When traveling NB (no bra) on overnight flight

I bought the Exofficio Give and Go bralet at the recommendation of the local luggage and travel store. She always wears hers on the plane. I don't like it for myself and only wear it at home. But it might work for some. I am thinking that for the age of us where gravity has taken over, no 'bralet' is going to work. As it is a pull on style with a cross over front, even with stitching, there becomes too much gape at the front to provide much 'hold'. If, however, it might work for you. https://www.exofficio.com/give-n-go-bralette/2242-2188.html
Sports bras come in many styles. Consider a cheaper one, older 'worn out' one, try a larger size or if it has back hooks, hook it at the loosest setting.

I'm fairly busty and when I arrive to the airport gate, I change into a cami with a shelf bra. Under baggier clothing and with a cardigan, I feel presentable. Typically I change when I arrive to the destination airport.

I haven't tried it, but have you heard of the Ahh bra?

I hate bras under any circumstances and avoid them as often as possible. Since the elastic irritates me no end, I often wear camis. Printed tops help hide the jiggle. I didn’t care when I was young and I only care a little more now because of the 30 lbs I gained in 50 years that slightly sags. There’s no truth to the rumor I started that small boobs won’t sag.

Ah Bras have elastic and I find that annoying. I’m always trying to discreetly tug and wiggle to make any bra comfortable.

I am in my late 60's and can't go out in public without a bra. What I wear is a bra that hooks in the front. On the plane I unhook it and leave it on. It gives me enough comfort this way to not interfere with my sleep. Actually, I wear this bra all the time at home.
Department stores have some of these, but I find my most comfortable ones come from Victoria's Secret.

Hope you have a Great Trip!
Mimi

I find planes freezing (I too am slim and small breasted, fwiw), so I have layers on anyway, usually a shirt layered under a long sleeve fleece. Between those two, the fact that I am not wearing a bra - who cares! (honestly, I am only self-conscious about my high-beams - aka nipples - being very evident without a bra, but with a second layer on, this gets taken care of. I dont feel self-conscious about whatever jiggle my breasts may have when braless, but I am small, so there is that).

Reading this thread...lol...." I just can't..." 😂Good thing I finished my mid morn coffee.

The important questions in life! Thanks so far for advice... guess I will layer and try a couple of recommended bras in the meantime.

@Girasole. I did pause a bit before responding especially since OP is a new poster and I considered that fact that it could be a person that was just looking for entertainment, but in the end I decided I really didn't care much. Glad you had that coffee finished! ;)

Thanks Jules, lol. I agree with you about the initial thought of the thread. But, some lightheartedness can be a fun change up.

Honestly, I think this is a totally legit conversation. I've just ordered some new bras hoping to improve this situation for a 12 hour flight to Athens and two prior connections-sports bras are comfortable but the straps often show and I'm old enough that I don't like that look.

I PROMISE it’s a real question! (but glad I could provide some entertainment 😁) I’ve never posted but am a forum lurker. We fly to Europe every year and every year I tweak the outfit and what I bring. I’ve seen a few “what do you wear” threads addressing the NB situation but was just curious. Perhaps better discussed at bookclub with a glass of wine!

Just wear a blouse and a sweatshirt. At the end of the day though, who cares? You will never see these people again and it shouldn't matter whether or not you are wearing a bra.
Men with boobs bigger than many women get to walk around with their shirts off almost anywhere in the city and we are worrying about wearing a bra while sleeping on a plane?

Perhaps better discussed at bookclub with a glass of wine!

ha ha AtTheBeach. We were kidding. It's a fun topic, but sure, good for those who may want ideas and alternatives.

I'm there without the book! lol. I've had some memorable times with "girls' nights." By day, a suit, by night? .......

As an aside, off and on, there have been some questionable threads. The Webmaster takes care of those.

