Last year I connected with Dr. Annie Holder, creator of The Travel Bra, and we ran a giveaway and a promotion together on this site. While I'm no expert on bras (I'm a dude incase you didn't know), I am interested in new and revolutionary products in the travel space, and so I was inspired by Dr. Annie to research the best bras for travelers to see what else was out there. I thought about asking one of my female writer to tackle this piece, but I'm fearless! Instead of playing my ‘guy card' on this one, I buckled down and did the research myself, from a completely outside perspective, to see what female travelers had to say on this topic. And here's what I found.
What makes a good travel bra?
Since I have no personal experience to answer this question, I looked to the experts. Here's what they had to say about choosing the best travel bra.
“Convertible bras are great when traveling because the straps either come off or are detachable on one end so that you can move your straps according to your top. It's a great choice if you have to pack lite since this one bra can be used for halters, one shoulder, strapless or even a crisscross!” – Jene' LucianiJene' Luciani recommends:
- The Genie Bra as a t-shirt bra that can double as a sports bra.
- Champion Women's Double Dry Distance Underwire Sports Bra for great support during high impact activities
- Genie Women's Cami-Shaper for women who like to go bra-less
Finding the perfect fitting bra is apparently such a complicated task for women that she wrote an entire book on the subject called The Bra Book: An Intimate Guide to Finding the Right Bra, Shapewear, Swimsuit, and More!
“While cotton are the best underwear for everyday life, they can be quite annoying when traveling because they take so long to dry. Breathable and wicking fabrics are the key benefit to travel underwear so that they are quick drying.” – Brooke SchoenmanBrooke Schoenman recommends:
- Lululemon Ta Ta Tamer for running and being active.
- ExOfficio Give N Go Crossover Bra for a bra with quick drying fabric and a flattering style.
- Patagonia Barely Wireless Bra for wearing with dresses and tank tops.
- And she recommends Dr. Annie's The Travel Bra as “the ultimate travel bra”
“While a strapless bra is probably the most versatile, most girls would agree it’s also probably the most uncomfortable style… Keep in mind I’m definitely on the flatter side, so there are certain styles I can wear more easily than someone with a C or D cup!” – Rachel JonesRachel Jones recommends:
- Free People Bralettes for bandeau and halter style.
- Crochet Bras for when wearing outfits where your bra is going to show
- Body by Victoria Underwire Bras for wearing a nicer dress.
- Under Armour Sports Bras for exercising and extreme activities.
- And lastly she recommends simply wearing a bikini as a bra in humid climates!
“Non-underwire and softcup bras are easy to pack (no worry about bending the underwires or, in some cases, denting the cups) and easy to wear. Some women love to wear them everyday, while most (like myself) prefer to keep them for traveling and sleeping.” – Kim CaldwellKim Caldwell recommends these non-underwire bras:
- Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Bralette for running around town or low impact activities.
- Gossamer Mesh Unwire Uplift Bra for their breathable mesh material and price point.
- Bella Materna Anytime Nursing Bra (that's right, a nursing bra) for its removable lining and six hooks on the band which makes it good for fitting many different sized women.
- Elila Leopard Lace Softcup Bra for women with a full bust.
- Anita Activity Comfort Sports Bra because it's available in A-G cups, super smooth, offers full coverage, and has wide adjustable straps and band.
- Hanky Panky Bralettes for their fun colors and patterns, although not as supportive as others.
- Simone Perele Wireless Bras for their aloe-infused lace!
“A few other things to look for: 1) suitable for travel, like anti-microbial properties 2) if it's made of wicking materials it will keep you dry longer – meaning you have to wash it less often 3) color: you want it to be neutral and invisible.” – Leyla Giray AlyanakLeyla Giray Alyanak recommends:
- ExOfficio's Crossover for “less chesty” women in hot climates and on long trips. (which Brooke Schoenman also recommended earlier).
- Panache Bras for a nicer looking sports bra.
- Moving Comfort's Fiona Bra for women on the larger side.
