We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 10 Best Toiletry Bags to Bring on Vacation, According to a Frequent Flyer Don’t overlook this packing essential. Published on June 30, 2026 By Alison Syrett Cleary Alison is a fashion and travel editor who is on another continent at least once a month for work. She's well-versed in what and how to pack. In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews What to Keep in Mind Your Questions, Answered Why Shop With Us Credit: InStyle Best Overall: We love the sturdy construction and extra storage capacity of the Victorinox Travel Essentials Toiletry Bag for longer trips when you need a larger option. It will fit all your skin care, makeup, and hair care products, and its anti-microbial lining seals the deal. Budget Pick: The Embla Clear Cosmetic Bag is under $20, water-resistant, and TSA-friendly. Top Clear Toiletry Bag: When traveling through an airport with stricter security, it helps to have the Away Clear Toiletry Bag on hand, as the see-through material lets you avoid opening your pouch for further inspection. Fact: Toiletry bags tend to be something of an afterthought in the packing process. This is because any pouch-like container (totes, Ziploc bags, that freebie from the makeup counter) can technically hold your cosmetics. But just because it can, doesn’t mean it should: A toiletry bag that’s actually been designed to store and organize beauty products, not to mention withstand the physical abuse of travel, is a total upgrade. So which Dopp kits are worth your money? That depends on the specific logistics of your trip, but there are a few universal things to look out for. “Utility is the first [criteria] for me,” says Zanna Roberts Rassi, Milk Makeup cofounder and style correspondent, who notes that sealable and waterproof selections are always a smart purchase. “And you want it to be malleable and squishy to stuff into small spaces.” Below you’ll find the InStyle team’s most trusted toiletry bags, along with recommendations from Roberts Rassi and other frequent-flying style experts. Discover the 10 best toiletry bags to fit your entire beauty routine here. Top Picks Best Toiletry Bag Overall: Victorinox Travel Essentials Toiletry Bag at Amazon $72 Jump to Review Best Budget Toiletry Bag: Embla Cosmetic Bag at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best Lightweight: BAGSMART Large Wide Travel Toiletry Bag at Amazon $24 Jump to Review Best Compact Toiletry Bag: Muji TPU Clear Case at Muji.us $10 Jump to Review Most Spacious Toiletry Bag: Naghedi Large Cosmetic Pouch at Naghedinyc.com $130 Jump to Review Best Clear Toiletry Bag: Away Clear Toiletry Bag at Awaytravel.com $75 Jump to Review Best Carry-On Toiletry Bag: Dagne Dover Hunter Large Toiletry Bag at Nordstrom $75 Jump to Review Most Organized Toiletry Bag: SALE Parallelle Traveller Cosmetic Bag at Bloomingdales $135 $68 Jump to Review Best Hanging Toiletry Bag: July Hanging Toiletry Bag at July.com $85 Jump to Review Best Lay-Flat Toiletry Bag: SALE TUMI Cosmetics Bag at Nordstrom $195 $135 Jump to Review Best Toiletry Bag Overall Victorinox Travel Essentials Toiletry Bag Credit: Amazon $72 at Amazon $72 at Victorinox.com Why We Love It Super durable Antimicrobial lining Spill-proof compartment Worth Noting On the larger side, so it may take up too much space in a weekender While there are plenty of cute and colorful toiletry bag options out there, I stick to this heavy-duty model for its stain- and tear-resistant material. It’s something I can overstuff and throw into my bag without ever worrying about a popped seam or leakage; moreover, it has an antimicrobial lining to fight the (inevitable) germ exposure that comes with long-haul travel. And while some may see its extra-large size as a drawback, to me, it’s a saving grace. I’m the type of person who brings along multiple beauty products on any given trip, so it helps to have one place to store them instead of carrying multiple bags. There’s also plenty of pockets inside to keep categories of items neatly separated. Dimensions: 4.7 (L) x 4.7 (W) x 7.5 (H) inches | Compartments: 1 zipped pocket, 3 mesh pockets | Material: Polyester Best Budget Toiletry Bag Embla Cosmetic Bag Credit: Amazon $10 at Amazon Why We Love It Under $15 Tons of color choices Worth Noting Small with no extra pockets Recommended by McClure, this compact case is ideal for shorter trips or flights when you have limited space and can only bring the essentials (such as a safari or a multiday hike). Additionally, it comes in multiple shapes and sizes (all under $20) and is made from see-through—a.k.a. security check-friendly—nylon. The material is practical in outdoor environments as it’s water-resistant and easy to wipe down. You also don’t need to use just the single pouch for your trip: it’s available to order in multiples, which you can fill with different products and place in a larger toiletry bag on bigger trips. Dimensions: 5 (L) x 2 (W) x 5 (H) inches | Compartments: None | Material: Nylon Best Lightweight BAGSMART Large Wide Travel Toiletry Bag Credit: Amazon $24 at Amazon Why We Love It Ultralightweight Lots of color options Wet and dry separation Worth Noting Takes up lots of space in a suitcase Made from soft, lightweight Taslan fabric, this design offers an incredible amount of storage for something that won’t add much extra weight to your luggage. Better still, it's waterproof, super easy to spot clean, and padded on the sides for