Going to and from Sydney from LAX twice in the last year, I wore a silky, fairly thick tank top under a blouse or long sleeved loose fitting button up shirt. Wearing a bra for up to 15 hours on a flight (not to mention on my flights from Tucson or Phoenix to LAX) was not something I wanted to experience, so the tank top option worked really well for me.

Here's what I use - the Lululemon Power Y Tank. It has removable inserts and I take three different colors as my base layer. They are wonderful tops and non-binding. https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-tanks/Power-Y-Tank-Luon/_/prod1870029?color=24921

On a different, note, my new go-to outfit for plane travel is going to be a tunic and oh-so-comfy leggings. I totally understand why young people like leggings so much.

Same problem, but these help.
https://www.barenecessities.com/product.aspx?pfid=Bristols6ADSKINLIGHT&cm_mmc=GLPA_NonBrand-_-AccessoryBra-_-Bristols6358-_-Bristols6ADSKINLIGHT&BillboardPopupEnabled=false&BorderfreeEnabled=False&color=Light&amsk=4k3rfh4a9w&cmp=sx&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-fvmlv7X4QIVyQOGCh1G1w1hEAQYAiABEgL9WPD_BwE

All the things you want to know, ❤️ Ask here

Travel man, shut you're eyes and close you're mouth. Lol 😂

Cala, leggings are not just for the young. This 68y/o is taking/wearing Spanx leggings to Italy: ultra comfortable, minimizes thigh jiggle and tummy bubble, packs small and light, and goes with a variety of easy to pack tunics, tops and big shirts.
Update from May Italy trip: Leggings are great. They're now the only pants I will pack and travel with. Besides the reasons listed above, they were easy to hand wash, although it took a couple pair two days to dry in the colder than normal May weather.

Travel man: boxers or briefs or ladies’ silk undies, it’s your choice. As long as you have pants on no one will pay attention to what you wear.

I thought I have seen every question at least once, but this is a first. Maybe Rick will select it for his newsletter.

My recommendation is you go on YouTube and carefully watch that scene from 1983's "Flashdance" with Jennifer Beals. Jennifer demonstrates the fine art of removing one's bra in public without ever having to take off your shirt.

Wait until the lights are dimmed in the cabin...nothing up your sleeve and PRESTO! You now have bra off and can have it double as a sleep mask.

Now that we've solved that, can we address the more pressing travel questions? Like how can men avoid the dreaded "shrinkage" when confronted with cold water and a Speedo?

"Like how can men avoid the dreaded "shrinkage" when confronted with cold water and a Speedo"
Sometimes there is no besting Mother Nature

I have never had much luck sleeping on an overnight flight to Europe. Could it really be because I did not take my bra off? Maybe I am just weird, but I have worn underwire bras forever and they don't bother me at all!

I usually wear an underwire bra, but I keep an unwired one for going through security and on the plane. It's not as supportive as my usual one but it doesn't trigger alarms and is more comfortable to sleep in.

I'm very busty and I never wear a bra on the plane. I usually dress warm sense planes tend to be cold so it's likely its not noticeable. Even if it is, I'm unlikely to see these people again and they shouldn't be looking at my boobs anyway.

Here's anywhere that scarf we're all supposed to have comes in handy. A little extra coverage without the bra. You could also add on Daisy's for a little more coverage. They're like pasties but less sparkly, more bandaid like. I've gotten them at Nordstrom but I think even CVS drug store has them. Or get sparkly ones- you do you. I recently got some bras at Costco that are lightweight but have a little wider strap at the bottom that might stay in place better wiggling around trying to get comfy in an airplane seat.

This is a funny thread (thanks horsewoofie for the laugh) but anything that makes a 10-plus hour flight tolerable should be fair game for this site, even if unmentionables are being mentioned all over the place.

So it's my underwire bra that keeps me from sleeping on the plane. Who knew? Not me, especially since it never keeps me from nodding off in my lounge chair while watching TV. But nodding off really isn't sleeping.

