Plus-Size Travel: Underwear

There’s nothing quite like finding just the right underwear, that perfect pair that fits just right, feels great, and doesn’t rub in all the wrong places. While finding great underwear is important for everyone, for travelers it’s crucial to find the right kind that are not just comfortable, but pack well and wash and dry quickly.

When I was looking for good travel underwear, I had some difficulty finding good quick-dry underwear in plus sizes.

When looking for travel underwear, I go after the following criteria:

1. Fit
2. Materials
3. Color
4. Drying speed

Here are some of my favorite plus-size options:

1. ExOfficio

ExOfficio are a HPL tried-and-true favorite for travel underwear, and I agree with Brooke and Caroline, these are fantastic! I have several pairs of the give-and-go bikini briefs that I use not just for travel, but as everyday underwear as well. They’re super comfy, breathable, and easy to clean. They’re mostly in straight sizes, but go up to an XXL (which fits size 18/20 comfortably). They’re about $15-$20 a pair, so a bit pricey, but a great investment!

>>Check for Exofficio underwear deals on Amazon

2. JunoActive QuikWik Comfort Brief

Workout underwear is perfect for travel. They wick moisture away from your body, and since they’re made for sweaty activity, they’re great for very hot days. Though there isn’t much good underwear marketed as ‘travel underwear’ in plus sizes, you can often find some leads when looking for workout underwear.

While I’ve never tried JunoActive’s Quikwik Comfort Briefs, I’m in love with their QuikWik leggings, and I’d be surprised if their briefs weren’t just as great! At $30, these briefs are pretty steep, but adding one or two pairs of super-high-quality underwear to your collection can make a huge difference in comfort when it comes to hot weather, big walking days, or hiking and camping. These panties are available in four colors (though I tend to stick with black, as it shows less wear), and go up to a size 4X.

3. TravelSmith Briefs

These panties are perfect for travel. They’re super breathable, and the wide elastic waistband helps keep them from slipping down or digging into your hips. Plus, they’re sold by TravelSmith, which makes and sells reliably good travel gear. They come in both classic and bikini briefs and go up to a size XXXL (or 26/28).

Budget Options

For those shopping on a budget, there are a plethora of options from cheaper big-box stores like Target and Walmart. If you’re not going with the higher-end travel-specific underwear, I’d recommend staying away from cotton, as cotton underwear holds moisture, bacteria, and odor, and it dries slowly. Synthetics are much better for fast drying and moisture wicking, keeping you dry and comfy.

• Freshpair has several styles in nylon, including some very cost-effective multipacks. (Check for Freshpair deals on Amazon.)
• Avenue has some great options as well, including some great patterns.
• Bare Necessities also has some adorable microfiber underwear for a few bucks cheaper than most travel/exercise underwear.

Do you have any favorite plus-size travel underwear? Please share your finds below!