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When I open my suitcase to pack for a trip, the first thing that goes in is my (admittedly numerous) wash bags.
To me they are one of the most important items I can pack alongside my travel pillow, travel mug and of course, trusty sleep mask for some shut eye
I always pack at least two washbags, with one dedicated to my makeup and the other filled to bursting with shower items – shampoo, conditioner, body wash, you name it.
This has always proved to be a foolproof system – until now. After sampling expandable and hanging designs that eliminate the need for multiple bags, I don’t think I could ever go back.
Here, I’ve reviewed and rated some of the best wash bags from high street brands such as Boots and M&S, as well as prestige brands including Bellroy.
There are options for all types of travellers, including more typical designs, luxurious picks and purse-friendly buys.
And with a hint of sunshine approaching, many of these wash bags would be excellent travel companions for your summer holiday.
Best wash bags for travel at a glance
How we test
Here, I’ve reviewed and rated some of the best wash bags from high street brands like Superdrug and M&S, as well as luxury brands like Bellroy
When testing these wash bags, I looked for style, space, size and durability to get a true measure of how they stack up.
I ranked toiletry bags from a variety of retailers across price points to see whether a higher price tag equates to better quality.
Along with information provided by the supplier or retailer, I paid close attention to the design of the bag and looked out for tell-tale signs of corner-cutting like loose threads or jumpy zips.
You can read more about our testing methodologies across all product categories.
The best travel wash bags to buy in 2026
1. Best overall: Victoria Green Emma 3 in 1 Hanging Wash Bag
This three-in-one wash bag allows you to store everything in one place, while still being organised
Hanging wash bags are a new concept to me, but I feel like my packing has been revolutionised ever since
Victoria Green Emma 3 in 1 Hanging Wash BagProduct SpecsMaterialPU vegan leatherDimensionsH 20 x W 25.5 x D 8.5 cmWaterproof?YesWhat we love
CompartmentsThere are lots of compartments to keep toiletries organised
Three-in-one useThis wash bag can be used in three different ways
Range of designsThere is a wide variety of designs to choose from, as well as customisation
Review
Reviewed by Marti Stelling
Hanging wash bags are a new concept to me, but I feel like my packing has been revolutionised ever since.
When I go away (even for short trips), I normally have multiple wash bags with shower items, makeup and accessories.
This three-in-one wash bag allows you to store everything in one place, while still being organised.
One of the features I love most about this bag is the fact that two of the compartments can be removed by poppers and used as separate wash bags. This means you can carry everything as one wash bag while travelling and separate them when you get to your hotel room.
You could even use one of the separate clear bags for liquids at airport security.
There is a surprisingly deep zipped section and pockets beneath the compartments, allowing maximum storage. This section could be useful for medication.
The see-through hanging design means you can hang it on a hook and clearly see everything inside.
At almost £40, this wash bag is definitely an investment.
This would make a great gift for a frequent traveller who (like me) likes to pack all their worldly goods when they go away.
There are lots of colour options to choose from, including designs for men, and you can personalise the bag with initials, which is a lovely touch for gifting.
2. Best variety of designs: SMUG Wash Bag
This wash bag is a very generous size and would fit everything needed for a long trip
SMUG Wash BagProduct SpecsMaterial100% PolyesterDimensions25 x 13 x 17cmWaterproof?YesReview
Reviewed by Marti Stelling
This wash bag is a very generous size and would fit everything needed for a long trip.
The waterproof material feels very durable, making it a great option to keep items together by the pool or beach.
When unzipped, there is a large, single compartment inside.
The handle on the side of the bag is handy for grabbing on the go.
There is a huge variety of patterns to choose from, making it a great gifting option.
You can also buy shower caps and eye masks in matching designs, allowing you to coordinate your travel accessories.
3. Best for a long trip: Yvonne Ellen Wash Bag
This wash bag has a really fun design and is very large, meaning it would fit all your toiletries for a trip
Yvonne Ellen Wash BagReview
Reviewed by Marti Stelling
This wash bag has a really fun design and is very large, meaning it would fit all your toiletries for a trip.
Inside, it has one large compartment and a small pocket in the lining, which could hold individual items like hair ties or clips.
This would be a good option for somebody who has a lot of toiletries to bring, as long as they don’t mind the lack of compartments.
The wash bag is very sturdy and stands upright. When you’re not using this for travelling, it would be great for storing toiletries in your bathroom.
This would make a lovely gift option for a holiday lover, especially with some toiletries inside.
