This week, Value for Money compares four washbags
Ted Baker Washbag
€21.95
We are quite partial to Ted Baker’s loud shirts but this ridiculously flamboyant washbag is way too much even for us and the very notion that it would greet us every morning in our bathroom fills us with a deep sadness. Practically speaking, it is also too big and looks too much like an insane old lady’s handbag for our tastes. It is certainly sturdy and because the zip runs nearly right around the bag, it can be opened so each side lies flat, which would make it easier to access toiletries.
Verdict: Too loud
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Dunnes Cosmetic Bag
€4
This is on the other end of the scale to the MP option and is the cheapest bag we tried by a substantial margin. It will probably hold cosmetics and toiletries just as well as any of the others and comes with a second, considerably smaller bag within.
Because of its transparent nature, it will be handy when passing through airport security. It is a good size and although we would have concerns about the sturdiness of the zips, it is very cheap so we probably can’t expect it to last forever.
Verdict: Clearly cheap
* * * *
MP Travel Washbag
€75
This soft leather bag from Brown Thomas is in a different league to the competition. While it was sitting alongside more well-known upmarket brands such as Samsonite, we reckoned it exuded a lot more class. It has six different compartments, is comparatively compact and because it is made of leather, it should have a long life ahead of it. We also got a travel laundry bag with our purchase. It is, however, undeniably expensive and there probably are not that many people left in the country who could justify spending this much on a washbag.
Verdict: Very classy, very dear
* * *
Boots Men’s Washbag
€14.95
This “men’s” washbag is very big and has a slight, foamy padding which might offer the contents greater protection. It is the second cheapest option reviewed. If anything, it is too big and we’d be concerned that it would take up far too much room in our hand luggage. Not only that, when it is full it might be very difficult to find anything in it because there are five individual compartments and enough room for an enormous amount of stuff. Do men really need all this room? We have our doubts.
Verdict: Big and bulky
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Is there something you would like us to test? E-mail suggestions to pricewatch@irishtimes.com
