Best Toiletry Bags for Women: Top Picks for Style and Function
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A fabulous outfit for every day of the trip? Check!
Versatile accessories to mix and match? Check!
Comfortable shoes for all-day adventures? Check!
Travel-sized beauty essentials? Not just yet!
Before checking this box off as well, you must find the perfect toiletry bag to keep everything neatly organized. Failing to do so could turn your perfectly curated travel essentials into a chaotic mess in no time. Instead of savoring your trip, you'll be scrambling to find that elusive lipstick or untangling a hair tie throughout your journey.
To make traveling fun—and efficient—use this guide to find the best toiletry bag for women and ensure your beauty essentials are always within easy reach.
Top Picks for Best Toiletry Bags for Women
Go with one of these toiletry bags, and you’ll be ready to take on the world wherever you go.
Canvelle Toiletry Bags
Road trips. Overnight stays. Work conferences. There are so many different occasions for which you might need a toiletry bag. That’s why Canvelle offers dozens of different options to choose from. And guess what? We can't pick just one as the best toiletry bag for women. Each of these handy masterpieces will be your loyal companion. Your only task is to find the sizes, color options, and designs that best fit your lifestyle.
Away Large Toiletry Bag
Is light packing not really your thing? If so, the Away Large Toiletry Bag might be the perfect choice. Although the bag looks compact, it can actually hold quite a few travel essentials (and then some!). Made of water-resistant nylon and equipped with three interior compartments, this bag is durability and convenience personified. But beware—while it's marketed as a large toiletry bag, it can’t fit most full-size toiletries.
Aer Travel Kit
The Aer Travel Kit 2 bag stays true to its name. It’s highly portable, compact, and packable. Plus, you can hang it to save space and allow easy access to your travel kit. Thanks to the CORDURA ballistic nylon construction, the bag will retain its shape even when squished in your carry-on luggage. Though it looks petite, the Aer Travel Kit can pack quite a few travel-size products, including deodorant, a small electric toothbrush, and perfume.
LINE+ARC Waterproof Toiletry Bag
The LINE+ARC Dopp Kit is all about keeping your toiletries dry on wet surfaces (e.g., bathroom sinks). That’s why it’s fully waterproof and rather bulky. Though the bulkiness might pose a problem for some travelers, others will embrace the level of protection it brings, as well as the spacious design that comes with it. If you’re always in a hurry, you’ll especially love the wide-open mouth on this silicone bag. Thanks to this design, no personal item will be able to escape you for long!
Béis The Dopp Kit
Since it first appeared, Béis has taken the travel world by storm. That’s why it shouldn’t be surprising that the brand’s Dopp Kit has made it onto our list. This toiletry bag is ideal for overpackers who are always looking for that extra space. The easiest way to think of it is as three average-size toiletry bags in one! That’s because this bag offers you a large main compartment and an extra bottom compartment for all your travel accessories and cosmetics.
Gravel Explorer MINI Toiletry Bag
Are you always on the go and dislike being tied to material possessions? If so, we’ve got just the bag for you! The Gravel Explorer Mini Toiletry Bag is a minimalist’s dream come true. It’s exceptionally compact and can fit into virtually any bag you might decide to carry, even small crossbody bags. Of course, this also means that longer trips with this bag alone might be challenging.
Bellroy Dopp Kit
Another compact staple, the Bellroy Dopp Kit, has got you covered on (and off) your trips. This sleek bag features a water-resistant interior that's ideal for keeping everything spic and span. There are also some bonus features full-time travelers will especially appreciate, such as the magnetic toothbrush sleeve, which provides quick access to your dental care gear (and snaps it out of your way even quicker).
Osprey Ultralight Roll Organizer
The Osprey Ultralight Roll Organizer stands out among other bags on our list for its unique foldable design and highly compact exterior. Choose this toiletry bag if you prefer having a portable shelf that you can carry with you wherever you go. The durable construction will ensure your products stay safe, whether folded or hung up, while the multiple pockets will allow you to stay organized every step of the way.
Peak Design Small Wash Pouch
Staying true to the brand name, the Peak Design Small Wash Pouch offers a world of convenience. A hanging hook, rubbery mesh partitions, and wide access—all are features designed to keep you organized on the go.
Away Small Toiletry Bag
If you loved the Away Large Toiletry Bag but found it too big, we’ve got good news. You can find the exact model in a smaller size! This stylish toiletry bag has all the advantages of its bigger counterpart—clamshell opening, water resistance, and multiple interior compartments—but in a more compact, travel-friendly size.
What to Look For in a Toiletry Bag
Let’s be honest—toiletry bags rarely make it to the top of the priority list when shopping for the next trip. Women are more frequently focused on what goes inside the bag: the skincare essentials, makeup must-haves, and all those little beauty tools that keep you looking fabulous on the road. But while it might be tempting to toss everything into the first black tote bag you find, the right toiletry bag can truly be a game-changer. Choose wisely, and you’ll bid farewell to frantically digging for your favorite lipstick, spilling shampoo all over your clothes, or struggling to find those few tiny bobby pins or hair ties.
But what does “choosing wisely” even mean for toiletry bags?
Read on, and that’s precisely what you’ll find out.
Capacity and Size
Sure, this guide has been mostly focused on crafting the perfect toiletry kits for travel. However, the truth is you might need a toiletry bag for virtually any other occasion—from organizing your gym essentials to keeping your daily skincare routine in order at home.
