As one of the more underrated luggage essentials, the humble wash bag often gets overlooked and replaced by the likes of a clear plastic airport bag or, even worse, a leftover supermarket carrier bag (sacrilege). Yet, with such a great variety of bags available on the market, there’s zero excuse to subject your toiletries to such treatment.
A wash bag that’s equal parts stylish and functional should live alongside your suitcase, weekend bag, and gym bag as another trusty travel companion - gone are the days when you’d survive on your toothbrush and toothpaste.
When it comes to schlepping around your aftershave, moisturiser, hair styling products and face masks in tow, you’ll need a more robust receptacle that’s good on the inside and out.
When you’re not using it to perk up your packing experience, you can keep it in your bathroom to help with some cabinet storage or counter organisation. Just make sure to keep it stocked with all of your grooming go-tos so you can throw it in your case at the drop of a hat for any last minute trips that crop up.
From minimal, functional options by luggage brands Away and Horizn Studios, to more fashion forward designs by the likes of Burberry and FPM Milano, we’ve put together an edit of the best that will suit every taste and budget.
Shop our favourites below
Best weekend bags for men from Rains, Gucci, Paul Smith, and more
Best suitcases 2022: Top luggage brands reviewed
Best linen shirts for men in summer 2022
Best shampoos for men tried and tested: From anti-dandruff to combatting thinning
Best perfumes for men: 14 long-lasting fragrances to obsess over
Best face masks for men’s skincare 2022, from 111SKIN to Aesop
Rains Weekend Wash Bag
Cut from their signature waterproof rubberised fabric, Rains’ wash bag is true to its minimal Scandi brand identity.
With a four litre volume, there’s ample space for all of your grooming goods, and when you’re not using it to its full capacity, side buckles compress the size so you’ll be able to fit it into even the smallest of carry-on suitcases.
Coming in four versatile muted shades, there’s an option to go with any luggage collection.
Buy now £39.00, Rains
Burberry Vintage Check Travel Pouch
Designed in Burberry’s iconic check print, the luxury brand’s wash bag is one for the fashion lovers out there.
With smooth leather trims and polished metal hardware, it’s an elevated design which is reflected in the £420 price tag. The timeless vintage appeal means it would look as good stashed in a classic Globetrotter as it would stowed in a sleek Rimowa.
A wash bag for life.
Buy now £390.00, Harvey Nichols
Away The Hanging Toiletry Bag
Professionals in travel luggage, Away knows what the man on the move needs.
Ideal for anyone who wants to keep their toiletries in check, the toiletry bag offers three zipped compartments and a small hook so you can hang it on a door or wall to save space in even the titchiest of en-suite hotel bathrooms.
Cut from a water-resistant nylon and featuring a coated spill-proof interior, all of the bases are covered to keep your clothes out of harm’s way and your toiletries intact.
Buy now £65.00, Away
Paul Smith Leather 'Signature Stripe' Wash Bag
Nothing says Paul Smith like a multicoloured stripe. It’s leather washbag sticks to the script, adding the colourful band across grained leather and finished with gold detailing. It would make an excellent gift for any dapper gent, and will have them travelling in style.
Buy now £245.00, MatchesFashion
FPM Milano Butterfly leather-trim nylon washbag
Designed by Italian leather goods brand FPM Milano, this wash bag is not only made using premium fabrics but also has years of Italian craftsmanship woven into every stitch.
Featuring the brand’s iconic butterfly lock front and centre, the navy water resistant nylon, leather trims and canvas lining work together to make a bag that oozes understated cool.
Buy now £345.00, MatchesFashion
The North Face Base Camp Travel Washbag
If matching your washbag to your weekend bag is your style, don’t miss The North Face’s offering, which is based on its bestselling Base Camp Duffel bag.
With a large top opening to help spot your tiniest toiletries (eye drops, anyone?), a mirror, and a hook for out-of-the-way storage, it’s a smart and practical option that will come into its own for all sorts of trips.
We’re into the monochrome black, but pops of colour are also up for offer: it also comes in yellow, blue and a camo pattern too.
Buy now £35.00, The North Face
Aspinal of London Men’s Leather Wash Bag
Looking for a gift for a lucky someone? Aspinal of London offers a personalisation option on this wash bag, making it the perfect present with an extra special touch.
Designed in a fine full-grain leather, with a monogrammed silk interior, an internal pocket, and rubber base feet, it’s a premium style that would please even the pickiest of men in your life.
Buy now £170.00, Aspinal of London
Bleu De Chauffe Zazou Full-Grain Leather Wash Bag
Handcrafted in their studio in the south of France, Bleu De Chauffe’s green leather wash bag will develop a rich patina as it ages, developing a timeless character that will never go out of style. Inside, you’ll find a label with the name of the artisan who worked on it as well as the date it was made, giving it a personal age-old quality, like a treasure from a bygone era.
Buy now £135.00, Mr. Porter
Horizn Studios Liquids Bag Transparent
Not quite feeling ready to commit to transferring your products back and forth from wash bag to clear plastic bag each time you have to go through airport security? Well, Horizn Studios know how you’re feeling. Their liquids bag is a happy hybrid, with ample space for toiletries whilst remaining compliant with all airport security regulations. And it’s a whole lot more sustainable, besides. If you need some extra space for non-liquid products, pair it with their KÅenji Wash Bag Large which will easily fit the liquids bag inside. The best of both worlds
Buy now £35.00, Horizn Studios