How to choose your toiletry bag?

(Updated October 8, 2026)

A toiletry bag is one of the essential items that every traveler must carry when traveling. But how to choose the right one? How can you be sure to choose the toiletry bag that meets your needs?

That's good, we've answered this question and know exactly how to choose a toiletry bag.

There are many toiletry bags. To know how to choose the right one, you have to take into account several characteristics such as the size, design and even the material of the toiletry bag.

In this article, we will answer the questions that you probably asked yourself while you were looking for the perfect model for your vacation. Also find our complete guide on what size toiletry bag to choose.

Choosing a toiletry bag that meets your requirements will be child's play and you will know perfectly what criteria to take into account before buying yours.

Let's look at it straight away. continued.

I - Why use a toiletry bag ?

Using a toiletry bag is a practical necessity. It provides a functional way to carry your toiletries in one place when traveling or traveling.

Using a toiletry bag can help you save time choosing your favorite shampoo or cream without having to search for hours in your suitcase.

If you don't have a good toiletry bag to store your shaving products, everyday toiletries or cosmetics is shooting yourself in the foot. Let us explain.

A toiletry bag spacious, but sufficiently compact helps you store your toiletries in one place, but also prevents your belongings from scattering and getting mixed up with the rest of your luggage.

As you will have understood, a toiletry bag is an essential when you decide to pack your luggage for an upcoming trip, whether short-term or not.

Let's now take a look at the factors you need to consider when choosing a toiletry bag.

II - The size of the toiletry bag

In principle, travelers always think that a small toiletry bag is perfect for their trips. However, this concept does not always work well. Indeed, depending on the length of your stay or whether you are traveling with family, the toiletry bag may not be able to carry all the things you need.

Therefore, you must choose a toiletry bag whose size is adapted to the number of days you spend traveling or the number of people accompanying you. (especially if you are traveling with your children)

In addition, depending on the number and type of toiletries you are taking, you will have to choose from several sizes.

1- The family kit

It allows you to group your family's toiletries in one place. Discover our selection of large family kits.

The advantage is that your family can travel without having to carry too many toiletry bags.

The disadvantage, it goes without saying, is that if it gets lost, everyone loses their toiletries. We still wanted to reassure you, this only happens very rarely.

Its dimensions are generally between 30x15cm or 25x15cm for a standard size. There are obviously larger models such as "suitcase".

A typical toiletry bag family has at least 5 compartments accompanied by pockets designed to accommodate a variety of bottles, tubes or flasks from all members of the family.

2- The toiletry bag simple

This is the toiletry bag classic for those who intend to travel alone and just want to pack the basics. You can choose between a toiletry bag simple (with one compartment) or a multi-pocket pencil case, as long as it has enough space to store your hygiene products.

A little tip for carrying your favorite products without bringing large bottles is to use travel-sized bottles. They will allow you to save space in your toiletry bag.

III - The material of the toiletry bag

Just like the size criterion, the material is also an important point to take into account when choosing a toiletry bag.

We recommend that you choose a toiletry bag whose materials have the following characteristics: durable, waterproof and easy to clean.

Some of these materials could be plastic, water-resistant fabric, leather and canvas. However, nothing is perfect, each of them has advantages and disadvantages, so it is up to you to choose.

To help you, we have given you a short summary of the characteristics of each.

1- toiletry bag in plastic

A toiletry bag transparent is easy to clean, water resistant and transparent. It is perfect for traveling abroad. However, it fades easily if you carry it under the sun. In other words, you have to be careful not to expose it too much to UV rays to prevent it from yellowing.

Plastic is one of the materials most often used for toiletry bags, because as it is transparent, it allows easy inspection at the airport.

2- toiletry bag waterproof

The most popular material for a toiletry bag ! It's durable, waterproof, with countless colors and styles to choose from. Some even have cool patterns that give the kit a more modern look.

Be careful, however, not to overdo it with water and exposure to the sun. The combination of the two risks drying out your pencil case and it may tear or crack with age.

3- The toiletry bag leather

If you're looking for high-end style, you can't go wrong with leather.

The toiletry bag leather is very durable, easy to clean and very trendy.

