Lingerie is often an overlooked category when it comes to packing for a trip. Six pairs of shoes? Sure. Five pairs of jeans in the exact same wash? Of course. Eight slinky camisoles? Yup. Nine gray sweaters? Err, if you have the room, why not? Corresponding bras and briefs to pair with all of this? Who has time to remember the things no one will see?
Well, the thing about lingerie is that it has the power to determine everything else you put on your body. That sheer vintage Marni skirt that’s practically begging to be worn in the French Riviera? That requires a particular underpinning to make it even remotely wearable.
Lingerie's power also manifests in its ability to provide all-day comfort, which is a requirement during long travel days. Though, many of us tend to treat it as an afterthought when packing.
So in an effort to help us all be a bit more thoughtful before our next trips, I enlisted the help of a lingerie expert — Lyn Lewis, the CEO of U.S.-based luxury lingerie powerhouse Journelle — to provide a checklist that’ll have us covered no matter where our travels may lead us or which complicated fashion pieces we insist on bringing along.
The Perfect T-shirt Bra
“The secret to traveling,” Lewis said, “is experiencing ultimate comfort the whole way through.” Though dressing for comfort shouldn’t necessarily mean losing sex appeal.
“When it comes to packing bras for travel, less is more,” she said. So make sure your hero bra is comfortable enough to wear on a long travel day and flirty enough to give you that subtle lift for a night out. Lewis suggests the Natori Feathers contour plunge bra, which seamlessly does both.
To buy: journelle.com, from $34
The Convertible Bra
If some of your evening looks might be more fussy (say, a strapless or one-shoulder top), pack a bra that can be worn in various ways depending on your outfit choice. Lewis likes this strapless plunge bra by Simone Perele: “Experience the comfort of the silhouetting cups during the day, and play around with the convertible straps for sunset drinks in that little black dress.”
To buy: journelle.com, $89
The Eye Mask
Getting a good night's sleep is crucial while traveling. “I always leave my eye mask in my carry-on so that I never run the risk of forgetting it,” Lewis said. She suggests having a little fun with this accessory by opting for a whimsical option like this one by Yolke.
To buy: journelle.com, $45
The Not-just-pajamas Pajama Set
Saving room in your suitcase means packing things that serve multiple purposes. “Invest in a chic, silk PJ set that you can wear beyond your REM cycle,” Lewis said. She opts for this version by Journelle that has the perfect trouser to dress up with a loose white blouse and heels and a PJ top that can be worn day-to-night tucked into a pair of jeans.
To buy: journelle.com, $224
The Seamless Brief
Nothing’s worse than sitting on a long plane or car ride with rigid, restrictive underpinnings. Lewis’ solution? Seamless underwear. “These seamless briefs by Commando will afford you the comfort you’ll need during your long travel day,” she said.
They come in various colors and versions, too, should you wish to maintain this level of seamless comfort throughout your entire trip.
To buy: journelle.com, from $26
