Pastael Review 2026: Colorful Compression Packing Cubes Worth Shipping From London?
The security line is moving, your suitcase is open on the bench, and you're digging for a charger under a tangle of T-shirts, a sweater and one rogue sock. Now picture the same suitcase packed in bright, zip-compressed blocks — citron for tops, cherry for bottoms, espresso for the jeans — each one exactly where you left it. That's the small daily joy Pastael is selling: packing cubes that are as colorful as the trip.
We looked at Pastael's cubes, cases and toiletry bags, their measurements, US prices, shipping to the States and return rules in October 2026, so you can decide whether a London-born packing brand belongs in your carry-on.
The Story: A Traveler Who Was Tired of Flimsy Cubes
According to Pastael's Our Story page, founder Maddie Borge spent three years traveling the world and came to rely on packing cubes — but found most of them boring and flimsy. In 2024 she started designing her own. After 14 months of development, testing and production, Pastael launched in April 2025 with one product: colorful compressible packing cubes. The Cherry colorway followed in August 2025, and in February 2026 the brand held its first pop-up, the "Pastael Airport Café."
What Makes Pastael Cubes Different
- Compression zip. Each cube has a compressible zipper, so you can squeeze bulky sweaters and hoodies into a slimmer block and free up suitcase space.
- Stronger zipper tape. The sustainability page says the zipper tape is twice the height of standard ones, to stand up to heavy packing.
- Recycled fabric. Cube exteriors are 100% recycled polyester, described as tear-resistant and high-denier.
- Four colors. Citron, Cherry, Green Apple and Espresso — so you can color-code by person, outfit or clean versus worn.
- Sold in pairs. Every size comes as a set of two cubes in the same color.
Shop the Pastael Highlights
Pastael's core travel organizers with the US prices shown for US shoppers in October 2026.
Prices change often; the brand's site always shows the current price.
The Lineup: What Each Piece Is For
| Piece | US price | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Drawstring Bag (Medium / Large) | $19–$22 | Shoes and laundry; machine washable |
| Luggage Tag | $34 | Spotting your bag at baggage claim; 7.5 cm square with ID card |
| Packing Cubes – Small | $62 | Carry-on and backpack travelers |
| Packing Cubes – Medium | $70 | Standard checked luggage |
| Toiletry Bag | $70 | Full-size bottles flat, skincare upright |
| Everything Case – Mini | $77 | Jewelry and small accessories |
| Packing Cubes – Large | $85 | Bulky winter layers |
| Everything Case – Regular | $108 | Beauty kit, cables and jewelry in one padded case |
| Carry-On set | $131 | A ready-made bundle for cabin bags |
| The Overpacker | $215 | Packing for every possible outfit |
| Long-Haul Edit | $261 | Big trips and multi-week travel |
Which cube size first?
Pastael's own FAQ is clear. Buy the Small set if you pack T-shirts, shorts, swimwear and light tops, or travel carry-on only. Buy the Medium set if you're packing jeans, trousers, hoodies, knitwear and dresses for a checked bag. Buy the Large set if you need room for jackets, coats and jumpers — the brand says some customers even pack bedsheets and towels in them.
Cubes are for clothes. The case is for everything else.
The Everything Case (26 × 18 × 6.8 cm) has soft padded interiors, pockets, elastics and two removable inserts, opens flat and uses splash- and scratch-resistant recycled polyester with vegan leather details. The brand says it fits full-size travel bottles, toothbrushes and hairbrushes, and keeps bottles from being crushed.
The toiletry bag that stands things up
Four elastic straps hold products upright, with mesh pockets, a hidden zip pocket and a built-in toothbrush holder. It folds flat when empty — handy for the trip home.
Pick Your Pastael Packing Set →
Shipping to the US, Returns and the Fine Print
| Policy | What Pastael says |
|---|---|
| Dispatch | Orders before 3pm (UK time) ship the same day |
| US shipping | Express, £20 per the shipping policy, estimated 7–10 business days |
| US tax and duties | The policy says US orders aren't charged tax or duties unless over $800 — import rules can change, so check your checkout total |
| Free shipping | UK orders over £100 only |
| Returns | Request within 30 days of delivery; items unwashed and unused |
| Return costs | Original shipping isn't refunded (unless defective) and you pay return shipping |
| How to return | Email the brand's warehouse partner before sending anything back |
For US shoppers, the main thing to weigh is that returns go back to the UK at your cost — so choosing the right size up front matters.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compression zips on every cube | Ships from the UK; returns cost more for US buyers |
| Recycled, tear-resistant polyester | No free shipping to the US |
| Reinforced zipper tape | Bundles carry no cash discount |
| Four bright colors for color-coding | Both cubes in a set must be the same color |
| Free drawstring bag with 2+ cube sets | Pricier than plain mass-market cubes |
| Loyalty club with 5% back in coins | Popular colors have sold out before |
Who Will Love Pastael?
- Carry-on purists trying to fit a week into a cabin bag.
- Family packers who color-code one cube color per person.
- Design lovers who want travel gear that looks good in the hotel-room photo.
- Gift-givers — every gift set comes with a drawstring bag that can be monogrammed.
How to Save
- Buy two or more cube sets to get the free drawstring bag (worth $19–$22 on its own).
- Join the Pastael Travel Club — 5% back in coins on every order, and $5 for downloading the TYB app.
- Combine items in one order so you pay the £20 US shipping once.
- Check our deals page for any current offer before you buy.
Pastael FAQ
Does Pastael ship to the US?
Yes. US orders go by Express shipping, listed at £20 with an estimated 7–10 business days.
Can I mix colors in one set?
No — both cubes in a set are the same color, but you can pick a different color for each set.
What are the cubes made of?
The exterior is 100% recycled polyester, with polyester interlining.
How do returns work?
Request a return within 30 days of delivery by emailing the brand's warehouse partner first. Items must be unused; you cover return shipping.
Our Verdict
Pastael takes something purely practical and makes it fun to use. Compression zips, reinforced zipper tape and recycled fabric back up the bright colors. The trade-offs for American shoppers are UK shipping and returns, so measure your suitcase, choose your sizes carefully and bundle your order. Then check our Pastael deals page before you check out.
How we wrote this: TripPriceScan researched Pastael using its official website, product listings, measurements, 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.