There’s an art to flying carry-on only. As Traveller’s resident shopping writer, I’ve honed a concise list of must-pack items that help me squeeze everything into cabin luggage, without compromising on what I actually need while I’m away. Multitasking pieces are key, as are compression packing cubes, a good tote bag – and a roster of hardworking basics that will accompany you for most of your outfits.
We’ve spoken at length about the best bras to wear on a plane – underwires are obviously a no – and the right airport outfit (some of our writers are team loungewear, while I’ll always choose a leggings-and-jumper combination) but I’ve not yet found the perfect travel knickers – until now. For all trips going forward, however, I’ll be taking along Paire’s ‘lipstick’ briefs, so called because they roll down to the size of a lipstick tube.
There are several reasons they’ve earned a permanent place in my suitcase. The main draw is the fabric; a silky smooth, breathable blend made from the brand’s signature regenerated silk cocoon protein fabric. Comfiness aside, this clever material is a winner for its antibacterial and odour-resistant properties, meaning for hiking trips, yoga retreats and hot-weather breaks, they’re a reliable and worthy companion.
Classic Bikini Lipstick Underwear™ (Pack of three)
This material is also significantly thinner than cotton, meaning no VPL, even under a slinky dress. So, pack a few teeny tiny pairs and they’ll be appropriate for morning walks, pilates class and dinner by the beach alike, and without sacrificing much suitcase space at all.
They’re impressively quick-drying, too. Wash them by hand, and they only need a zippy 60 seconds blast under a hairdryer before they’re wearable again. This is a big plus as many hotel laundry services won’t accept underwear – and even if they do, a service wash is always pricey. Being able to wash in the sink and dry quickly makes packing light far easier – this is a major plus especially for backpacking trips where every gram counts.
So how do they actually perform on the move? I tried the brand’s travel bra – made from the same breathable, quick-drying fabric – and the lipstick knickers on a recent flight to see how they held up.
Both pieces feel soft and delicate against the skin. There was no VPL under my leggings or my t-shirt, and the generous stretch made both pieces more than comfortable enough for a long-haul flight. Travel aside, I wouldn’t hesitate to wear the knickers for a gym class or a full-day hike.
Paire GlowTint™ travel bra
I was even more impressed by the bra. It’s not the sexiest design – the sheer fabric makes the removable padding visible for the white version – but it delivers where it counts. That is to say: it is outrageously comfortable, seamless and supportive to boot. The pads can be removed depending on how much support or coverage you want, and I liked how it gave all the comfort of a sports bra without any compression. For long stretches of sitting on a plane, that makes all the difference.
The bra takes slightly longer to dry than the knickers, but it’s still remarkably speedy. Don’t skip packing your pretty lingerie for a romantic break, but for one-bag travellers, active trips and red-eyes, this underwear combination makes a supremely practical addition to your travel wardrobe.
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