Toiletry bag

A toiletry bag (also called a toiletry kit, dopp kit, bathroom bag, ditty bag, sponge bag, toilet bag, personal hygiene kit, travel kit, or washkit) is a portable container—usually a pouch with a drawstring or zippered closure—that holds body hygiene and toiletry supplies such as toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss, cotton swabs, deodorant, nail clippers, tweezers, soap, shaving supplies, hairbrush, contact lenses and feminine products. Toiletry bags are most often used for traveling and in living circumstances where permanent shelves and cupboards are unavailable for use.

A clear plastic toiletry bag

Toiletry bags vary widely in size, however most are designed to be stored within a primary bag such as a backpack or suitcase. Designs vary widely as well, from simple plastic pouches to high-quality leather kits and designs that fold out for easy access. Toiletry bags are usually purchased and packed by the consumer, however many companies from e-commerce websites to convenience stores also sell simple pre-packed toiletry kits.

Terminology

Dopp kit is a term that originated in the early 20th century, originally referring to toiletry kits for men and World War II soldiers before later becoming a common term for toiletry kits, particularly ones made with leather or other high-quality materials. The word was coined by leatherworker Charles Doppelt, who patented the idea of "Dopps" in 1919 and marketed them locally before landing a contract with the US Army during WWII.[1] Dopp kits were once a common gift given to young men as they ascended from boyhood to adulthood.[2] Doppelt's company was purchased by Samsonite in the early 1970s, and later acquired by Buxton in 1979.[3] The trademark was cancelled in 2003, and then reacquired in 2017, with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office listing Buxton as the current owner.[4] The term is now generic.

Ditty bag originated as a term around 1860, referring to a bag used by sailors to hold small articles.[5]

References
  1. "What is a Dopp Kit?". Moore & Giles Inc. 2014-09-17. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
  2. "Dopp kit - phrase meaning and origin". www.phrases.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
  3. "Shop for Men's Shaving and Skincare Products - Geo F. Trumper Taylor of Old Bond Street Merkur Razors Proraso Savile Row Speick Tabac Musgo Real QED Soaps". www.qedusa.com. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
  4. "Trademark Status & Document Retrieval". tsdr.uspto.gov. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
  5. "Definition of DITTY BAG". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
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