I looked at those Costco bras and my suspicion about the largest size was confirmed by a reviewer who said that the cups were ridiculously small in her size, which is smaller than my own. This is not a surprise to me and has been my reality my whole life.

However, that same reviewer mentioned the A Bra That Fits calculator for determining bra size. I've never seen these kinds of measurements before. That's why I linked it above. I'm going to try it tomorrow.

Maybe that will help me to find a non-wired bra with the combination of comfort and support needed on the plane.

Lo, I checked the link... Let us know how it works for you.

On a plane, I usually just unhook my bra when I want to sleep, but leave it on. Ceidleh, I've never seen "Flashdance," but I have mastered (or maybe not!) removing my bra without disrobing. For after dinner "comfy time." At home.

My bra question is this (since obviously the topic has expanded (so to speak) since the OP): why does a bra which is comfortable and not too tight when you put it on in the morning become unpleasantly tight and even oppressive by evening? I've been pondering this question for some time now.

eta: I was going to delete that last paragraph, but decided it is relevant to travel, since we're talking about not being able to get comfortable on the plane, since our undies (of whatever gender assignment or body placement) do tend to be less comfortable at night, and everything is less comfortable on a plane.

I've never seen "Flashdance,"

I sent you the YT clip of the famous scene.

Thanks, Girasole.

You're welcome.

"why does a bra which is comfortable and not too tight when you put it on in the morning become unpleasantly tight and even oppressive by evening? "
does google have an answer? My thoughts are 'gravity, fluid retention, fatigue or reduced tolerance' take your pick. The first 2 can be tested. Take of bra and put it on again. If comfortable - then 'gravity'. If you need to move the hook over 1, then 'fluid retention' ;-)

My wife is gifted in this area, and she wears a tank top with a somewhat thicker shirt over it. I'm a guy so I don't know what to call it. And no, I'm not complaining! She also sleeps/relaxes on a plane better with no bra.

To answer Jane. I have never, ever worn a bra that was comfortable in the morning, and so sleeping with one or being on a long flight wearing one just makes it worse. I hate them and wish we could go back to the 70's when it was common not to wear one and no one thought anything of it.

So I did the measuring and came out with the exact size I wear. It even listed the size I used to wear and the sister size, saying the latter might be more comfortable. It is.

As for the 60's and 70's, the standard for going braless was that you had to pass the pencil test. I did not, so I've never had the luxury of going without and also never found a bra engineered to be supportive and comfortable all day long.

Recently someone on the forum recommended Soma bras for travel. I tried 3.
This bralette is the one that worked the best for me. Support definitely isn't as good as a wired bra, but comfort gets high marks from me. You step into it and pull it up.

Lo, Thanks for your two posts particularly, but also to everyone else. I've been lurking. This is not something I usually discuss due to my bust size (think Dollie Parton, but natural). Since my 'dresser' retired, I've been over-protecting the last of the bras she found for me. I do not have the option of going braless and that would be painful for a long flight as well. Fortunately, I do have a couple of sports bras, which now get me more freely through security, but I hate the uni-boob look. I'll watch the link you provided and go to Soma just in case they can get larger cup sizes than the ones in the chart. (Few people know that cup sizes can include most of the alphabet, but the further along the alphabet, the less of a profit for them.) This gives me hope that I won't still be wearing these same bras in 30 years or more...I always plan to age 96. After that, I'll wing it.

I noted the above reply regarding the "uniboob" sports bras. Not only is it an unattractive look, but I haven't found styles that create that look to be very helpful for exercise. I was delighted to come across this great bra for exercise. But, while it would be more comfortable for a long flight, I still like the cami/shelf bra with baggy top over for long travel. (tho I plan to give Lo's suggestion a try) For anyone that has been struggling to find a comfortable and supportive work out bra, I suggest this Natori bra, which is well priced right now at Nordstrom Rack. I also saw it yesterday at a Saks outlet store. https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/989931/natori-convertible-underwire-sports-bra?color=WHITE

I have worn a bra day and night (including through an overnight flight) for 17 years, ever since a lumpectomy and radiation treatment which left me sore for years. Of course underwires are out of the question.

