I used to travel a lot for work. Hours were spent in airports, taxis, and meeting rooms. Most of the time I would take a carry-on case which unfortunately meant that I was restricted on the amount I could take. However, I always packed a swimsuit.

Swimming helps me disconnect. From the moment the water touches my skin, I feel like I’m in another world. Swimming up and down and finding the rhythm to my breathing is a form of meditation. It’s just me and my mind moving through the water. I can forget about everything. As I step out of the water, any stress has been washed away.

The problem is, what to do with the wet swimsuit? Yes, there are sometimes those dubious spinners to take most of the water out, but you’re still left with a damp swimsuit, and a not too pleasant whiff of chlorine. The plastic bags offered in the changing rooms were not the answer. Not only are they an environmental nightmare, but they often rip open, meaning everything else in your suitcase or bag getting wet, and often reeking!

I remember on one occasion running to a very important meeting in New York with a well-known Luxury Department Store. I had 10 minutes to get ready. I grabbed my dress out of my bag and was horrified to find a strategically placed wet patch on the crotch area. Thinking on my feet, I ran to the hand dryer to try and dry it, but then ended up with a huge stain! I spent the entire meeting doing an impression of a burlesque dancer waving a laptop and notepad around as a distraction.

There are many bags that are sold claiming to be waterproof. However, in my experience not only are they made from cheap polyester and look like a nappy bag, but they usually have a hole at the top next to the zip puller where water can escape.

Hence when embarking on the La Pochette journey, I wanted to create a bag that could travel with me anywhere. It needed to be completely waterproof and be versatile enough to be used at the gym, hotel, or beach (who doesn’t love that last dip in the sea pretending that the holiday isn’t about to end?) It also had to look stylish so that it wouldn’t look out of place in my handbag, or luxury spa.

The La Pochette Wet Bag has a triple lock system which means that it is completely waterproof. You can be sure that your laptop and other tech items are safe in your bag, as well as the contents of your suitcase. It also has a pocket for items such as a hotel key and phone. What’s more, it’s made from 100% recycled plastic.

You may still have those embarrassing moments in meetings, but with the La Pochette Wet Bag, you can’t blame the swimsuit, or the bag!

Justine Rouch, La Pochette Founder