For Women Going Places, These Are the Comfiest Travel Undies
If you’re always uncomfortable in your underthings when you travel, we’re about to end the search of a lifetime for travel-friendly intimates.
No one likes flying with underwire bras, and in some countries and airports, this can trigger a strip search and cause delays, not to mention discomfort. And forget scratchy lace or synthetic panties with gussets and strings that ride up and chafe, especially on long-haul flights. And that old trick of ditching your undies for the day? Girl, this message comes directly from the TSA: The likelihood of a more rigorous, standardized TSA pat-down has increased following updated procedures implemented to address security lapses, with pat-downs becoming more thorough and covering sensitive areas.
For comfort on the road, most of us settle for sports bras or athletic wear. But there is something much better. We’ve discovered a new brand: iteration. And it’s a revelation. It’s female-founded, beautifully designed and manufactured, and packs into one handful even when in larger sizes. Plus, it feels as soft as butter.
The look is elegant and neutral. The feeling is seamless. iteration works just as well, whether you are running to catch a plane, going to the gym, or getting dressed for dinner. There’s no need to have different bras and undies for separate occasions—especially when you travel and need to cut down on baggage. Simplify your suitcase with iteration, co-created with a community of women who contributed their feedback.
Founder Bridget Mollner is a former investment banker; she wanted to solve the problem of choosing a bra that worked for the office, transitioned to the gym, and then to a dinner date. There wasn’t one on the market. Women’s undies are not designed to be versatile.
Her brand, iteration, spent over two years ahead of launch collaborating with 1,200+ women to understand their needs and pain points. When it comes to undergarments, women have been conditioned to expect pain for beauty and ugliness for comfort—and it shouldn’t be that way!
We tried the bras. Here’s what we loved:
The garments are made from TENCEL™, a sustainable, eco-friendly cellulosic fiber that is silky soft, breathable, and sourced by from regenerative beech tree forests.
The cuts flattering and functional, no matter your shape or size: XS to 3X (A-G cup), in standard and full-busted cup options. The styles of bra are attractive and functional: Choose from Scoop, Plunge, and Triangle.
Hidden powermesh gives shape and support using proprietary technology—no wire needed.
The no-slip straps are front-adjusting and convertible to a racerback for multi-way wear options that stay in place.
The colors are feminine and flattering to different skin tones, without being stereotypical: Pink Sand,
Sienna, Mahogany, and Onyx.
The undies are equally comfortable and supportive. Choose from Low Rise Bikini, Mid Rise Hipster, Mid Rise Thong, or High Rise Brief. It almost feels as though you are wearing nothing at all!
So, this year, enter your iteration era. Shop the brand here. The website is very helpful and offers free shipping, easy returns and exchanges, plus a quiz to solve any sizing questions.
Editor’s Tip: Doing Laundry on the Road
Let’s face it: Most of us leave for a trip and return with a suitcase full of stinky, soiled garments. Or we do a hasty hand-wash of our essentials in a hotel room sink somewhere, using liquid soap or shampoo. Why do we do this? Because you can’t travel with powder or liquid detergent, right? And who wants to use the hotel’s expensive wash-and-fold service? Or a local laundromat with harsh chemical detergents? Well, there is a better way! Kind Laundry invites you to bring your laundry routine on the road, with a touch of luxury and sustainability. These premium laundry products offer performance while being eco-friendly and travel-friendly—perfect for trips and vacations. Better Homes & Gardens and Oprah are fans! Here are our picks:
Kind Laundry’s Travel Size Vegan Stain Remover Bar is lightweight and liquid-free, so it’s easy to pack and won’t make a mess in your bag. It’s safe for hand-washing your delicates in the sink for effortless stain removal. The unique formula uses natural surfactants to lift away the proteins and fats clinging to your clothes. This is our top pick: simple, painless, safe, chemical-free! Made with kindness in Ontario, Canada. Even the packaging is recyclable, and there is zero waste!
Laundry Detergent Sheets 6-Pack are a must-pack. Whether traveling abroad, camping, or just out for an overnight trip, these thin, envelope-sized, pre-measured sheets are made with only 4 simple ingredients yet are powerful. Non-toxic, biodegradable, and allergen-free, these sheets are free of petroleum, parabens, phosphates, phthalates, dyes, artificial color, optical brighteners, and synthetic fragrance, and they dissolve immediately in water at all temperatures while still being safe for handwashing your delicates in that hotel-room sink! Choose from fragrance-free or inviting, dreamy scents such as Lavender or Amber Rouge.
And when you do get home, and you finally do that big wash, we love the In-Wash Scent Booster in Ocean Breeze—a 100% plant-based deodorizer for your clothes. We also love the scents of Wood Haven and Neroli Zen.
