No matter who you are or where you’re traveling to, one of the most essential items on your packing list will be underwear. Traditional cotton underwear isn’t always the best option for travel – they’re slow drying and they absorb moisture meaning cotton isn’t the most comfortable or hygienic thing to wear for extended periods of time. Luckily, there is an alternative.
Travel underwear are the latest essential item for all travelers. The major advantage of travel underwear are their ability to dry super fast, which means you can wash more frequently and cut down on the amount of underwear you bring. They’re also more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
In this guide we’ve compiled the best underwear for travel to help you make a decision about which underwear you should bring with you on your next trip.
Contents
Comparison Chart of Mens Travel Underwear 2018
Name | Image | Type | Material | Price | Our Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fast drying | Nylon/Lycra | See It | 4.5 | ||
Fast drying | Merino Wool | See It | 4.5 | ||
Concealed pockets | Cotton/Spandex | See It | 4.0 | ||
ExOfficio Men's Give-N-Go Sport | Fast drying | Nylon/Lycra | See It | 4.5 |
Comparison Chart of Womens Travel Underwear 2018
Name | Image | Type | Material | Price | Our Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fast drying | Nylon/Lycra | See It | 4.5 | ||
Fast drying | Bamboo/Nylon/Spandex | See It | 4.5 | ||
Concealed pockets | Cotton/Spandex | See It | 3.5 | ||
Fast drying Bra | Nylon/Spandex | See It | 4.0 | ||
Concealed pocket bra | Polymide | See It | 4.0 |
Why do you need travel underwear?
There’s some things we think about while traveling and others we give little thought to. Underwear is usually one of the necessities that we don’t think twice about, but purchasing a pair specifically made to be used while traveling has its benefits. The following are just some of the benefits of using underwear made specifically for travel.
- Travel underwear dries faster. Pairs of travel underwear are a great way to save money on laundry costs while traveling. They dry super fast, usually within a matter of hours and can be hand washed quickly and easily.
- You’ll save space in your luggage. Travel underwear are made of thinner material than traditional cotton underwear and will take up less space in your bag. Also, because they are so fast drying and can easily be hand washed, you’ll be able to pack less and therefore save even more space.
- More comfortable to wear. Travel underwear are designed to better prevent chafing, reduce odor and wick away moisture making a long journey more comfortable. They’re also more breathable and less restrictive.
- Stronger than normal underwear. Travel underwear are built greater endurance than normal underwear as they’re expected to be put under more pressure than your average pair of underwear.
- Some have concealed pockets. Where’s the best place to keep a backup credit card or cash? Your underwear is one place where it will be completed concealed. Some travel underwear include concealed pockets.
Unfortunately one downside of pairs of travel underwear is that they can be expensive, but investing in a quality pair is likely to outlast any pair of cotton underwear.
How to choose the Best Travel Underwear
1. Material
Although most travel underwear should fit the specifications of fast drying underwear, not all do – so it’s important to be aware of which materials are fast drying and which aren’t.
Generally the fastest drying underwear for travel will be made of nylon and sometimes a mixture of nylon and lycra. These are the best at wicking away moisture and drying as fast as possible.
The other materials you’ll come across are merino wool and bamboo. This is no surprise as both are great at wicking away moisture and naturally have antibacterial properties.
Some travel underwear will be made of cotton. This will usually be styles that include pockets and other designs that improve convenience, while not necessarily being the fastest drying pair of underwear.
2. Cut
Travel underwear, just like normal underwear, can be found in both unattractive and attractive styles and there are a range of different cuts for you to choose from.
Men have the option of jocks and boxer style travel underwear which are much the same as normal underwear. It’s worth noting that some men report sizes being larger than expected, so it’s important to read other reviews of travel underwear before you purchase to avoid picking the wrong size.
Women will obviously require travel panties and a travel bra. You can find these in a range of style such as high waist panties and
3. Style
Fast drying underwear isn’t the only style of travel underwear you’ll find.
Another popular style of travel underwear is one with a concealed pocket. These are usually found on the sides or back of the underwear and can be used to store excess cash or credit cards – the best option for protecting your goods from pick pocketers!
For women, pop open travel underwear can be a super convenient way to get changed in awkward places.
Top Travel Underwear Reviews 2018
Best Mens Travel Underwear Reviews
Below you’ll find our reviews of the top rated travel underwear for men in our mens travel underwear reviews.
Exofficio Men’s Give-N-Go Boxer Brief Review
One of the best voted travel underwear among the best boxer briefs for men reviews is Exofficio Give-N-Go, and for good reason – Exofficio travel underwear is super comfortable and ideal for travel.
The treated nylon works to transfer moisture away from the body rather than absorb it. The waistband on these underwear don’t dig into the skin which makes them super comfortable for extended use. From fully wet they take about 2 hours to dry which really isn’t long at all. They have a huge range of colors, cuts and sizes so that they can suit everyone.
Whilst our Exofficio underwear review uncovered that they aren’t cheap, their quality means they really will last for for years, plus their antimicrobial treatment keeps them fresh and reduces odour. It’s no wonder they have a reputation as some of the best travel boxers for men.
