In the old days, my toiletry bag was a Ziploc bag. It held my toiletries, and prevented them from spilling into my suitcase. Eventually, I moved on to an actual toiletry bag, and I’ve never looked back.
Today there are many types of toiletry bags. They are great for travel, but that’s not their only use. They can also prevent your bathroom counter from becoming cluttered, and they allow you to find what you are looking for easily.
These days, I use a toiletry bag for my makeup at home. When I travel, I have a larger toiletry bag that accommodates all my toiletry items.
It may seem like a minor detail, especially when you are planning for a trip. However, a toiletry bag can make your life, and travel, easier and more organized.
Small Toiletry Bags
Small toiletry bags are great for short trips, or everyday use. I use a small toiletry bag for my favorite makeup. No more searching for eyeliner at 6 am!
These typically meet TSA restrictions as well, making them great choice for airline travel. They take up little space, so you’ll have no guilt about putting them in your carry on.
1. Mesh Travel Pouch
A mesh travel pouch offers simplicity and easy visibility. You’ll be able to see all your items inside the pouch. Because they are mesh, they can also be brought into the shower. This makes them great for storing travel size bottles of shampoo and conditioner, so you aren’t at the mercy of the hotel.
If this sounds like the best toiletry pouch for you, check out this pouch from Sea Team 6.
Pros:
- Small size takes up little space
- Easy to see items
- Can get wet
Cons:
- Doesn’t prevent spills into luggage
- No privacy
2. Clear Toiletry Bag
Clear toiletry bags allow the contents of the bag to be visible. While this may make you blush, depending on its contents, they are typically TSA compliant.
They do prevent any spills from leaking into your luggage, which is a problem that occurs all too often.
If the standard clear bag cramps your style, you can also find them with colorful designs. These still allow the contents of the bag to be visible, while adding a little fun.
If you are interested in this type of toiletry bag, Packism is a great choice.
Pros:
- Tsa compliant
- Small size
- Leakproof
Cons:
- Contents are visible
- Lacking style
3. Mini Cosmetic Case
If you are a total minimalist, or prefer to keep your favorite makeup items separate from your other toiletries, consider the mini cosmetic case.
These are solid cases that will hold your most important items. They can easily fit into your luggage, or even your purse.
They don’t offer spill protection, but they will keep your makeup items, organized and safe.
Pros:
- Fits in luggage or purse
- Easy to carry
- Protects important items
Cons:
- Not leakproof
- Small capacity
4. Mini Pouch
A mini pouch is another option if you only need a small toiletry bag. They typically have a zipper opening, and a small carrying handle that can slip around your wrist.
They are not as user friendly as most types. The top zipper opening means that you’ll have to look through the pouch to find what you need. Of course, they have a small capacity, so it isn’t terribly difficult to find things.
Pros:
- Takes up small amount of space
- Light
- Feminine
Cons:
- No spill protection
- Zipper opening can be inconvenient
Medium to Large Toiletry Bags
Medium to large toiletry bags are great for most trips. If you plan on traveling for more than a few days, you’ll need the capacity. They are also ideal if you are packing for more than one more person.
5. Hardcover Case
If you want maximum protection for your toiletries, consider a hardcover toiletry case. As the name suggests, they are made from stiff or hard materials. These keep your items safe inside.
Their structure means they don’t need to be placed in your luggage either. It’s safe to carry them separately, giving you more room in your suitcase. They typically have a carrying strap for this purpose.
Some, like this Tanto case, even have adjustable dividers. This allows you to customize the case to your needs.
Pros:
- Provides protection for toiletries
- Waterproof
- Great for makeup
Cons:
- Hard to fit in a suitcase
6. Large Mesh Toiletry Bag
A large mesh toiletry bag is a great way to carry your toiletries. It provides plenty of space, and it can be brought into the shower.
However, it doesn’t protect against spills, and it isn’t great for organization. It lacks the pockets that many toiletry bags provide.
In addition to working well for travel, it’s also great for the gym and the beach.
If this sounds like the bag for you, check out Moyad.
Pros:
- Large size
- Great for shower items
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- No storage compartments
7. Barrel Toiletry Bag
Sometimes rounds is just better. A barrel toiletry bag allows you to place your items inside the barrel shaped bag with mesh pockets and elastic bands.
Once you have your items inside, simply close the drawstring. This closes the bag, hiding all your toiletries inside.
When you want to use it, just open the drawstring. Your toiletries will remain upright and easy to find.
The other advantage of a barrel bag is they are typically lightweight yet sturdy.
If barrel bags are your style, Narwey offers a great one. It’s available in large and small sizes.
Hanging Bags
Hanging toiletry bags are a great option for toiletries. They make it easy to find what you need, when you need it.
Hanging bags are designed to fold down, to reveal each compartment. They have a hook, typically similar to a clothes hanger, on the top for hanging.
You can hang them on a shower rod or a hook. This allows you to access your toiletries easily, without taking up space on your vanity.