However, it can be damaged if it gets wet. More than a classic toiletry bag , you will need to take care of it. We also give you all the details for cleaning your toiletry bag in this article.

4- toiletry bag in fabric

This material is probably considered the most famous among the other manufacturing materials of toiletry bags, because it is sold everywhere, in all styles and all colors.

We nevertheless recommend that you keep the toiletry bag in fabric away from liquids or at least try as much as possible not to spill liquid inside at the risk of completely wetting your essentials and your products.

IV - The design of the toiletry bag

There are countless choices of toiletry bags styles that you could consider. These designs are determined by the number of pockets, compartments or the design of the toiletry bag itself.

We can therefore easily divide the toiletry bag into three main categories in terms of organizational capacity. Each of them serving different purposes and product types.

1- toiletry bag multipockets

If you are planning a trip with a lot of small things, you should choose a toiletry bag which has different pockets. This type of toiletry bag can help you store bottles, tubes, small beauty accessories, etc.

Of course, there are pencil cases of different sizes and shapes that you can choose according to your needs and organization.

2- toiletry bag classic 1 compartment

The toiletry bag single compartment is a simple pencil case, which, when you open it, offers a large compartment without separation. This is the perfect model if you tend to carry a lot of bulky items that don't fit in smaller compartments, like full-sized shampoo bottles.

Because it's designed with one large main compartment, it takes up very little space in a backpack or suitcase. In addition, this type of toiletry bag is compact which allows it to be easily taken wherever you go.

3- The toiletry bag suspended (toiletry bag rollable)

If you tend to carry lots of toiletries of all sizes, the toiletry bags hanging are perfect for organizing a wide variety of items. They can even be used at home if you have a small bathroom.

It usually has several pockets for several items, however, it is quite compact since it can be rolled up into a single shape, which will save you space when you put it in luggage or a backpack.

The great advantage of this model as we saw a little above, is that it has a hook, which allows it to be easily hung in a bathroom or elsewhere.

V - toiletry bag and plane

Is your toiletry bag accepted at the airport? Consult our complete guide toiletry bag by plane to find out everything about the rules to follow.

In other words, it is an organization responsible for checking whether or not what you bring is authorized on the plane.

So, why not get yourself a toiletry bag transparent approved which meets the standards in force?

The biggest advantage of a toiletry bag which meets the standards is that you can prepare it in the greatest calm without worrying about the fact that it does not "pass" safety checks.

VI - Ease of cleaning

Last factor to take into account when choosing your toiletry bag : Is it easy to clean?

Naturally, you will do your best to ensure that everything is packaged with care. Unfortunately, when traveling, the likelihood of things spilling sometimes cannot be avoided.

The toiletry bag with waterproof lining and backing are not only easy to clean, but they also dry quite quickly. For the others, we will think in particular of a toiletry bag in leather, we agree that cleaning is a little more delicate. Understand by this that it does not go into the washing machine. Consult our article how to wash a toiletry bag for all our advice.

So take this criterion into account when you choose your toiletry bag. Are you more interested in beauty, design and resistance or do you prefer ease?

VII - The checklist before buying

• The size : small for a weekend, medium for a week, large for a long stay or a family.
• The waterproof lining : essential, whatever the outer material.
• The compartments : zipped pockets for small objects, elastic to keep bottles standing.
• The zippers : strong and well sewn, they prevent the case from opening in the suitcase.
• The handle or hook : to carry it easily and hang it in the bathroom.
• The weight : a lightweight model, especially if you travel in cabin luggage.
• The price : a quality kit lasts for years and is often less expensive than a model that needs to be replaced each season.

Are you unsure about the format? Read our guide what size toiletry bag choose, and for her, our advice for choosing a toiletry bag woman.

VIII - Choose your toiletry bag

As you have seen, to find a toiletry bag that suits you, you must take into account certain criteria.

With all the advice that we have given you, you know exactly how to choose your toiletry bag and which model is most suitable for your needs.

At Sogaïa, we are aware that it can sometimes be complicated to find the perfect toiletry bag among the quantity of models available on the market, this is why we have selected for you a collection of the best toiletry bags of the moment.

Discover it right away by clicking on the image below.