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The topic of underwire bras and airport security can be confusing. Some women wonder if they can wear an underwire bra through airport security or if the wire will set off the metal detector.
To help answer this question, our readers share their experiences along with the most comfortable bras for flying. After all, not every woman can go without wearing a supportive bra so here are some options including both wired and wireless styles!
Underwire Bra and Airport Security
Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
Should I wear an underwire bra when traveling? I’ve heard of some travelers having issues with them during security checks.
They’re easy to forget about, but the wrong bra can make a traveling experience uncomfortable. From troubles during security checks to loose straps, it’s important to pack the right bra for your travels. Here, our readers share their favorite bras for travel.
Do Underwire Bras Set Off Metal Detectors?
A lot of readers prefer underwire bras due to the support and structure they offer. But some have had trouble wearing them through security checks.
One reader says, “Tip for other larger busted women. Wear a wire free or sports bra through security if you’re traveling in Europe. I’ve had to get pat down every airport the last 7 weeks. I don’t have the issue stateside, I have GE/Precheck so I go through a metal detector not the scanner. I didn’t pack a sports bra and I wish I had!”
Another adds, “Mine set them off everywhere. I got a pat down 3 times from the same person in Ethiopia who kept moving to the next screening point. Crazy.”
Many of our readers like to designate one packing cube just for their bras and underwear!
Panache DD+ Wireless Sports Bra
However, many readers have worn underwire bras without issues during security checks. One says, “I’ve been through Europe Airport security in my underwire and never had an issue,” while another adds, “I’ve been to Europe 5 times and never have had a pat down because of an underwire bra.”
One way to try to avoid this from happening is to look for underwire bras with plastic, not metal, underwires. Or, consider wearing a sports bra or wireless bra.
Ultimately, it comes down to preference and whether or not you want to risk potentially having a stop during a security check. You’ll also want to consider what is most comfortable for you to wear when traveling.
Want to look your best when traveling but still be comfortable. Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
The Most Comfortable Bras to Wear When Traveling
Whether you prefer an underwire or wireless bra, our readers are sharing their favorite bras.
First, let’s look at a round up of the top bras for travel:
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Here’s what our readers say are the most comfortable bras to wear when traveling.
Comfort Revolution Shaping Wirefree Bra
Bali Comfort Revolution Shaping Wirefree Bra
Bali is one of the more popular bra brands as they offer so many styles for different bust sizes. The Comfort Revolution bralette provides ultimate comfort, as it’s seamless, wire-free and made from a 4-way stretch microfiber. It also offers great support thanks to its foam cups and 2-ply sides.
One reader says, “Best bra ever! Comfortable but has shape and doesn’t flatten like many sports bras. It’s also easily washable in the sink on trips and dries well.”
Coobie Comfort Bra
Looking for a classic sports bra? This Coobie bra is oh-so comfy thanks to its extra wide, fixed straps, along with a customized fit, removable pads, and a comfy stretchy fabric. This bra also comes in a bunch of fun colors, from red to nude.
One reader says, “This bra comes in cute colors with comfortable straps! I love my lime green one.”
SPANX Bra-llelujah!® Wireless Bra
SPANX is known for its amazing shapewear, including its bras. This wireless version of the brand’s fan-favorite bra has wide, SmartStretch™ straps so you never have to worry about them sliding down your shoulder. Plus, the smoothing back zones offer flattering comfort.
One reader says, “I tried this on and it was super comfortable. Straps are wide and don’t move and there’s no metal anywhere except in the front.”
Icebreaker Siren Bralette
We love Icebreaker for its natural performance outdoor clothing, including its undergarments. The Siren bralette is their most popular bra with a top rated fit and comfortable and supportive construction. Made from a jersey corespun fabric that includes a mix of merino wool fibers, LYCRA, and nylon, this bra is so soft and comfy.
One reader says, “I have several of the Icebreaker bralettes. I loved wearing them in Southeast Asia. They’re easy to wash in the sink and dry by the next morning.”
