How to Pack Bras for Travel Without Ruining Them

Bras are the one thing most people get wrong when packing. Cups get crushed, underwires bend, and you arrive somewhere with a bra that's been permanently warped. Here's how to pack them properly.

The cup-in-cup method

This works for 2 bras. Fold one bra in half at the centre gore with the cups together. Tuck the second bra's cups inside the first, nesting them. Fill any hollow space inside the cups with rolled socks or small items to maintain their shape in transit.

Pack them last, face up

Bras go in on top of everything else, cups facing up toward the lid of your bag. Anything heavy resting on the cups — even a folded jumper — creates pressure dents in the foam that won't spring back.

What not to do

• Don't fold bras by pulling the straps around the outside — this creases the cups and stretches the straps
• Don't stuff socks inside unfolded cups — they push outward and distort the shape
• Don't pack anything on top of your bras, even a thin layer of clothes

Travelling with 3+ bras?

Use a dedicated bra travel case. Hard-shell cases protect the cups completely and fit 2–3 bras. If you don't have one, a sturdy toiletries pouch works in a pinch — just keep bras cup-to-cup and make sure nothing sits on top.