- And her other top picks were Calvin Klein's Iron Strength Bralette, Glamorise's MagicLift Sports Bra, Anita's Light and Firm Sports Bra, and the Criss Cross Strappy Yoga Sports Bra
“Depending your girls’ size, need for support, and your activities, you may need to travel with three bras: Sports, convertible, and t-shirt bra. If you’re engaging in less active adventures (or are smaller than a B-cup), you can probably get away without the sports bra.” – Laura LopuchLaura Lopuch recommends:
- Calvin Klein Women's Perfectly Fit Push Up Multiway Bra as an extremely versatile travel bra.
- Dr. Annie's The Travel Bra for stashing your valuables.
- Gossamer Mesh Unwire Uplift Bras for a solid everyday travel bra option with breathable mesh material.
- Top Secret Prop Top Bralette for straight up comfort while sacrificing a little support.
- Elila Leopard Lace Softcup Bra for fuller busts that need a little extra support without an underwire.
- CW-X Stabilyx Running Bra for its breathability and support web built into the cups.
“Underwires are not your friend when you’re trying to maneuver yourself into a somewhat comfortable position in cattle class. It’s bad enough you have to share stale air and nasty bathrooms with strangers for over 10 hours, you don’t want something you’re wearing poking you and jolting you awake when you’ve finally managed to get to sleep.” – Fas Abdul GaffaFas Abdul Gaffa recommends:
- Top Secret Prop Top Bralette for it's comfort and double layers which “makes sure you don’t have unnecessary nipple action on the plane”.
- Eberjey India Retro Bralet as a soft, underwireless sexy bra.
- C9 by Champion Racer Bra which she originally picked up for her Bikram yoga classes (go Bikram!) and feels its a good travel bra for the price.
“Full coverage will give you more styling options. You can go into churches, don’t have to worry about sunburn, and have better thermal protection (hot or cold). If you wish to take racer or cross back clothing then you can use a bra converter clip instead of a separate convertible bra.” – Cindy HeazlitCindy Heazlit only packs two bras for her trips – one to wear and one to wash. She recommend these travel bra brands:
“Each item in the luggage is but one more thing to pack. Which is why for our travel adventures, I like to opt for multifunctional (one bra for a run, hike, dinner out, etc.).” – Therese IknoianTherese recommends:
The Knixwear Evolution Bra because she feels that “everything that makes a good bra – and thus a good travel bra – is built into this piece.”
What's the best anti-theft travel bra?
All that above seems like great advice and recommendations for comfortable travel bras, but what about ones that help protect your valuables? (No, I mean your other valuables like your passport, credit cards, and cash.) It seems like Dr. Annie's The Travel Bra was the only bra out there that offers this type of protection, but aside from that novelty, does it pass the comfort test? Here's what travelers had to say about it.
“As a follower of the ‘activewear’ movement, I’ve worn my fair share of sports bras during travels, as I find them much comfier than normal bras (underwire bras on a long flight? I don’t think so!). That being said, I couldn’t fault this bra on the comfort. It provided comfort and support, without having invasive underwire, clasps or labels digging in.” – Kim-Ling
“At first I was a bit worried that my bulky hardcover German passport wouldn’t fit in the pouch, but it is so stretchy that I could easily fit it in. I also put my back-up credit card in the bra and my engagement ring in the small pouch at the front. Quite a lot of things to fit in just a bra you may think, but it was actually quite comfortable.” – Tammy On The Move
“It didn't exactly make me feel like a Victoria's Secret model, but it also didn't make me feel like I was being gored to death by my underwear. When travelling for 30 hours, I'll take the latter.” – Siobhan Downes
“Happily, and to my great surprise, the Travel Bra is remarkably comfortable and fits me well; the fact that it has hidden pockets for valuables is just a fantastic bonus!” – Carly Z
“My first impression of the travel bra was just how incredibly soft the Original Travel Bra was and how comfortable it felt on. It was a far cry from the uncomfortable and awkward money belt for travels past.” – Stephanie Mayo
“I tested the Ultra-light Travel Bra, and I have to be honest: I’ve never felt so safe and comfortable at the same time.” – Clara Cosenza
“I wore it in Morocco and loved how it kept its shape even though I wore it off and on for several days. It’s not something I would expect from bamboo, but it more than delivered in that category.” – Alex Schnee
“I initially thought it wouldn’t fit my quite large boobs, but it did and offered a little support and was extremely comfortable. I didn’t even buy the largest size. I tested the bra out for a couple of days at work and although not as supportive as a regular bra, it was supportive enough for non strenuous activity and felt extremely comfortable.” – Stephanie
You can check out The Travel Bra at www.thetravelbra.com and use discount code TRAVELISLIFE at checkout for 15% off
To 10 Best Selling Travel Bras
Opinions are great and all, but I find that data speaks volumes. So aside from reading what travelers had to say about their favorite travel bras, I also wanted to see which travel bras were selling the best. And here's what I found.
