The genius item dubbed an Aussie ‘summer must have’

Finally there’s something to solve the common conundrum of where to put your wet swimmers when you’re done at the beach.

With three young, beach-loving kids, single mother Annie Pryor was fed up with juggling soggy, sandy swimmers and rashies that were making a mess in the car.

“My girls loved beach days, but when we were packing up to go home, I felt overwhelmed by all the mess,” Ms Pryor told news.com.au.

“I just needed something that was reusable and dependable to contain the chaos!”

Eight years ago, she came up with a stylish and functional solution and launched her own line of wet bags, designed to hold wet swimming costumes, among other uses.

“Starting the original business back in 2015 was very much a side hustle,” she explains. “We manufactured kids’ rashies here in Australia, and the wet bags were a natural addition to the business. I had three girls in primary school, was recovering from Chronic Fatigue, and working part-time.

“Their father passed away when they were very young, so I knew I wanted to build a business that would allow me to be there for my girls as much as possible.”

ilk Studio’s wet bags are perfect from going from beach to bar. Picture: Supplied

Unfortunately, the business folded during Covid, as did many other small businesses, especially those selling beachwear.

“I was juggling too much, and Chronic Fatigue got the better of me once again,” she recalls.

“Towards the end of the pandemic, people kept asking me if I had any wet bags left because they couldn’t live without them. Friends and family encouraged me to relaunch, but I said there was no way!”

Eventually, she “caved” and started again, relaunching the bags in 2022 as ilk Studio.

They are easy to clean and help contain sandy and wet swimmers. Picture: Supplied

They can also be used for transporting beach essentials, gym gear, phones, car keys and snacks. Picture: Supplied

“Relaunching and rebranding has been such an interesting journey,” she says. “When you have a product that you know people absolutely love, you start with more confidence and a clearer vision of what people want. Our ever-growing community loves travel, adventure, and the planet.

“Your adventure may be heading off around the world (with leaky toiletries) or just getting yourself and your little ones to the playground for an hour or two (with snacks, nappies, etc.) – whatever your adventure, these bags will make your life easier.”

ilk Studio’s wet bags are water-resistant, recyclable, and versatile, currently available in six stylish designs.

The midi size costs $55, while the maxi size is priced at $60.

The new wet bag, ‘Sheila’, is a love letter to the great Aussie spirit. Picture: Supplied

Along with storing wet swimmers, they’re great for holding gym gear and keeping your phone, keys, sunglasses, and sunscreen sand-free at the beach.

They are also perfect for organising toiletries while travelling, weighing less than 500 grams and capable of containing any leaks from skincare or shampoo or conditioner.

The bags are washable, wipeable, double-lined, and made from 100% recyclable and reusable fabric.

The wet bags are designed with Aussie summers in mind. Picture: Supplied

The feedback Ms Pryor has received since relaunching has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I can’t imagine life without this bag. I swim twice a week and pop my wet togs in for the trip home. It’s very well made, water-resistant, has no leaks, and contains NO PLASTIC, yay!” one happy customer, Rosie, said.

“Beautiful design and so useful for toiletries or beach items. Love the look – so elegant! I’ve even been stopped by a random person at the beach asking where it’s from! I love it and what ilk represents,” Honor raved.

“This bag is so useful in so many ways! I love that my leaky toiletries are contained when I travel, and I can just wash the bag out when needed,” another reviewer, Olivia, wrote.

Looking ahead, Ms Pryor says her focus is on expanding into different categories.

“We know and love that travel is part of our DNA, and we see expansion into the travel accessories and clothing business as our future.”

Originally published as The genius item dubbed an Aussie ‘summer must have’