extra protection. The style also comes complete with separate pockets for wet and dry products, sits flat on a bathroom counter, and unzips on the sides for easy access to everything you’ve packed—no rummaging around needed. Plus, it earned a spot on Oprah's Favorite Things list, where she described it as roomy enough to hold a multistep skin care regimen. Dimensions: 11.8 (L ) x 7.3 (W) x 8.3 (H) inches | Compartments: One main and two exterior compartments | Material: Waterproof taslan Best Compact Toiletry Bag Muji TPU Clear Case Credit: Muji $10 at Muji.us Why We Love It Perfect carry-on size Clear material and zipper are pliable, not stiff Affordable Worth Noting Basic design with no internal pockets This no-frills clear bag is a go-to for Doolittle. “I love my Muji Clear Pouch for my makeup because it's clear and you can see everything inside,” she says, noting that the zipper is efficient, but not too rigid. “It's a perfect size, and you can easily clean it or replace it as it's made of TPU.” Another reason to love it? It costs less than $10, so you can stock up on backups—and if you want extra sizes, there are other (equally affordable) choices. However, it’s unlikely that just one pouch will fit everything, so you may want to buy a few to tuck into a larger toiletry bag for organization. Dimensions: 7.3 (L) x 1.6 (W) x 4.7 (H) inches | Compartments: None | Material: TPU Most Spacious Toiletry Bag Naghedi Large Cosmetic Pouch Credit: Naghedi $130 at Naghedinyc.com Why We Love It Enough room for full-size products Elegant woven texture Worth Noting Can only be spot cleaned As a busy fashion stylist, Hattie Doolittle has high standards for her cosmetics bag: It needs to be aesthetically pleasing, of course, but also functional enough not to slow her down on a work trip. This roomy style—which looks like woven leather but is actually made of neoprene—comes in several cute colors and is big enough to fit larger products for far-flung travel. “I like how they're soft and water resistant, and each has a smaller pocket on the inside,” she says, noting they have more than enough room for her essentials. “But they’re still easy to pack without taking up too much space.” Still, while the fabric is definitely strong enough to withstand some wear-and-tear, the brand recommends not machine washing or drying it. So, unless you’re meticulous about storing makeup in a separate plastic bag, you might want to go for a darker color to avoid foundation and eyeshadow stains over time. Dimensions: 13.5 (L) x 5.3 (W) x 7.5 (H) inches | Compartments: 1 internal pocket | Material: Neoprene, nylon Best Clear Toiletry Bag Away Clear Toiletry Bag Credit: Away $75 at Awaytravel.com Why We Love It Colorful trim sets it apart from other see-through designs Two compartments to keep items separate Easy to wipe down Worth Noting On the pricier side compared to bags of similar material See-through pouches are always helpful when you’re traveling through a country that requires all cosmetic items to be visible at security (like France). However, this one is cute enough that you’ll want it based on aesthetics alone. It’s full of winning details—like bright leather trim and a flat-sided shape that opens and folds like a suitcase—but also quite practical thanks to separate compartments for sorting items. Dimensions: 8.3 (L) x 5.5 (W) x 3.6 (H) inches | Compartments: 2 separate U-zip compartments and 1 interior pocket | Material: TPU, recycled leather Best Carry-On Toiletry Bag Dagne Dover Hunter Large Toiletry Bag Credit: Dagne Dover $75 at Nordstrom $70 at Bloomingdales $65 at Dick's Why We Love It Sleek, streamlined design is the perfect size for short trips Comes with mesh pouches to organize your products Spot cleans well Worth Noting Not big enough for many full-sized items Roberts Rassi swears by this sleek and sporty pouch, which will still look amazing after several flights. “Neoprene changes the game; it’s soft, lightweight, [and luxurious]” she says. “I love how it feels durable without looking overly technical.” Best of all, it includes both internal pockets and two handy mesh inserts to keep all your products separate. Reviewers also appreciate that the model is super easy to spot clean. However, it should be noted that even the larger size is meant for travel-sized cosmetics only, so this is a better choice for carry-ons versus checked luggage. Dimensions: 9 (L) x 4.8 (W) x 5.5 (H) inches | Compartments: 3 elastic loops, 2 mesh pouches, 1 internal pocket | Material: Premium neoprene Most Organized Toiletry Bag Parallelle Traveller Cosmetic Bag Credit: Bloomingdale's $135 $68 at Bloomingdales $135 at Myparallelle.com Why We Love It 26 pockets and 2 adjustable internal dividers You don’t need to unpack your items because the design opens and folds down Very spacious Worth Noting Wipe clean only When Katie McClure, the cofounder of the travel-inspired brand MIRTH, is on the road for work, she relies on this meticulously designed case to keep all her bathroom items in order. “With this bag, I don't have to unpack; the sides roll down, and everything has its own neat spot,” she says of the literal carryall, which includes 16 separate compartments as well as bands to keep makeup brushes neat. “I can see everything—plus, I love the aesthetic and colors.” Dimensions: 9.5 (L) x 5.25 (W) x 9.5 (H) inches | Compartments: 20 wall pockets, 6 elastic mesh pouches, 2 adjustable dividers, 5 elastic loops | Material: Vegan leather, water-resistant