About Toiletry Bags

History

• In the early 1900s, a leather-goods maker from Chicago named Charles Doppelt invented toiletry pouches that came to be known as "Dopp kits," or "Dopps" for short. The U.S. Army contracted Doppelt to mass-produce the kits for millions of American GIs during the Second World War, and the kit became so popular that it remained in demand with consumers even after the war was over. Even though Doppelt's company was purchased in the 1970s by the luggage manufacturer Samsonite, imitations of the leather toiletry kits he created remain widely available on the market.
  
  

Function

• Toiletry bags are convenient on long travels, as well as on overnight and weekend trips. A small toiletry bag can also be invaluable to keep in your purse or backpack. Everyday situations that call for fast fixes can be remedied with typical toiletry kit items. For instance, an impromptu after-work meeting with friends might be more comfortable if you at least have some moist towelettes and mouthwash on hand. On the job, loose threads on your jacket or trousers can be safely snipped off with the mini scissors men use for trimming nose hairs.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Although a toiletry bag might be mistaken for a makeup bag and vice versa as there is a fine line between toiletries and cosmetics, there are distinctions between the two. Toiletry bags are specifically crafted as carrying cases for items that help you maintain your body's cleanliness, such as shaving cream, deodorant and facial wash. They are usually made of leather, cloth or vinyl. Makeup bags, on the other hand, evolved from the boxy cases used in the days when rail travel was common, hence the name "train case." They are sturdy and sometimes come with several trays or tiers made to hold cosmetics like lipsticks, eyeshadows and blushes.
  
  

Warning

• Your toiletries can explode inside your bag from the air pressure during flights. The best you can do to prevent grooming products from making a mess out of a perfectly good--possibly even pricey--toiletry case is to squeeze the excess air out of the tubes you take on your travels. Put the lid or cap snugly back on your bottles just as the liquid or cream contents reach the tip of the container. Even the smallest leaks are less likely to occur with this precautionary measure.
  
  

Considerations

• When you have limited time to shop for a present or are uncertain about what to get anyone for a special occasion, keep in mind that toiletry bags are an ideal gift for either gender. Take note of the personality of the recipient when making your purchase. For instance, typically masculine men require less space and fancy details than women or more feminine men would. A frequent traveler could use a bag with numerous compartments and perhaps even refillable bottles for shampoo, conditioner and liquid soap. If you want to be more thoughtful, you can fill the bag with personal-care items you think the recipient would like.