A fitter at Nordstrom helped me choose some Wacoal wire-free bras which are very comfortable, supportive and offer good separation ( no unibody look). Lately I discovered some Warner’s bras on Amazon which are almost as good, and 1/3 the price. Like these two:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4PMFL1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T7GFASU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Warner’s makes ( or at least used to make) many of the bras sold by Victoria’s Secret under their brand name, including the popular stretch lace Emma bra, which was my go-to bra BC.

Knix bras are my latest answer to this problem. They are very comfortable, no underwire and no elastic. However, they're relatively useless for support and they stretch out after a few months making them even less supportive. Nevertheless, because they are so comfortable, they are my travel bras and if things wobble, well so be it.

Uniqlo makes a nice tank bra AND pad/cup things for extra coverage. They come in both a "stay cool" and "keep warm" model. I wear one when traveling. They often go on sale/clearance with free shipping, and they do run smallish.

Love this thread, you are my people. Maternity bras - soft, no wires - are my everyday, and semi-snug tank tops on flights, under the usual shirt/jacket/scarf.

Comfort to all!

Vicki

I wear these on the plane... Daisies Nipple Pasties Waterproof Nipple Cover Reusable Breast Petal Nipple Pads. There are a lot of different options if you search on line. I have tried a few different brands.

This topic is legit; I can attest. This summer, we flew overnight from the US to Italy in business class for the first time. I never had the lie-down seat before. And, as a busty woman over 40, I also found wearing my underwire bra very uncomfortable when trying to sleep. There are already several issues with sleeping on an airplane that make it tough. So, eliminating minor ones I think will help for next time. This particular flight I wound up unclipping my bra (a back closure) without taking it off, but was worried about losing it as I tossed and turned. So, I actually researched this topic online today, lol. Glad I found out I'm not the only one... I like the suggestion of using a supportive tank top for the flight and wearing layers over it; then changing into my underwire at the airport lounge locker room next year between connections. As for the men chiming in, you just don't understand. But, that's ok... ;)

As for the men chiming in, you just don't understand. But, that's ok... ;)

It's OK, we have our own burden to bear.

Donna, your post about the water proof nipple covers is priceless. What a concept! Best laugh this week. Except for the Edinburgh thread about scotch eggs.

I can't believe I didn't respond to this post back in April. I have not yet tried this on an airplane to Europe, but at home, often in the evening, I wear what my husband calls "an over-bra" meaning a lightweight quilted LandsEnd vest over my t-shirt (or nightgown!) just in case someone comes to the door or something. On an airplane, it's often really cold, so I'm wearing at least three layers anyway (including that very same vest), so I'm thinking WHY NOT?

My bras are excellent and well-fitted and I still find them to be basically torture.

I usually just wear one of those stretchy pull up bras on long plane rides ,normally I find my underwire bras comfy enough. I find going braless uncomfortable ( I am not small )

Cant bear bras, the older I get.
I'm wearing a tank top, under a T-shirt, under a cardi on my flight next week.
If anyone "looks" at me, I have a good line in the evil stare department that was legendary at work before I retired. ;))

I'm the one who needs to be comfy, so as long as I'm clean and covered up, I don't give a darn!

I have started wearing clothes sold by Uniqlo that have a built in "bra". Really it's just two little pads sewn into the front with a light elastic strap around the back...no shoulder straps but hides the headlights. I have one on now...cute little sleeveless, cotton dress that goes almost to my ankles. Super comfy and it doesn't feel like I have a bra on at all compared to what I usually wear to work. They sell a number of items with this built in and I have started to add them to my wardrobe. hey also sell "bra tops" which are basically a cami with a more structured section over the boobies. There stuff is quite inexpensive as well...

