiletry bag, you're best off choosing a leather toiletry bag. Leather toiletry bags for men and women look elegant and are in no way inferior to their fabric counterparts. Leather toiletry bags may be a little scratch-sensitive, but otherwise they are very robust and durable. The natural material leather is also splash-resistant and sustainable. External discoloration and scratches that occur during use can usually be removed with a suitable leather care product and give the brown leather toiletry bag a cool vintage character. To protect the high-quality material, leather toiletry bags are often lined with a fabric that repels makeup stains, for example, and can be cleaned. Our leather toiletry bags also have a cotton lining. You can also read how to best care for a leather toiletry bag for men and women in our leather care guide .
What different types of toiletry bags are there?
Broadly speaking, there are two different types of toiletry bags. The classic toiletry bag with a large compartment and possibly a few additional pockets. The foldable toiletry bag is also available. Naturally, both come in different sizes, and depending on the design, they are suitable for different types of travel. We'll explain more about this here:
1. Classic toiletry bags
cosmetic bag
The smallest and simplest toiletry bag is the cosmetic bag. As the name suggests, due to its size and compact volume, it's especially suitable for storing cosmetics. Makeup bags are small pouches that usually close with a zipper at the top of the bag and have few to no additional interior pockets. Leather cosmetic bags are very popular and are often made of soft, smooth leather.
Large toiletry bag
Unlike smaller cosmetic bags, larger toiletry bags also have several pockets and loops inside, allowing you to easily organize your toiletry needs. Classic toiletry bags are primarily designed for use on the vanity, sink, etc. However, most models now also have a hook or loop, allowing the bag to be easily hung up and carried when needed.
2. Hanging toiletry bag
Anyone who wants to save space when packing and likes to keep track of all their belongings will be very satisfied with a foldable toiletry bag. Just like classic toiletry bags, foldable models are available in a variety of sizes. But they all have one thing in common: the bags can be opened and closed and have compartments inside where everything you need can be easily organized. Because the toiletry bags have a hook for hanging, they can be hung anywhere and, when hung, are comparable to a shelf. Depending on the quality and size of the bag, it will have numerous compartments, nets, and loops that allow for separate, neat storage of toiletries. Folded up and securely closed with a zipper or buckle, the foldable leather hanging toiletry bag allows you to transport toiletries conveniently and space-savingly.
Leather toiletry bag - a high-quality gift for women and men
Now that we've learned so much about practical toiletry bags, it's clear to all of us that this little travel companion can do a lot and is a must-have for everyone. So if you're stuck for what to give your friends or partner for Christmas, Easter, or a birthday, why not give them a high-quality leather toiletry bag ? For example, you could give your partner a leather football toiletry bag for Christmas, which is the ideal toiletry bag for men . A beautiful toiletry bag for women is a beautiful cosmetic bag made of high-quality leather. This would be a suitable Easter gift for your mom or sister, for example. As a larger birthday gift idea for women or men, we suggest a hanging toiletry bag. This has plenty of storage space and immediately gets them excited for their next vacation.
This is what you should consider when buying and packing your toiletry bag
Buy toiletry bag
Which model and size you prefer is, of course, up to you. But to avoid making a mistake when buying your toiletry bag, there are a few things you can look for. First, you should look for the right material and high-quality workmanship. Loose threads or crooked seams upon purchase are clear signs of poor workmanship. These bags are unlikely to last very long and should be returned if possible. Models made of polyester and nylon are relatively water-resistant and lightweight. With the more elegant leather models, it is important to make sure they are made of high-quality genuine leather and can demonstrate a high level of quality. Black leather toiletry bags are somewhat more scratch-resistant than brown models. The same applies to the zippers on the bags; if they are not high-quality, they may not close properly, jam, or break quickly. Furthermore, it is useful to pay attention to the number and presence of loops and pockets inside the toiletry bag. This way, you can always carry your things separately and in an organized manner. Last but not least, for the sake of the environment, you should also consider the sustainability of the material used in your toiletry bag. Leather toiletry bags and wash bags made of recycled plastic are particularly good choices.
Toiletry bag in hand luggage
We all know that if you want to take something in your hand luggage, there are a few rules you should follow to get through check-in at the airport without any problems. There are many regulations that apply to packing your toiletry bag if you want to carry it in your hand luggage. The most important thing to remember: liquid cosmetic products may only be carried in containers with a volume of 100 ml. The total amount you may take with you may not exceed 1 liter. All liquid cosmetic products must also be in a transparent bag so that it can be removed and inspected by airport staff during security checks. You can use a resealable freezer bag, which you can buy at any drugstore. There are also special transparent toiletry bags that are ideal for flying with hand luggage. You must also note that you are not allowed to have any sharp objects, such as nail scissors or files, in your hand luggage. These must be placed in your large checked baggage or left at home.
Pack your toiletry bag correctly
Last but not least, here are two tips for packing your toiletry bag:
No matter how tightly the shampoo and facial toner bottles are sealed, sometimes the liquids burst during transport and contaminate the entire toiletry bag. While this is bad enough, if you also have electronic devices, such as razors, in your bag, trouble is inevitable. It's therefore a good idea to place containers containing liquids in a plastic bag to protect your toiletry bag and devices from potential spills.
If you're staying in a hotel, you can often skip bringing some liquids and a nail file with you in your toiletry bag, as many hotels provide items like shampoo, moisturizer, and nail kit for their guests in the bathroom. Additionally, toiletries can be purchased almost everywhere at supermarkets, so if you want to use as little space as possible with your toiletry bag, just bring your favorite toiletries and buy the rest on-site.
What goes into the toiletry bag?
Now that we've covered everything important about toiletry bags, the only question that remains is what to pack in it. We've put together two toiletry bag packing lists that are especially suitable for vacations or short trips.
Toiletry bag packing list
- Toothbrushes/dental care products
- Hair shampoo and conditioner/treatment
- Hairbrush/comb
- Hair ties/hair clips
- Shower gel/soap
- Body care cream/oil
- Face cream/sunscreen
- First aid kit (headache tablets, anti-diarrheal tablets, plasters and necessary medications)
- cotton swabs
- nail sets
- tweezers
- Deodorant and perfume
- Razors and shaving foam
- Sewing kit (emergency kit)
- Insect protection
- prevention
- earplugs
- Menstrual hygiene
- pocket mirror
- Make-up (as needed)
- Make-up/powder
- Mascara
- Eyeliner/Kajal
- lipstick
- nail polish
- Make-up remover with cotton pads