As a team that's constantly travelling around the world, our editors have strong opinions when it comes to packing. A quality suitcase is a must, packing cubes are the secret key to travelling hand luggage only, and an organised wash bag is an absolute essential. The tricky part is pretty much every accessories brand, hotel and even airline has a wash bag now. Much like the mass of branded tote bags out there, the average bag tends to be a printed canvas zip-up pouch that can look nice but isn't that practical when it comes to travelling.
In our experience, the best way to choose the right travel wash bag depends on the kind of trip you're set to take.
For short trips: I love the ease of a clear case for stashing all of your essentials. Not only is it easy to find everything, but if you're travelling with only carry on luggage, a clear case avoids the need to unpack and repack your items into one of those plastic sleeves when going through security at the airport.
For long trips: Whether you're in one place for a long time or travelling around multiple destinations, hanging wash bags offer the feel of unpacking without having to actually unpack all of your products.
For beauty fans: Regardless of the length of your trip, if you're not one for travelling light consider investing in a cosmetic case, which are larger than your average wash bag and full of compartments and pouches to keep everything organised.
Cult Beauty Travel Organiser
Bagsmart toiletry travel bag
Beis The Cosmetic Case
The best clear wash bags
Medium travel bag
Why we like it: If you’re travelling for more than a couple of days, I use theSpace NK Large Travel BagsorMedium Travel Bags. They are brilliant for organising your wares into categories, and because they’re clear, it’s easy to find things fast. Anita Bhagwandas
Anya Hindmarch Logo Double Decker Makeup Pouch
Why we like it: This svelte wash bag has all the hallmarks of an Anya Hindmarch piece. Much like the brand’s clever in-flight bag, it’s been crafted to house all your essentials just so, with smart embossed labels for each compartment. There’s a roomy monogrammed nylon section, and a clear one for easy access to most-used products. Gold finishes and smart monogramming makes this an effortlessly chic buy that’ll work comfortably for trips of up to two-weeks in length.
Paravel mini Cabana cosmetics case
Why we like it: As one of the best luggage brands, Paravel clearly know what they're doing when it comes to packing. With a chic tonal design, this might not be one for airport security, but it is one of the chicest wash bags we've ever seen.
Classic wash bags
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H&M Large two-tiered wash bag
Why we like it: This is one of the roomier wash bags we rate, so it should be all you need to keep your personal care items safe throughout trips of up to two weeks. There are separate compartments for your makeup and skincare, along with additional pockets for brushes. Choose from four colours, or there’s also a clear version. At under £20, it’s a steal – and it would make a great gift for a frequent traveller.
Cult Beauty Travel Organiser
Why we like it: Because of the pockets. This sleek, unobtrusive wash bag packs in six side pockets, a separate hidden compartment and two main sections for bulkier products, making it as easy as can be to organise all your products abroad. A handle makes it easy to tote from suitcase to bathroom, and the PVC outer can be easily refreshed with a quick wipe down if needed.
For long trips: hanging wash bags
Bagsmart toiletry travel bag
Why we like it: After hours of research, Bagsmart Toiletry Travel Bag With Hook is the ultimate long-haul travel bag. It may look like any other wash bag, but it is the smallest details that make this a winner. The design ensures that it packs flat, even when it’s stuffed full, there are compartments for everything you’d ever need, and it has a hanger to save valuable space in the bathroom. It’s perfect. Anita Bhagwandas
Away Hanging Toiletry Bag
Why we like it: I recently took this on a two week trip where I stayed at three different hotels. I was travelling with my family and this made storing and organising all of our bathroom items a breeze. I particularly loved the bottom compartment which can be completely detached and has a sheer top so you can store all of your in-flight essentials and take it through security and onto the flight. Very clever. Lauren Burvill
Stackers hanging wash bag
Why we love it: While it's slightly more compact that the standard hanging wash bag, this is one of the few I've found that actually looks nice while still offering a decent amount of space and pockets. It also comes with a clear removable wash bag too that you can take on the flight. Lauren Burvill
For beauty fans: vanity cases
Steamline Vanity Case
Why we like it: Fans of Steamline’s vintage luggage pieces can complete their set with the brand’s sweet little vanity case. It’s on the pricier side, but what other wash bag doubles up as a handbag? Inside there’s a roomy main compartment for all your bits and pieces, along with a mesh bag to keep jewellery and hair ties easily to hand. This case can be attached to your suitcase with the passthrough band too–good for if you’re using it as an underseat cabin bag.
Beis The Cosmetic Case
Why we like it: Firstly, the colour – when it comes to brightly coloured luggage Beis is the best in the business. Inside there's plenty of storage and pockets including a very clever removable makeup brush holder with hidden magnets – a genius hack to avoid getting your brushes dirty or damaged. My favourite part though is the slip pocket with a removable mirror – ideal for when the lighting in your hotel bathroom isn't the best. Lauren Burvill
Vanity case in Panama
Why we like it: For a truly luxe option, this Smythson case is crafted in their signature Panama cross-grain leather and comes in three shades – black, pale blue and beige. Inside, there are two main zip-up compartments, as well as additional storage pockets, including ruched pockets and elastic straps to keep everything neatly in place. Lauren Burvill