The Anita brand sports bra is a great solution....no underwire to dig into or sever the gals off during a long flight.

On the humorous side, I was telling my spouse about this thread, thinking he might find it fun to read. You should have seen his head cocked to the side (think of a confused puppy) when I was trying to explain what a uni-boob is.....LOL. I finally pointed to my own and said, THIS!! as I was wearing my good ole Anita sports bra. Then it finally clicked when he happily said: "oh, no "lift and separate." Oh how that commercial from years ago (maybe decades now) has made its imprint on a generation of men.

Maggie, now that is funny!!

Hanes ‘Get Cozy’ pullover bra @ $8.00 at WalMart or Target.

Traveling "NB" is not an option for me. About a month ago, I went to a lingerie store and told the clerk that I needed something that would give me the support I need and remain comfortable during a transatlantic flight.

Her suggestion was so obvious - just go up a band size.

On a related tangent of being comfortable on long-haul flights, I am always surprised how many women choose to travel in tight jeans or trousers. Don't they ride up and become incresingly uncomfortable at the crotch? I always used to wear a skirt when travelling, but that also would ride up and uncover my knees. Now I have a Japanese garment bought on eBay - something like a harama but more casual - and on my last trip, sleeping both on flights and an overnight train - I found it extremely comfortable: soft cotton with 10% wool and an elastic waist makes it the ideal lower-half garment for travelling.

cgichard, what's a harama? I googled it, but that didn't help.

I use silicon cover-ups. I will not travel with a bra on - way too uncomfortable.

Since my lumpectomy/radiation, I can't wear anything that even touches my ribs. For airline travel, I wear a long sleeved T and light fleece vest and change into a short sleeved shirt if need be. Vests--cotton, wool, denim, fleece--are my friend.

I didn't have time to read all of the replies, but wanted to chime in.

I just turned 70 and had a mastectomy (one side) 18 years ago. The fake one is still pretty perky but the real one is not.
I found some bras at Victoria's Secret that I use on long flights and car trips. They hook in the front. Easy to hook and unhook.
I find them comfortable and it works for me.

Mostly I want to say, Go have a good time, and Be Comfortable. The people you see and who see you on the flight will never see you again!

Have a Great Trip!
Mimi

I wanted to offer a few suggestions that are a little different. I have several of these from my post maternity days, and I think these would really work for what you need. there’s a cup/pad insert, they’re soft and stretchy, semi supportive, comfortable, and they double as a tank top. I’m fairly busty (DD), but these worked for all day for me.

Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Seamless Maternity & Nursing Tank with Built-in Bra (Black, Small) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071NH2GNF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_UyWBDb183FD26

Another idea is Bravado nursing tanks but I found them to be a little more restrictive around the top. But, they are nice and have more of a cotton fabric.

I also have a “sleeping bra” which I think is more intended for nursing mothers - but it’s basically a jersey knit bra that is soft with no wires. Minimal support and just sort of makes you feel like you’ve got it covered.

Do what my wife does, gets rid of the bra and just lets them plop on the pull-down food tray in front of her. This has two advantages: 1) No elastic biting into her lovely flesh 2) It makes the person in front of her recline even further backwards, allowing them an even more enjoyable flight. It’s a win-win situation for all concerned.

I have to confess this question sort of flummoxed me...because...well, just ditch the bra! Wear a cozy camisole with a long or short sleeved T shirt and some kind of vest and voila! Total comfort. Add a long, soft scarf or stole if you are worried that the nips will show. No bra will ever travel with me...the enduring legacy of the 70’s! Freedom!

Never wear a bra but fortunately I don't have large breasts. But occasionally I have a top that may show the nips so my solution is the paper tape available in the band aid section of drug stores. Two small pieces does the job and comfortable to remove.

I have never considered this topic before! But, with two overnight flights in a row coming up, I want you all to know I will be giving this bra-less thing a try for the first time!

