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Packing bras for a trip can be a challenge. They tend to take up a lot of space in your luggage, and if not packed carefully, their shape can get ruined. Don’t worry, though! There are a few easy tricks to make sure your bras stay intact. One simple method is to stack your bras and stuff the cups with socks to maintain their form. Place them inside a Ziploc bag with some air trapped inside, and position them near the top of your suitcase.
Instructions
How to Pack Non-Molded Bras
Secure the hooks and tuck in the straps. Begin by fastening the back hooks of the bra. Once the hooks are closed, tuck the straps into the cups to prevent them from getting caught on other items in your suitcase. This will help keep everything organized and prevent any damage to your bras during travel.
Interlock the cups. To fold your bras, invert one cup and tuck it into the other, folding the bra in half. Non-molded bras are more resilient and can handle this folding method without losing their shape or compromising the structure of the cups.
Stack the bras carefully. Fold each bra individually and then stack them, with one bra's cups resting on top of the cups of the bra beneath it.
- For sports bras, just fold them in half and place them on top of each other.
Store the bras in a protected spot. Whenever possible, place your bras in a separate zippered compartment in your suitcase rather than mixing them with your other clothes. Alternatively, slide the stacked bras into a large Ziploc bag, leaving some air inside to prevent them from being squished by other items in your luggage.
- Using Ziploc bags helps preserve their shape while also maximizing space in your bag.
Take the bras out when you arrive. As soon as you get to your destination, remove your bras from your suitcase and store them out in the open for the duration of your trip. Prolonged pressure from being packed tightly can damage both the underwire and the overall structure of the bra.
- Consider hanging your bras on a hook, hanger, or doorknob, or simply lay them flat in a drawer.
How to Pack Molded Bras
Pack your bras last. Make your bras one of the last items to pack, ensuring they’re not compressed by the weight of other clothes. Reserve a spot for them near the top of your suitcase.
- Avoid cramming them into tight spaces, as this could distort the cups.
Place the bras on top of each other. Arrange your bras so that the cups of one rest neatly on top of the cups of the bra beneath it. All bras should lie flat without folding.
- Do not invert one cup inside the other when packing molded bras, as this could change the shape of the cup, leading to dents or a poor fit.
Stuff the cups to maintain their shape. Use rolled-up socks, tank tops, or underwear to fill the cups of the bottom bra. Make sure to stuff the cups with enough material to keep them from collapsing, even if they face some pressure during travel.
Hide the straps to avoid snags. Tuck the straps underneath the cup of the corresponding bra, and place them between the cups of the bra below. For the bottom bra, stuff the straps between the cups and the material you used to fill the cups.
Keep your bras safe from potential damage. Place your stacked bras inside a large Ziploc bag, leaving some air in the bag to cushion them. This keeps them from being snagged by other items and helps protect their shape. Avoid placing anything heavy on top of the bras, and keep them away from any items that could crush the cups.
Unpack your bras right away. As soon as you reach your destination, it’s best to take your bras out of your suitcase. Leaving them packed for too long could distort their cups.
- Place your bras in a drawer or hang them up for the duration of your stay.
Using a Separate Case for Molded Bras
Pick a hard case. Whether you use a regular box or a specialized bra case, make sure the container is rigid. A sturdy plastic box or cardboard case can work well. The case should be long enough to accommodate your bra cups when laid flat, and its width should roughly match the height of the cups.
- Many specialized bra cases are available, but the most effective ones are bra-shaped, hardcover, and designed to keep the bras flat rather than folded.
Stack the bras in the case and secure the straps. Arrange your bras flat, stacking them one on top of the other with the cups of each bra resting over the cups of the one below it. Tuck the straps to avoid the hooks catching on other bras. Make sure the straps are wedged between the cups of each bra to keep them in place. Don’t overstuff the case!
- When packing molded bras, never fold one cup inside the other, as this will cause dents or other distortions, compromising the fit of the bra.
Place the case in your suitcase. Before packing anything else, place the case with your bras in the empty main compartment of your suitcase. Fill the space around the case with your clothes to keep it in place and prevent your bras from shifting during travel.
- You can unpack the bras when you arrive, or leave them in the case for the duration of your trip.
How to Choose the Right Bras for Your Trip
Pick bras based on your planned activities. The type of bra you need depends on your travel plans. For physical activities and workouts, a sports bra is essential. For daily wear, choose a comfortable t-shirt bra or standard bra, either with or without underwire. If your trip includes formal events, pack a strapless or convertible bra to keep it discreet under your fancy attire.
Choose bras that match your clothing colors. Start by determining which tops and dresses you’ll be wearing. Neutral-colored bras are usually the best option for travel. A nude or skin-toned smooth bra will be the most versatile. For dark-colored tops, such as black, opt for a dark bra to prevent any color transfer onto lighter bras.
Pack enough bras to cover your whole trip. Consider how long your trip will last and how often you plan to wear each bra. Always pack a few extras to allow for rotation throughout your journey. Even on short trips, having a backup bra can save you if something unexpected happens, like a strap breaking.
- A good rule of thumb is to bring one bra for every two to three days of your trip.
- If you plan to do laundry, ensure you have enough bras to last until your designated laundry day, plus one extra in case there are any delays.