Click here for more information and to see the latest prices.For additional moisture wicking, you can check out the Exofficio Give-N-Go Sport which is a combination of nylon and lycra. Click here for more information.
Smartwool Men’s NTS Micro 150 Boxer Brief Review
One of the most comfortable travel underwear you’ll find in our is Smart wool Men’s NTS Micro 150 boxer briefs. This is in part to their material – they are made of merino wool – but also to their good fit and construction which minimizes chaffing.
These travel underwear are a great option for men looking to avoid synthetic materials. They still dry reasonably fast and the merino wool does do a good job of pushing moisture away from the body.
Like normal briefs they can ride up the leg, and they are certainly far from cheap. However they do make a great investment for those men looking for the best travel underwear.
Click here for more information and to see the latest prices.Clever Travel Companion Men’s Underwear with Secret Pocket Review
If you’re looking for a smarter way to hide credit cards and excess cash, the Clever Travel Companion underwear is ideal.
With Secret Pocket is a unique style of travel underwear that has two separate zippered pockets on each side. This makes it the ideal protection fro pickpockets.
As they’re made of cotton they’re not necessarily fast drying, but they are relatively thin and pretty comfortable which still makes them a great option for travel.
Click here for more information and to see the latest prices.
Best Womens Travel Underwear Reviews
Below you’ll find our reviews of the top rated travel underwear for women.
ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Full Cut Brief Review
A top rated pair of travel underwear in regards to comfort, the Exofficio are a great option for women looking to save space in their luggage. Most women state that they can get by on just 2 pairs, as the underwear dry in under an hour and they can therefore easily switch between pairs.
They also do a great job of staying fresh for longer periods of time, and at wicking away moisture as this is a lyrca, nylon and spandex blend. They can’t be tumble dried as they will shrink – so keep this in mind.
There’s a huge range of color to choose from, and most reviews state they can wear these underwear considerably longer than cotton underwear due in part to the Antimicrobial finish. Note that this pair of panties is very high waisted.
Click here for more information and to see the latest prices.You can also find the ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Bikini Brief which is a great option for very active women. Click here for more information.
Boody Body EcoWear Women’s Full Brief Review
A mixture of bamboo, nylon and and spandex makes these underwear the ultimate travel underwear for women. They’re super comfortable and breathable, while still able to wick moisture.
One thing women loved about these travel panties is the lack of an elastic band. This makes them super comfortable for longer periods as they dog dig into the body.
The fit is great with the top of the panties sitting just under the waistline. They’re also very affordable for travel underwear and come in 3 neutral colors. They are definitely a great price for bamboo underwear.
Click here for more information and to see the latest prices.Clever Travel Companion Women’s Underwear with Secret Pocket Review
If you’re looking for travel underwear with hidden pockets, the Clever Travel Companion is a great option for women.
These pants are a short style with two pockets with room for a passport, cell phone, credit cards and cash. They’re made of cotton and spandex which makes them great for hot and cold, but not necessarily fast drying.
Some reviews noted that the sizes are slightly too small – you may want to go with one size larger than you normally would. The hem can also be bothersome if you don’t like underwear with seams. However they are a good idea for smaller frame women looking for an option to securely store important items.
Click here for more information and to see latest prices.
Best Travel Bra Reviews
For women, underwear doesn’t end with choosing the right travel panties. Choosing the right travel bra requires a bit more consideration.
Exofficio Women’s Cross Over Bra Review
With all the benefits of Exofficio underwear, the Exifficio Womens Cross Over bra is a great option for women looking for a travel bra. The bra wicks away moisture and resists odor thanks to the nylon/lycra blend, and most women reported that it was comfortable and dried super fast – definitely the best advantage of this travel bra.
Click here to see the latest prices.The Travel Bra Co Ultra-Light, Soft, Wire-Free Bra with Anti-Theft Pockets Review
Another great bra for travel is, no surprise, by The Travel Bra Co. This bra features a blend of polyamide and spandex making it super fast drying. With no underwire it’s comfortable and still provides great support, but the best part are the side pockets for storing things like cash, passports and credit cards. Sizes range from X-Small to Large and you’ll find a guide here.
Click here to see the latest prices.
Disposable Travel Underwear Reviews
If you’re going for a short trip, why not consider disposable underwear? These can be an option when you simply don’t have time to wash and dry underwear and for when the situation deems it necessary.
You can find the best disposable travel underwear reviews below.
Underworks 20-Pack Mens Disposable 100% Cotton Underwear Review
The best part of these disposable underwear is that they are just like normal underwear – the cotton feels familiar and comfortable and are a convenient way to travel. As they are made of cotton, it’s also possible to wash them and refuse if necessary. Click here for more information.
Underworks 20-Pack Womens Disposable 100% Cotton Underwear Review
These disposable panties for travel are a great option if you can’t be bothered to hand wash travel underwear. They are comfortable and ventilate well, and are made cotton meaning although they’re disposable, they can washed and used more than once if need be. However, some reviews reported a strong chemical smell. Click here for more information.
Have you used travel underwear? What’s your tip for picking the best pair?
You read about the best travel pants, the best fanny packs and more travel wear in our buying guides here.
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