4. Best on the high street: Superdrug Vanity Cosmetics Bag
For the price point, this Superdrug wash bag is a great option and would keep your toiletries together for the trip
Superdrug Vanity Cosmetic BagReview
Reviewed by Marti Stelling
I was first drawn to this wash bag for the design, which would make a great gift for astrology lovers.
There is one large compartment inside, as well as a section for storing makeup brushes.
I would classify this as a medium-sized wash bag, which would fit toiletries for a trip of a few days to a week.
For the price point, this is a great option and would keep your toiletries together for the trip.
While it would be nice to have a zipped compartment, the makeup brush storage is a nice touch.
5. Best luxury on a budget: Coconut Lane Expandable Makeup Bag
As a mid-range option in terms of price point, this wash bag offers luxury without the price tag
Coconut Lane Expandable Makeup BagProduct SpecsMaterialPolyesterDimensionsH 18 x W 28 x D 15cmWaterproof?YesReview
Reviewed by Marti Stelling
As a mid-range option in terms of price point, this wash bag offers luxury without the price tag.
It comes in a beautiful chocolate brown colour with a quilted design.
My favourite thing about this bag, aside from the design, is the fact that there are poppers on the side which expand the bag. This makes the wash bag great for both a short getaway or a longer trip.
Inside the bag there is one large compartment with a zipped pocket and two smaller pockets.
My only qualm is that it would be nice to have more compartments for organisation.
One of the things I love about this brand is that they sell various items in matching designs, so that you can coordinate your travel accessories.
For example, you can also buy an iPad case and laptop bag in this chocolate brown, quilted design.
This would make an excellent gift, especially when paired with the matching tech cases.
6. Best hanging wash bag: Stackers Hanging Travel Wash Bag
The Stackers wash bag is very large and would definitely fit everything you need for an extended trip
Stackers Large Hanging Travel Wash BagProduct SpecsMaterialFaux LeatherDimensionsH 25 x W 26 x D 14.5cmWhat we love
CompartmentsThis wash bag comes with lots of different sections and pouches
DesignThe quality and design of this wash bag feel very luxurious
Colour optionsThere is a wide range of colour options
Review
When I was writing this buying guide, I got asked multiple times if Stackers would be on the list.
Their wash bags exude luxury and look as though they should be in Meghan Markle’s bathroom, not my battered handbag!
This bag comes in lots of different colours with blushed gold hardware.
Even before opening it up, it is a very large wash bag and would definitely fit everything you need for an extended trip.
The bag features a faux leather exterior, elasticated internal pockets and multiple zipped compartments.
It is large enough to hold full-size shampoos and conditioners and features a hanging hook for easy access.
It also comes with a clear, removable pouch which can be used for airport security or storing makeup.
I recognise that this item has a high-end price tag and won’t be accessible to everyone. However, the product displays an excellent attention to detail and is beautifully finished.
7. Most practical wash bag: Fjallraven Kanken Toiletry Bag
This Fjallraven toiletry bag has a traditional wash bag design and is made from a durable, waxed fabr
Fjallraven Kånken Toiletry BagProduct SpecsMaterial65% polyester (recycled), 35% cottonDimensionsH 16 x W 23.5 x D: 10cmWaterproof?YesWhat we love
DurableThis bag is made from a durable, waxed fabric
CompartmentsThere are five pockets, including a mesh zipped compartment
Review
Reviewed by Marti Stelling
Fjallraven is a brand synonymous with quality and the outdoors.
This toiletry bag has a traditional wash bag design and is made from a durable, waxed fabric that would hold up well on a camping trip.
It’s a mid-size option with five pockets, a handle and a tag for you to write your contact details in case you misplace it.
It comes with a luxury price tag, but considering the quality, this is likely an item that will stand the test of time.
Because of its smaller size and simple design, it would be a good option for men.
While I’m not sure I could justify the price tag, the brand has a huge following that will attest to its quality.
8. Best high-end: Bellroy Hanging Toiletry Kit
Bellroy Hanging Toiletry KitProduct SpecsMaterialRecycled Dura WeaveDimensions18 × 25 × 7.5 cmWater resistance?YesWaterproof?NoReview
Reviewed by Marti Stelling
At £75, my expectations for this product were very high.
The wash bag comes in four muted colour options and is made from recycled plastic PET bottles, industrial nylon offcuts and fishing nets.
It has plenty of compartments, including a shelf for larger products, a hygienic toothbrush compartment and a Spacious lower compartment that closes with a magnetic snap. It can be hung up or folded out flat for easy access.
The design is very chic and would make a great gift for somebody who enjoys both practicality and luxury.
It comes with a three-year warranty and a water-resistant, wipe-clean interior lining.
