Last updated on March 31st, 2024
Lift your spirits with these 15 travel brasÂ
By Marin Scotten, Editorial Intern, JourneyWoman
Let’s face it: finding a bra that is comfortable, supportive and fits properly is difficult for all women. Finding a fashionable bra that works well in any climate and fits those of us who are taller or heavier, is another. A challenge that our readers were eager to take on when this topic came up on our private Facebook group recently.Â
Marti Sladek laid out the situation: “Let’s talk about bras,” she wrote. “I am in my 70s and tall, size 18. I’m looking for recommendations on travel bras that will give some support and coverage, but are also wireless, cool in jungle heat and quick dry after hand wash.”Â
Game on. A flurry of discussion began, evaluating suitable candidates based on their versatility, comfort and support. We’ve taken the liberty of curating these into a final list of 15, plus one new entrant, evaluated by Marti herself. (We’d love your undies and bathing suit recommendations next ladies! ) Â
(Please note: this article includes Amazon and other affiliate links, but we only ever recommend items we think are relevant for you and we’ve tried ourselves that will benefit you on your travels). If you decide to purchase an item through one of these links, we will receive a small commission that doesn’t add any cost to the purchase of an item.)
15 travel bras recommended by women
1. Kohls Tek-Gear Medium Impact Sports Bra
Priced at just $15, the Tek-Gear Sports Bra is great value without sacrificing quality. Made from moisture-wicking polyester and spandex and sizes range from XS to XXL. Niina says this bra offers tremendous wire-free support.
Uniqlo’s AIRism collection includes undergarments made of high-performance, moisture-wicking material that protects your skin from the heat. It is light, highly breathable and quick-drying. The AIRism bra top is perfect for wearing alone or under other garments.
At just $18, Warner’s seamless nylon bra is a great bang for your buck and is also made for comfort and durability. The bra has a back clasp and adjustable straps, making it easy to get on and off and adjust to your liking. Sizes range from XS-XXXL. JourneyWoman Donna recommends the Warner bra for its excellent pricing and flexibility.
4. Tilley Women’s Travel Bra
Specifically designed for travel, this Tilley bra is best known for its comfortably hidden pockets, perfect to keep your passport, cash or keys nearby. It is made from a silky stretch fabric and is designed to wick moisture and dry fast.
The Shapermint Everyday Bra is designed to fit every body type. It’s seamless, light and the no-slip straps mean you can move comfortably throughout the day, whether it be boarding your next flight or exploring city streets. JourneyWoman Sue owns two of these and she loves them.
“Leading Lady bras are very lightweight, will dry overnight, no underwire, good coverage and does up at the front, makes it really easy. I have looked for years and finally found this. I was at a point that I did not want to put on a bra at all, most are so restrictive,” Leslie says.Â
The Meryl bra is one of Leading Lady’s best sellers because of its versatility and breathable cotton material. Cup sizes range from A-F and the front closure mechanism adds convenience and ease.
Exofficio has spent 20 years perfecting the ideal travel undergarments. With its moisture wicking qualities, the Give-N-Go bralette is made from durable fabric and designed for long-lasting use and hot climates.
Recommended by Martha, this 98% cotton Elita bra offers wide set straps and under cup ruching, making for lightweight and subtle comfort while traveling. It comes in sizes 38-44 and is a pullover, with no back opening.
This wirefree bra from Bali offers a flexible fit and all around comfort. Their specially designed comfort band is made to move with you, ensuring all day comfort. It is made from a combination of nylon and spandex and sizes range from 32 to 42.
“I’ve worn this bra for years. Great for travel. It’s a cross between a traditional bra and a sports bra,” Maria says.
Made from a rayon derived from bamboo called EcoVero, this Soma bra is sustainably made and provides simple comfort. It is pull-on style, wireless and unlined, making it easy to wear under anything. Sizes range from XS to XXL.
This flexible pull-on silhouette of the True Body bra comes with a triangle neckline and convertible straps designed to disappear under clothing. This bra is made from the softest material in True’s collection, providing all day comfort. Sizes range from 30 C to 40 A.
Deb says True Bras are the most comfortable she has ever worn.
12. BodyGlove Equator Equalizer Sports Bra
Recommended by Diana, the BodyGlove bra is made from UPF 50+ swim material and will protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. It comes with removable soft cups and can be worn in and out of the water. Sizes range from XS-XL.
Recommended by Valerie and Elaine, the Knix wirefree, reversible bra is a combination of comfort and support. This bra is made from a four way stretch fabric that adapts to your body shape and can be worn for any occasion. Sizes range from XS to XXXXL.
Wacoal bras are specifically designed for larger chests, with cup sizes ranging from C to G. Their contour cup provides extra support and the straps are fully adjustable, making it the perfect t-shirt bra.
JourneyWoman Gita says Wacoal bras provide lift and comfort.
Recommended by Rebecca, Prairie Wear Bras were specifically designed for women who have undergone breast surgery or managing lymphedema. They believe the right bras provide support and relief, which guides the design for all their bras. The Hugger Prima bra has 360 degree compression and was designed for those looking for full compression, coverage & security.
The Late Entrant: Juno Activewear
When Juno Activewear heard about our feature, they were eager to be included. It seemed only right to send samples to the woman who started it all, Marti.Â
Juno sent Marti a bra and panties set to try, the QuikWik Soft Control Bra and Comfort Briefs.
Here’s what Marti reported: “First, love the name. Juno was queen of the Roman gods. They came with a branded tote bag, a coupon, and a postcard with a thank you note from the head of the company. The photos are of real-sized women, so relatable.”
Cons: The band of the bra is narrow, and it rolled under. This isn’t because it was too small–in fact, I think the next size would be too large–but rather on someone as tall (6 feet) and long-torsoed as I am, the whole bra just isn’t quite long enough. Maybe a wider band would help. Typical of a sports bra, there are no back hooks or strap adjusters, which makes it a little tough for someone with arthritis to pull on, but with the stretch, I got it on and tucked in easily enough. The thick side seams on the bra pressed in a tad too much, and went too high up into the arm. Is it too much to ask any undie company not to have a scratchy tag?
One of my concerns for travel is pieces that dry quickly overnight so I can pack light. These did not. The seams were still damp 8 hours after hand-washing, rolling in a towel for a few minutes and hanging them.
Summary: Overall, I like these better than any other activewear styles I have tried. They aren’t an add-on of a major brand. They are specifically made for those of us not built like supermodels.
But I’d like to add them to my collection of bras and briefs in their great fabric and colors.
What are your favourite bras to travel with? Share them with us below!
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While I have a few Knix Evolution bras and love them, my absolute travel fave is the Knix “Good to Go” seamless bra. I just returned from a 6 week European vacation, a 4 day girls’ weekend in Southern California and a week in Pennsylvania for a wedding. I only took 3 of those bras, one with the padding still in and 2 with the padding taken out. So light and comfy!!! It was like I didn’t feel anything, and wearable under anything. They were not uncomfortable in the 30-40 celsius temperatures I encountered. I highly recommend this bra!!!