And even if you are packing for a trip, there are many different kinds of trips you can take. A long vacation. A quick weekend escape. A work trip. A spontaneous overnight stay.
But why does it matter what you need your toiletry bag for?
It’s simple, really. The purpose of the bag directly influences its desired capacity and size.
If you’re planning a week-long vacation, you’ll need a larger toiletry bag to accommodate all your skincare and beauty products. For a quick weekend getaway, a compact and lightweight option will suffice. Likewise, if you’re using the bag for the gym or daily use, you might want something in between—spacious enough to fit your essentials but not overly bulky.
While there’s no official chart for different sizes and capacities, they can usually be broken into three categories:
- Small: Approximately 5 to 8 inches in length and 3 to 5 inches in height; can store up to 60 fluid ounces.
- Medium: Approximately 9 to 12 inches in length and 5 to 7 inches in height; can store up to 120 fluid ounces.
- Large: Approximately 12 to 16 inches in length and 7 to 10 inches in height; can store up to 240 fluid ounces.
Keep in mind—the larger the toiletry bag, the more space it will take up in your luggage. Plus, if you’re flying with only a carry-on, remember to account for TSA regulations and restrictions.
Material and Durability
There’s no doubt about it—your toiletry bag will endure a fair amount of wear and tear. Whether it’s tossed into an overhead compartment, jostled in your suitcase, or subjected to an occasional spill, the material and durability of your bag are crucial factors to consider.
In this regard, there are three critical boxes to check. You want to find a material that’s durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean.
The most common materials that fit this description are nylon, polyester, and durable canvas. If aesthetics is a major factor for you, consider investing in a leather toiletry bag. However, keep in mind that this bag—like all other leather products—requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Similarly, if you’re looking for a more affordable toiletry bag, you can also consider silicone. It might not be as durable and sophisticated as leather, but it will get the job done for a fraction of the cost.
Organization and Compartments
Choosing the right size of your toiletry bag is just the beginning. The next step is checking how well it organizes your essentials. Otherwise, storing your products in toiletry bags will be no different than tossing them in large tote bags and struggling to find what you need amidst a jumble of items.
So, what’s the ideal organization setup for a toiletry bag?
Again, it depends on your specific needs.
Generally speaking, having multiple compartments, pockets, and adjustable dividers can never hurt. With these handy additions, you’ll know where each of your toiletries is at any time.
Do you want to take your organization to the next level? If so, look for additional features like removable pouches, mesh pockets, elastic loops, and hanging hooks.
Removable pouches allow you to separate items you need quick access to, while mesh pockets increase your visibility. It’s all about speed and efficiency! As for elastic loops, they keep smaller items securely in place, preventing them from shifting or getting damaged. razors, which could wreak havoc on the inside of your bag (and your fingers!)
Portability and Design
While the outside of a toiletry bag might not be as important for organization as its interior, it undoubtedly plays a key role in your overall travel experience. A well-thought-out exterior ensures easy handling, while a stylish and functional design keeps you looking sharp.
But what does a “well-thought-out exterior” entail?
Again, there are a few boxes to check. You should aim for a toiletry bag that’s compact, lightweight, and has a slim profile for easy packing. Check these boxes, and packing for a trip won’t turn into a game of "eeny, meeny, miny, moe" of what to leave behind.
If portability tops your list of priorities, pay attention to additional features like hanging hooks and handles. With hanging hooks, you can save some precious bathroom counter space (especially in cramped rooms like hotel bathrooms) and easily access your toiletries with no rummaging needed. Just hang your bag on doorknobs, towel racks, or bathroom bars, and you’re good to go! As for handles, they ensure easy carrying and maneuvering, whether you’re grabbing your bag from the overhead compartment or the bathroom sink.
Tips for Choosing the Right Toiletry Bag
If you need a quick rundown on the most important considerations when choosing the best toiletry bag for women, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to keep in mind:
- Consider the primary use of your toiletry bag (e.g., travel, gym, daily use).
- Decide on the necessary capacity and size based on its primary purpose.
- Choose a durable, water-resistant, and easy-to-clean material.
- Look for additional features that enhance organization and accessibility.
- Don’t forget about the style! Select a design that best fits your personal aesthetic.
Packed and Ready
With a few right choices before the trip, you can take all the stress out of this process and only focus on making the best memories. Choosing the best toiletry bag for women is undoubtedly one of these choices. Armed with the information from this guide, you can’t make a wrong choice (as long as you keep your individual needs in mind!).
Best of all?
This guide is only the beginning. Subscribe to our newsletter for more product recommendations, or read our other articles on travel essentials and accessories to become a travel pro in no time. While we have you here, please do share your experience and preferences regarding toiletry bags in the comments section below. We can all learn a lot from each other!
FAQs
What is the difference between a toiletry bag and a dopp bag?
Essentially, a dopp bag is just a specific type of toiletry bag. It’s typically smaller, made of leather, has a more refined look, and stores travel essentials like grooming kits.
What is the best material for a toiletry bag?
The best material for a toiletry bag is one that’s durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. This leaves you with options like nylon, polyester, and silicone.
How do I choose a toiletry bag?
Choose a toiletry bag based on your needs and preferences, and you can never go wrong. This means letting the purpose of the bag dictate its size, internal organization, and overall design.
What bag should I put my toiletries in?
The best bag to put your toiletries in is the Canvelle toiletry bag. Whether packing your travel toiletries in your suitcase or everyday essentials in your black crossbody bag, these bags have got you covered both in style and practicality.