When it comes to travel, there's one crucial item that often gets overlooked—your underwear. Those tiny garments that keep your bits safe, tidy, and protected. The market is flooded with great travel underwear for both men and women.
One popular option is moisture-wicking underwear, designed to keep sweat away from the skin and dry quickly. These are ideal for outdoor activities or for travelers to hot, humid climates. They are often made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, which provide breathability and odor control. Another common type is anti-bacterial or odor-resistant underwear, which helps maintain freshness over extended periods without frequent washing. This feature is particularly useful for long flights or multi-day trips where laundry options are limited. Undies now come in quick-drying fabrics, so you can wash them at night and put them back on in the morning.
Eco-friendly travel underwear is increasingly available, made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, organic cotton, or recycled materials. These options appeal to environmentally conscious travelers who want to reduce their carbon footprint. Furthermore, some brands offer antimicrobial underwear that resists bacteria and fungi, reducing the risk of infections and odors.
Both men’s and women’s travel underwear is also durable. These are not the kind of undergarments that give up after one wash; they’re built to withstand the rigors of travel—be it throwing them in a backpack or washing them in a hotel sink—they quietly support you through jet lag, language barriers, and questionable cuisine.
For Men
The legendary Paire ‘TravelTrunks,’ which are basically like superhero underwear. They wick away sweat and dry quicker than you can say, ‘Are we there yet?’ Made from moisture-wicking fabric, these trunks are perfect for those sweaty airport runs or spontaneous beach dips. Plus, they come with a secret stash pocket for your emergency snacks or a tiny bottle of tequila—because sometimes, a man just needs a little liquid courage while waiting in line for security. And let’s not forget the whiff factor: they are odor-resistant, so you can forget about the dreaded “aromatic” surprise after a long day of travel.
ExOfficio, renowned for its ‘Give-N-Go’ line, is another brand to look out for. These undergarments are made from a nylon and spandex blend that offers excellent moisture-wicking and quick-drying capabilities, making them ideal for long journeys and outdoor adventures. ExOfficio's travel underwear is also odor-resistant, a significant advantage for extended trips where laundry facilities may be limited.
Another popular brand is ‘Icebreaker’, which specializes in merino wool underwear. Merino wool naturally regulates temperature, resists odor, and wicks moisture away from the skin, providing comfort across a range of climates. Icebreaker’s underwear is soft and sustainable, appealing to eco-conscious travelers.
For Women
One brand on the traveler’s radar is Paire’s ‘Classic Bikini Lipstick’ underwear, said to be the perfect travel companion. Packed in a cute, sleek lipstick case, it tucks into your luggage, taking up minimal space. Made from recycled nylon, they are so comfy you will feel like you are not wearing undies at all. Lightweight, antibacterial, and anti-odor, you won’t have to worry about visible panty lines. The undies you can actually dry with a hand dryer will keep you feeling as fresh as a daisy on long-haul flights or multi-day hikes, keeping everything in a happy place.
‘Smartwool Women’s Merino Bikini’ is for the active traveler. Smooth-fitting, comfy, durable, and quick-drying, these knickers come in three different muted colors. Made from 88% merino and 12% nylon, they let your bits and pieces breathe without bunching or chafing, and no whiffy aromas on extended trips.
Patagonia’s travel underwear has become a favorite for its breathable fabric with odor control, especially the styles ‘active hipster’ and ‘barely there’. Notable features include a moisture-wicking nylon/spandex blend, fast drying, and a seamless waistband that prevents rolling or chaffing.
Investing in top-notch travel underwear is a game-changer. It’s a matter of being kind to your nether regions to ensure that you stay fresh, comfy, and confident no matter where you are in the world. Good travel undies aren’t a luxury; they’re a travel essential for your lower half.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