canvas Best Hanging Toiletry Bag July Hanging Toiletry Bag Credit: July $85 at July.com Why We Love It Can be used both as a flat-lay and hanging bag Hidden hook Worth Noting Very compact, too small for lots of full-size items Everything about this case is thoughtfully made, from its multiple internal pouches and elastics to its helpful top handle. But the bag’s most compelling feature might be a hidden hook for hanging it in tight spaces. The silhouette is designed to then unfold vertically while still neatly holding all your essentials—which means it's also quick and easy to fold back up and repack. Other perks? There’s a clear PVC pocket for stashing liquid items, and a separate toothbrush tab. Plus, the water-resistant nylon material cleans up like a dream. Dimensions: 10.24 (L) x 3.5 (W) x 7 (H) inches | Compartments: 1 big compartment, 2 pockets, 3 elastics | Material: Nylon Best Lay-Flat Toiletry Bag TUMI Cosmetics Bag Credit: Nordstrom $195 $135 at Nordstrom $195 $137 at Zappos $195 $135 at Bloomingdales Why We Love It Lays wonderfully flat when you open it Interior is no problem to wipe clean Worth Noting Takes up a lot of counter space Shaped like a little suitcase, this design from travel go-to Tumi incorporates everything you’d want from actual luggage: a tough exterior, wipeable interior, and just enough pockets. Even better, it has hard, flat sides that are crafted to open and lie flat, neatly displaying all the products you need on the go in one handy place. You’ll find a compartment on each side for bigger items, and a clear zippered pouch divides the two, which is ideal for liquid items that could potentially leak. Dimensions: 8 (L) x 4.5 (W) x 4.5 (H) inches | Compartments: 2 big compartments, 1 zippered internal pouch | Material: Nylon, leather What to Keep in Mind Capacity: While it might be tempting to go with the largest possible toiletry bag, bigger does not always mean better. “I'm a firm believer that you fill what you have—and if you have too much space, you fill it by bringing all the things you don’t need,” says Roberts Rassi. "[It might make you] bring all the things you don't need, and weigh down your luggage." In a similar vein, McClure points out that it's helpful to see all your stuff at a glance. "There's nothing worse than rummaging," she says. “So I like compartments and a compact design. Toiletries can take up so much space, so a smaller size with a strong zipper is key so [that] I can squeeze it all in.” Materials: Functionality is, first and foremost, the most important factor to consider, as you’ll be filling this bag with products that can leak or spill—and throwing it into various bags, backpacks, and bins as you travel. “I look for a functional closure—preferably an easy, yet substantial zipper—and a strong, durable fabric on the inside and outside,” says Doolittle. She also points out that it doesn’t hurt to choose a pouch that’s aesthetically pleasing. “Why wouldn't you want one that makes you happy while you're on a fun trip?” Makeup artist and Global Artistic Director for Milk Makeup, Frank Buscarello—known as Frank B, points out that you should also consider color, as lighter tones can get dirty and stained fast. “White fabric is a big no,” he says, noting that black or dark-colored canvas is his preferred material as it hides makeup marks and is machine washable. Organization: Buscarello advises against anything with gratuitous organizational features. “I do not like bags with too many pockets and compartments,” he says. “They get bulky in your suitcase." That said, it helps to have at least some features to keep your products in order. Either pick a style that includes at least one side pocket or pouch for glass bottles or dental care items, or, like McClure, separate pieces with your own clear inserts. “I keep a separate airplane toiletry bag, which is super compact essentials/medications,” she says. “They’re packed in tiny clear zip bags in a pouch to maximize space and weight. Your Questions, Answered Which toiletry bags are TSA-approved? TSA-approved toiletry bags have less to do with the case itself than with what goes inside—namely, products that are under 3.4 ounces and fit within a single clear, quart-sized, zip-top pouch. That said, if you want to be extra careful, it always helps to stash your items in a Dopp kit made of see-through material. This is also handy if you’re passing through international airports with stricter standards, as some places specifically require flyers to place liquid items in clear bags when passing through security. Why Shop With Us Alison Syrett Cleary is a fashion and travel editor and writer with over a decade of experience, covering everything from personal style to shopping recommendations to emerging trends. She also gets on a plane at least once a month for work. In the process, she’s learned (sometimes the hard way) how important it is to have a toiletry bag with proper organizational pockets and leak-resistant storage. She spoke with the following on-the-go insiders for this story: Katie McClure, the cofounder of MIRTH, a travel-inspired womenswear brand creating ethically made collections featuring hand-block prints and textiles from India alongside artisanal knits crafted in Peru.Frank B. is a makeup artist and the global artistic director for Milk Makeup.Hattie Doolittle is a NYC-based fashion stylist.Zanna Roberts Rassi is the cofounder of Milk Makeup and a style correspondent. Read more: Shopping