8. Expandable Toiletry Bag
An expandable hanging bag will provide extra storage when you need it. They offer the convenience of hanging bags, while maximizing capacity. This is great if you need to bring some larger items.
If you are interested in this type of toiletry bag, check out TravelGenixx. It also has a clear toiletry bag and a mesh bag for wet items.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Expandable
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Capacity can make the bag heavy
9. Purse Style Hanging Bag
Looking for an attractive toiletry hanging bag? The purse style might be the best option for you. They offer the advantages of a hanging bag, including easy access to your items.
However, many toiletry bags aren’t particularly attractive, which is where the purse style comes in. They look great, and can even be carried similar to a purse.
Since it’s attractive and functional, you may find yourself using it for more than just toiletries. It can be used for craft supplies, or even your lunch, in addition to toiletries.
If you want to learn more about this type of toiletry bag, check out Bago. They are waterproof, and offer plenty of rooms for all your necessities.
Pros:
- Easy access to toiletries
- Attractive
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Takes up more space than smaller bags
10. Compact Hanging Toiletry Bag
Most hanging toiletry bags are fairly large, but there are also plenty of compact options. These will hold your essentials. They are small enough to fit in your suitcase or carry on.
Despite their small size, they still offer the easy access of a hanging bag. You’ll have a space for travel size bottles, makeup, and other toiletries.
If this suits your needs, consider the travelon bag.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Small convenient size
- Compartments
Cons:
- Small capacity
11. Hybrid Hanging Toiletry Bag
This bag gives you the best of both worlds. It functions as an extra large hardcover toiletry bag, with plenty of compartments that open for easy access.
In addition, the top flap of the bag has a hook, so it can be hung as well. This allows you to use it either way.
If you are looking for a bag with a large storage capacity, you should consider this one. It offers a shoulder strap for easy carrying.
Boacay is a great option if you want this style of bag. It offers lots of individual leak-proof compartments, and will keep your items upright. This is a feature most toiletry bags lack.
Pros:
- Keeps toiletries upright
- Hybrid style
- Leakproof compartments
Cons:
- Large size can be bulky
- Too large to easily fit in luggage
Mens Toiletry Bags
Most of the bags on this list are unisex, but they are typically geared towards the needs of women. Men tend to carry different types of toiletries. They also have different style preferences.
If you are looking for a masculine toiletry bag, check out these great options.
12. Men’s Leather Toiletry Bag
Leather is a classic that never goes out of style. It’s a traditional appearance that many men love. Today’s PU leather is water resistant, which makes it a perfect choice for a toiletry bag.
This type of bag makes it easy to keep your favorite toiletries organized. They are typically spill proof as well, so you won’t have to worry about your luggage getting ruined.
This leather toiletry bag from Elviros has a wet/dry compartment on the outside. This prevents wet items from getting items on the inside wet.
Pros:
- Classic style
- Easy organization
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Large interior compartment can make it difficult to find smaller items
13. Men’s Shaving Bag
Men’s shaving bags are designed to hold all your shaving and toiletry essentials. They are typically waterproof, and fit easily in your luggage.
The Bagsmart bag has lots of holders on the interior compartment. This can help you stay organized and find your items easily.
Pros:
- Fits in luggage
- Stylish
- Plenty of capacity
Cons:
- Large compartment can be difficult to manage
14. Satchel
A toiletry satchel is another classic style that’s popular with men. It has the added advantage of a hanging handle which can make it easy to carry or store.
They typically include several pockets, as well as a large interior compartment. Most include a hard bottom. They can easily be packed into a suitcase, or carried by themselves.
If this sounds great, check out the Vorspak satchel.
Pros:
- Storage pockets
- Waterproof
- Stylish
Cons:
- Can become heavy
Choosing the Best Toiletry Bag Made Easy
One reason there are so many toiletry bags today is because people have vastly different needs. You may be a person who prefers to travel with only the very basic necessities, or someone who can’t leave the house without bringing a large stash of makeup.
Size is certainly an important consideration. You’ll want a bag big enough to hold all of your toiletries. However, smaller bags are easier to pack. If you are packing for a family, consider a large bag that can be carried individually.
You’ll also need to think about your organizational preferences. Are you an “everything has its place” type of person? You’ll want a bag with lots of separate compartments or holders for different items.
If you take a looser, just toss it in approach, a bag with a large interior compartment, like a men’s shaving bag, might be the best.
Next, consider how you are going to use the bag. Will you have plenty of counter space? A hard shell bag might be the best. These can easily sit on your vanity or counter.
However, if space is at a premium, a hanging bag is a must. It allows you to hang the bag, while still accessing all of your important items.
Want something that you can grab and hop into the shower? A mesh bag is the way to go. They are also ideal for the pool or beach.
In other cases, you may want a bag that is waterproof or leakproof.
Lastly, consider the dreaded TSA. If you plan to bring toiletries in your carry on, you’ll need to be sure it’s TSA compliant. Instead of going over the regulations yourself, choose a bag that states it’s TSA compliant.