9. Best for short trip: M&S Medium Faux Leather Cosmetic Bag
This wash bag is deceptive in that it seems small from the outside, but it opens up to reveal three generous sections
M&S Medium Faux Leather Cosmetic BagProduct SpecsMaterial100% polyurethaneWaterproof?NoReview
Reviewed by Marti Stelling
This cosmetics bag is deceptive in that it seems small from the outside, but it opens up to reveal three generous sections.
The design is made from faux leather for a practical yet stylish finish and opens wide with a zip fastening.
Not just for make-up and toiletries, the three compartments and insert pocket can keep any small item neatly together.
However, one flaw in the design is that, once opened up, there is a small bag between the dividers where items could fall out.
10. Best for teenagers: Boots Hanging Bag
At just £10, this is a very affordable option for a hanging wash bag with multiple compartments
Boots Hanging BagProduct SpecsDimensionsH 20 x W 20 x D 9 cmWaterproof?NoWhat we love
PriceAt £10, this wash bag offers great value for money
CompartmentsThis wash bag has zipped compartments to keep items organised.
Review
Reviewed by Marti Stelling
At just £10, this is a very affordable option for a hanging wash bag with multiple compartments.
When zipped up, it folds into a neat cube-shaped bag which fits nicely in a suitcase.
It has a pretty floral design and opens up to reveal two zipped pockets, a large main compartment and three mesh pockets.
It has gold hardware, including the hook, which makes it feel more high-end than it is.
In terms of the wash bag’s design, I think it would benefit from a handle for carrying. The zip is sometimes a little bit jumpy and I have already noticed some loose threads after my first use.
I think this would make a lovely present for a teenager or tween, especially with Christmas coming up.
It has plenty of space for cosmetics and has a fun design while still feeling ‘grown up’.
While it’s not my favourite of the hanging wash bag options, I think it is a great option for the price point.
11. Best for camping: Passenger Recycled Drop Wash Kit
Described by the supplier as ‘the perfect van or camp accessory’, this wash bag has a very practical design
Passenger Drop Recycled Wash KitProduct SpecsMaterial100% Recycled PolyesterDimensionsUnfolded length: 48cmReview
Reviewed by Marti Stelling
Described by the supplier as ‘the perfect van or camp accessory’, this wash bag has a very practical and almost militaristic design.
Once unbuckled, it opens up to a hanging design with three compartments, including one which can be removed by poppers.
The bag comes in six colours and is made from recycled fabric.
While the design isn’t my favourite, I think it would be a great option for people who favour practicality.
12. Best men’s wash bag: Decathlon Travel Wash Bag
Decathlon Forclaz Travel Wash BagProduct SpecsMaterial100% PolyesterDimensionsUnfolded length: 63cmWaterproof?NoReview
Reviewed by Marti Stelling
This hanging wash bag comes with a handy mirror inside, which is not something any of the other bags feature.
On the Decathlon website, it is labelled as an ‘expedition essential’ for camping.
It has a very practical design and would be a good option for a ‘no fuss’ traveller.
With more than 1,000 reviews and an overall 4.8-star rating on the website, the mirror and hanging hook set it apart from others.
It opens up to reveal two compartments for storing toiletries and has a carbon grey and bronze brown design.
It also comes with a two-year warranty, which provides assurance that it will stand the test of time.
Our verdict
If I were to buy any wash bag on this list, it would be the Victoria Green Emma three-in-one Hanging Wash Bag.
It is at the higher end of the price range but the fact that two of the compartments can be detached and used separately means it can be used for a variety of trip lengths.
I also believe that the Stackers wash bags are worth the hype, despite the higher price tag.
If you’re on a tighter budget, I don’t think you can go wrong with the SMUG Wash Bags, which come in a huge variety of designs.
FAQs
Can you put a wash bag in the washing machine?
Whether you can put a wash bag in the washing machine depends on the material it is made of.
Materials like cotton, polyester and nylon can normally be machine-washed using a low temperature.
Always check the care label and if the bag has leather, embellishments, or a rigid frame, it’s best to wash it by hand or wipe clean.
For machine washing, use a delicate or normal cycle and consider using a mesh laundry bag to protect it.
Air dry on a line or flat surface and stuff it with paper or a towel to maintain its shape.
What is the best material for a toiletry bag?
After testing dozens of wash bags, I have found that materials like polyurethane faux leather, which is water-resistant and can be wiped clean, is the most practical.
Materials like nylon, polyester or oilcloth are also good choices for durability and practicality.
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly option, bags made from recycled nylon or polyester give new life to existing materials.
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