Pastael Packing Cube Buying Guide 2026: Small, Medium or Large for Your Suitcase?
Lay out everything for the trip on the bed: five tops, two pairs of jeans, a chunky sweater, swimwear, a jacket you'll probably regret not bringing. Now the real question — which cubes, and how many? Buy too small and you're stuffing; buy too big and your suitcase rattles. Pastael sells its cubes in three sizes, each as a pair, so getting the mix right is the whole game.
This buying guide uses Pastael's published measurements, size advice and US prices from October 2026 to help you choose sets for your luggage and your trip.
Step 1: Know the Three Sizes
Every Pastael set contains two cubes of slightly different footprints. Here are the brand's measurements (with approximate inches):
| Set | Cube 1 | Cube 2 | US price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 25.9 × 21 × 12 cm (about 10.2 × 8.3 × 4.7 in) | 24.9 × 10.9 × 12 cm (about 9.8 × 4.3 × 4.7 in) | $62 |
| Medium | 33 × 18 × 12 cm (about 13 × 7.1 × 4.7 in) | 33 × 24.9 × 12 cm (about 13 × 9.8 × 4.7 in) | $70 |
| Large | 44.5 × 31 × 12 cm (about 17.5 × 12.2 × 4.7 in) | 44.5 × 33 × 12 cm (about 17.5 × 13 × 4.7 in) | $85 |
All cubes share a 12 cm (about 4.7 in) depth before compression, which makes them stack neatly in layers.
Step 2: Match Sizes to What You Pack
- Small: T-shirts, shorts, underwear, swimwear, light tops. Pastael calls it ideal for carry-on bags and backpacks.
- Medium: trousers, jeans, knitwear, hoodies and dresses. Designed for standard checked luggage.
- Large: jackets, coats, jumpers and jeans — and, according to the brand, even bedsheets, towels and duvets.
Step 3: Match Sets to Your Suitcase
| Your bag | Suggested sets | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Backpack or underseat bag | 1 Small set | The narrow 9.8 × 4.3 in cube slots beside a laptop sleeve |
| Carry-on roller | 1 Small + 1 Medium | Tees in the Small, jeans and a knit in the Medium |
| Medium checked bag | 1 Medium + 1 Large | Room for a week of layers |
| Large checked bag, winter trip | 1 Small + 1 Medium + 1 Large | A full system, from swimwear to coats |
Buying two or more cube sets also gets you Pastael's free drawstring bag — the perfect spot for shoes.
Step 4: Use the Compression Zip the Right Way
Each Pastael cube has a compressible zipper. Pack the cube first, close the main zip, then close the compression zip to squeeze it slimmer. It works best on soft, bulky items like sweaters and hoodies; structured pieces and denim compress less. Pastael says its zipper tape is twice the height of a standard one, built for heavy packing — but don't force a zip on an overfilled cube.
Step 5: Color-Code
Pastael comes in Citron, Cherry, Green Apple and Espresso. Both cubes in a set are the same color, but each set can be a different color. Popular systems:
- By person: one color per family member.
- By category: Citron for tops, Cherry for bottoms, Espresso for layers.
- Clean versus worn: a dedicated color for laundry on the way home.
Sizes and Add-Ons Compared
US prices shown for US shoppers in October 2026.
Prices change often; the brand's site always shows the current price.
A Sample Week in a Carry-On
To make the sizes concrete, here's one way to load a carry-on roller for a seven-day city trip using a Small and a Medium set:
- Small cube 1 (25.9 × 21 cm): five rolled T-shirts and a swimsuit.
- Small cube 2 (24.9 × 10.9 cm): underwear and socks — the narrow shape slips down the side of the bag.
- Medium cube 1 (33 × 24.9 cm): one pair of jeans and a knit, compressed.
- Medium cube 2 (33 × 18 cm): a dress or a pair of trousers and sleepwear.
- Free drawstring bag: a pair of shoes, sole-side down at the wheel end.
Wear the bulkiest layer on the plane and the jacket question takes care of itself.
Step 6: Add the "Everything Else" Pieces
Cubes are for clothes. For the rest:
- Toiletry Bag ($70): four elastic straps keep bottles upright, plus mesh pockets, a hidden zip pocket and a toothbrush holder. It folds flat.
- Everything Case ($108 Regular, $77 Mini): padded, lay-flat, with pockets, elastics and two removable inserts; jewelry inserts are sold separately.
- Luggage Tag ($34): 7.5 cm square PVC with a removable ID card, made to match your cubes.
Before You Order From the US
- US Express shipping is listed at £20, estimated 7–10 business days. Order well before your trip.
- Returns must be requested within 30 days of delivery, items unused, and you pay return shipping to the UK — so choose your sizes using the table above.
- The brand's shipping page says US orders aren't charged tax or duties under $800; check your final checkout total, as import rules can change.
Buying FAQ
How many cubes come in a set?
Two, in the same color.
Which Pastael set is right for a carry-on?
The brand recommends the Small set for carry-ons and backpacks; many travelers pair it with a Medium for jeans.
Are bundles cheaper than buying sets separately?
Pastael says it doesn't offer cash discounts on bundles; the perk is a free drawstring bag with 2+ cube sets.
What are they made of?
100% recycled polyester exterior with polyester interlining.
The Bottom Line
Match Small to carry-ons, Medium to checked staples and Large to bulky layers, color-code by person or category, and order everything in one shipment. When your list is ready, check our Pastael deals page before you buy.
How we wrote this: TripPriceScan researched Pastael using its official website, product measurements, size guidance, US prices and policies in October 2026. We haven't personally tested these products and we don't invent ratings or discount codes. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.