SaleBestseller No. 1 
Warner's womens Cloud 9 Wire-Free Contour Bra,Rich Black,36C
- Wire-free contour bra with front adjustable straps and textured underband for greater support
- Light contour padded cups provide shaping and support
- Front-adjustable straps for added convenience. These bras have padding on the bottom or side of the...
- Hook-and-eye closure
- Super soft fabric that feels light
SaleBestseller No. 2 
Playtex womens 18 Hour Ultimate Lift and Support Wire Free Bra, White, 38C
- Make the most of your curves! Lift panels in cups five beautiful natural-looking shaping
- TruSUPPORT bra design delivers comfortable 4-way support-in a gorgeous floral jacquard fabric
- Cushioned straps papmer your shoulders and stay put
Bestseller No. 3 
Bali Women's Comfort Revolution Wire Free Bra, Nude,34C
- Comfort and shaping, without sacrificing fit and support!
- Front closure for easy fastening
- Wider band for back smoothing
- Soft comfort band moves with you
- Stretch foam cups for fir flexibility and comfort
SaleBestseller No. 4 
Hanes Women's Oh So Light Comfort Wire Free, Nude, S
- Feather-lite fabric for second skin comfort
- Comfort band provides stay in place support
- Flexible foam cups provide shape and support
- Sleek styling virtually invisible under clothes
SaleBestseller No. 5 
Bali Women's One Smooth U Ultra Light Illusion Neckline Underwire Bra, Hush Pink, 38C
- 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex
- Imported
- Full Coverage lining
- Hook and Eye closure
- Hand Wash
SaleBestseller No. 6 
Bali Women's Sure Size Wire Free Bra, Nude, Medium
- Cool Comfort Design
- Simplified sizing system, making it easy to find a size that fits
- Knit-in zones
- Stretch fabric with targeted support
- Helps keep you cool and comfortable
SaleBestseller No. 7 
Warner's Women's Easy Does It No Dig Wire-Free Bra, Butterscotch, L
- Wide bottom band won't dig in
- Straps convert to crisscross with easy snaps
- Convenient front-adjustable straps
SaleBestseller No. 8 
Playtex Women's 18 Hour Sensational Sleek Wirefree Full Coverage Bra #4803, White, 38C
- Wear your sleekest styles! Silky-smooth bra disappears under clothing
- Seamless, breathable lining and plush-back inderband help you feel your best all day
- Back smoothing design eliminaes back bulge
Bestseller No. 9 
Fruit of the Loom Women's Seamless Wire Free Lift Bra Bra, Black, 42C
- Black, White, In the Buff: 94% Nylon, 6% Spandex; Charcoal Heather: 53% Nylon, 41% Polyester, 6%...
- Built-in bottom bump padding that lifts and shapes
- Support without the wire
- Seamless for a smooth silhouette. Soft and smooth stretch fabric.
- Front adjustable straps, Ribbed bottom band, Smoothing ballet back, 3 column 3 row back hook and eye...
SaleBestseller No. 10 
Warner's Women's Easy Does It No Bulge Wire-Free Bra, White, 2XL
- Extra side coverage panels smooth out underarm bulge
- Easy size makes it a snap to find the right fit
- Wider straps
What's your favorite travel bra and why?
Hopefully this post helps save you some time doing research on what the experts say, but now I want to hear from you. In your experience, what's the best travel bra and why? Help each other out and leave your recommendations in the comments section below. Until next time my friends!
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Last update on 2020-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