Aerie Starts With You Wireless Bra
Aerie Starts With You Wireless Bra
T-shirt bras are the most versatile bras, as they can easily be worn with just about any piece of clothing and you won’t have to worry about bra lines. This bra from Aerie offers everyday support with gentle, natural shaping. It’s completely wireless and comfy.
One reader says, “The most comfortable wireless bras I own are from Aerie, and they are not too expensive either.”
prAna Elixir Bra
prAna is another brand readers love for travel because they make comfortable yet stylish activewear. The Elixir bra is made with a performance stretch moisture wicking jersey and features a racerback macrame lattice back detail.
A reader shares, “The prAna Elixir sports bra has light padding but dries fairly quickly! Especially if you take the little padded cups out. The back detail is so cute, too.”
Freya Active Underwire Molded Sports Bra
Freya Active Underwire Molded Sports Bra
Prefer an underwire bra but still feel comfortable on a long flight? This bra from Freya is the perfect middle ground. The wider curvature and double fabric design of the Freya Active underwired sports bra gives you heavy duty support, total comfort and great shape. Helping you tackle most sporting activities, this bra is ideal for a fuller bust.
One reader says, “The amazing bra lady in NYC gave me this one to wear as a regular bra. I’d been struggling to find underwire I could stand. It’s an underwire sports bra, and you can use the extra hook in the back to take some pressure off the band, if you’re large-chested.”
Prima Donna Madison Full Cup Bra
Prima Donna Madison Bra
Full coverage bras are great for travel, as they provide versatile support and coverage. Get an amazing fit and feel with the Prima Donna Madison, which features 3-part unlined underwire cups with back adjustable stretch straps and lace at the top of the cup for a feminine touch.
One reader says of this bra, “it’s so comfy and gets the job done. I don’t have issues with wearing a wired bra for long periods of time, but I get my fit checked every time I buy a bra so they’re always comfy.”
Everyday Smooth Custom Uplift Bra
Gap Body Everyday Smooth Custom Uplift Bra
Several readers rave about the Gap Body line of undergarments, including the Everyday Smooth Custom Uplift bra. The smooth cups feature strategically sloped and contoured padding for a natural lift and feel. The cushioned wire keeps the bra comfortable, while the adjustable and convertible straps make it easy to adjust for any top.
A reader shares, “I’m happy with Gap Body. They have lightly-padded non-underwire bras in neutral colours as well as underwire ones. When I’m on the road, I hand wash, squeeze the water out, and air dry. They dry pretty quickly.”
Body by Victoria Demi Bra
Victoria’s Secret is known for its wide range of bras, and the Body line focuses on comfort. This demi bra has a lower cut, which makes this supersoft bra perfect for lower necklines. The lighter Memory Fit provides extra support as it conforms to your body, while the smoothing U-shaped back keeps this bra invisible underneath your tops.
One reader says, “I wear and travel with the Body by Victoria demi bra. It packs well, straps can be crossed, and they have a little padding but not too much. They’re super comfortable. I have others with more padding, but this one travels well and dries overnight if you need to wash it.”
What are your thoughts on wearing an underwire bra through airport security? Share in the comment section below!
For more tips on travel fashion, please read:
- Bra Sized Swimwear for Full Busts
- Which Bras Should I Pack when I Travel?
- Best Travel Underwear for Women
- Choosing the Best Bra for Travel
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Does anyone else have a problem getting through security with a padded bra?? I wear Victoria Secret bras and the last two times I’ve flown I’ve had problems and gotten padded down. This last time it was not only embarrassing but also very painful. Could I have a hidden health problem or my bra?
Wire free for option for larger chests- Ruby Ribbon full support cami! I just tried these and they are really supportive(36D), not hot, more comfortable than an underwire bra, especially for extra long travel days. They have other options for smaller chests and those who don’t need the extra tummy support.
Hi Victoria, thank you for sharing your recommendation for an alternative to a wire free bra, they sound fantastic!! 🙂