Okay, I was laughing along with everyone else UNTIL I read one comment about needing a non-underwire bra for security. What? Nooo!!! I finally found the worlds most comfortable bras (for me) and not only do they have underwires, but beams and struts and you name it! Do the underwires really cause an issue at security?

I didn't realize this was a continuing thread from April. Then I mentioned the comfort of leggings but now I will assail the hated bra. There's no other way to say it, I hate bras. The elastic is so uncomfortable I can't stand them. Unless I absolutely have to wear even a sports bra, I don't. I did find one brand/style that I can tolerate for 8 hours https://www.dillards.com/p/jasmine--ginger-rouched-seamless-crop-top/508082807
So here's what I do: I wear a camisole except at home. My favorite is https://www.dillards.com/p/chantelle-smooth-tank-top/507883500. It fits tighter than most so the girls don't wobble. I sometimes wear print shirts or shirts with breast pockets with or without a camisole and they help hide the nips. Cotton tank tops are too hot except in winter.
As I get old(er) and a little saggy, I'm really glad I've always been small breasted. At almost 69, it's all about comfort. So to answer your question, be comfortable. No one will care.
Remember that you will never see the people on the plane again, or at the hotel, or at the restaurant, or sightseeing.

LeeAnn --- I am 65, an underwire bra wearer, and a frequent airplane traveler. It sure seems to me that I make the security machine beep and get patted down more often because of the bra. I often make a tiny comment about it and the TSA agent laughs and says no, no, it's not my bra, but it's the only metal on me except the fillings in my teeth. However, not a big deal in the scheme of things, so don't worry about it.

I wear a well-fitting, comfortable underwire bra and it has never set off the alarms in airport security.

I bet my wires are bigger than your wires.

I have a friend whose husband worked for TSA (in admin, not at the airports) I told her that I think I get patted down more because of the underwires and she confirmed the underwires to be a likely culprit.

I was pulled out of line every single time when going through Heathrow and given the full pat down and explosives test. Frankly, for years I thought it was the size of my breast vs underwire...as it would be a good place to hide stuff, IMO, versus doesn't every woman have an underwire? However, the last few years I've worn a sports bra when flying and I breeze right through security. I just don't feel as comfortable with the look. Security never acknowledged it was the underwire, but clearly it was.

The wire can cause a problem going thru security. I got stopped at security at our court house when I had jury duty. It was a bit embarassing.

I always wear an underwire bra and have never set off the machine. I rarely get a pat down either. YMMV

Not all underwire is the same...as in not all are metal. You can open up a seam and check. Supposedly, newer ones have no metal, but I don't trust mine, so travel in a non underwire. I prefer to avoid all the pat downs.

Somewhat off the topic but speaking of pat downs... I always get patted down. One female TSA officer finally told me it's because of my hair. My long braid in back shows up as an unexpected warm spot.

Only women with small breasts can get away with going braless, but if you are bustier you would really need a bra or something underneath. I got some of the best comfortable bra recommendations on Brabbly. You can get supportive bras that are lightweight and feel great against the skin that you will even forget you are wearing one. It's also important to get the right size. Alternatively, you can always go for a bralette or cami with in-built bra since they have no underwire and doesn't feel too constricting yet offer support while keeping you covered.

Kendrah, I am sitting in my seat, no one will notice if I have on a bra or not, but if they do, who cares! Women should be able to go braless if they feel like it. Otherwise, fat men with boobs should have to strap a bra over them too and be uncomfortable every time they go out of the house.

Hi all, I am the original poster and I just have to say Thanks! and Funny! to every single response. I love that the thread lives on with humor, plus I have tried a number of bra brands I’d never heard of before, AND have increased confidence that absolutely no one is looking at me anyway!

I’ve flown two transatlantic flights since posting - settled on going NB on the night flights and layering with a Hanro undershirt, top, cardigan. On the day flights a very comfortable sports bra.

Long live the NB thread!