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' Luciani
Jene' 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 Schoenman
Brooke 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 Jones
Rachel 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 Caldwell
Kim 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 Alyanak
Leyla 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 Lopuch
Laura 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 Gaffa
Fas 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 Heazlit
Cindy 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 Iknoian
Therese 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.
Bestseller No. 1
Hanes womens Oh So Light Foam Comfortflex Fit Wirefree Mhg521 Bra, White, Medium US
- SOFT AND LIGHT WITH A BARELY-THERE FEEL - Like wearing no bra at all, only better.
- DREAMY SUPPORT - Flexible, lightly lined foam cups gently shape and support.
- SUPPORT FROM BELOW - Stay-in-place comfort band further enhances support.
- THE BRA THAT DOES A DISAPPEARING ACT - Silky smooth, seamless cups let T-shirts and clingy clothes...
- STRATEGIC AIR FLOW - Lightweight mesh insets at the center front and back for breezy comfort.
$15.49
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Bestseller No. 2
Warner's Women's Blissful Benefits Super Soft Wireless Lightly Lined Comfort Bra RM1691W, Butterscotch, 36B
- Super-soft comfort
- Convenient, front-adjustable straps
- Extra comfort band
- Wireless support
$15.83
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SaleBestseller No. 3
Bali Women's Comfort Revolution Shaping Wirefree Bra, Nude Dot, Large
- SEAMLESS, WIRELESS COMFORT - Four-way stretch fabric flexes and moves with you for unmatched...
- TARGETED SUPPORT WHERE YOU NEED IT - Engineered with strategic reinforced zones for support and...
- PUT IT ON AND FORGET IT - All-day comfort means you won't even have to think about your bra during...
- THE PERFECT T-SHIRT BRA - Smooth and seamless to disappear under even clingy clothes.
- MOISTURE-WICKING FABRIC - Keeps you cool and comfortable.
$22.99
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Bestseller No. 4
Playtex Women's 18 Hour Ultimate Lift & Support Wireless Bra US4745
- BUILT-IN COMFORT AND SUPPORT - TruSupport 4-way wireless support system with higher sides, fuller...
- NATURAL-LOOKING LIFT - Magic Ring construction with panels that support from the bottom up.
- A HERITAGE OF SUPERB SUPPORT - Built around the Playtex 18 Hour M-Frame, supporting women in comfort...
- KEEP YOUR COOL - Cool Comfort moisture-wicking jacquard fabric with delicate picot trim helps keep...
- NO-BULGE BACK AND SIDES - Stretch satin paneled for even more smooth comfort.
SaleBestseller No. 5
Warner's Women's Easy Does It Underarm-Smoothing with Seamless Stretch Wireless Lightly Lined Comfort Bra Rm3911a, Toasted Almond, XL
- Side-smoothing panels
- Seamless comfort
- Simple, easy sizing (S-3XL)
- Wide, comfortable straps
- Designed to fit your shape with allover stretch fabric
$19.99
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SaleBestseller No. 6
Vanity Fair womens Full Figure Beauty Back Smoothing Bra, Wirefree - Beige, 42D US
- Vanity Fair style number 71380. Closure: 3 hooks tall with 3 adjustment settings across for sizes...
- Soft, 4-way stretch fabric provides smoothing across the back
- Lightly lined cups provide modesty and great shape for a smooth look under clothing
- Wirefree construction offers separation and support
- Signature plush lined, back adjustable straps are placed closer together in the back to ensure they...
$25.00
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Bestseller No. 7
Playtex womens 18 Hour Silky Soft Smoothing Wireless Us4803 Available With 2-pack Option Bras, Private Jet, 38C US
- FAMOUS M-FRAME DESIGN - Flexibly supporting women in comfort for decades.
- SUPERB WIRELESS SUPPORT - 4-way TruSUPPORT system provides higher sides for bulge control, fuller...
- CUP COMFORT - A lightweight lining wicks away moisture to keep you comfortably cool.
- DREAMY WIRELESS COMFORT - The plush, cushioned under band supports and contours your curves without...
- SMOOTH AND SILKY - Almost seamless to disappear under tees and other clingy knits.
SaleBestseller No. 8
Hanes Women's Comfort Evolution Bra, Nude, Large
- SUPPORT WITHOUT WIRES - Unlined cups and Hanes' patented, stay-in-place wide SmoothTec band provide...
- MOVES EVERY WAY YOU DO - ComfortFlex Fit 4-way stretch fabric for a flexible fit that adapts to your...
- KEEP COOL, ALL DAY - Cool Comfort moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool and dry, even on those...
- DOES A DISAPPEARING ACT UNDER CLOTHES - 360-degree smoothing from a sleek, seamless construction.
- THE COVERAGE YOU NEED - Full coverage, with wide stay-in-place straps for no-bulge back smoothing.
$12.98
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SaleBestseller No. 9
SHAPERMINT Compression Wirefree High Support Bra for Women Small to Plus Size Everyday Wear, Exercise and Offers Back Support Nude
- FITS SIZES: 44DDD, 46DD, 48DD
- SIZING TIP: Referring to our size chart guarantees the best fit. For all-day comfort, choose your...
- HOOK AND EYE CLOSURE: For a secure fit and easy to put on and take off your bras for women wirefree....
- LIGHTLY PADDED COMFORT BRA: Foam cups offer firm support even without wires. Our compression...
- MACHINE WASHABLE - AIR DRY: Simply throw them in the washer with your colors and tumble dry on low.
$29.99
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SaleBestseller No. 10
Bali Women's Comfort Revolution EasyLite Back Close Wirefree Bra DF3496, Nude, Large
- SUPER STRETCHY, CLOUD-SOFT EASYLITE FABRIC - 360-degree stretch moves with you and feels wonderfully...
- WEIGHTLESS AND MOISTURE WICKING - A feather-light feel that keeps you cool and comfortable.
- EVERYDAY COMFORT AND SUPPORT - Removable foam cups in front and targeted support zones at the...
- NO SEAMS, NO LINES, NO SHOW, NO-ROLL - Completely seamless with fused edges and a SmartComfort band...
- WEAR 2 WAYS - Adjustable straps convert from traditional straight to crisscross for wardrobe...
$22.99
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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 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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