Pack Like a Pro: How to Travel with Lingerie & Swimwear

We’ve all been there...

You open your suitcase at your hotel or Airbnb only to find your favourite moulded T-shirt bra has a permanent dent in the cup, or your swimsuit is still damp and smelling faintly of chlorine from your toddler’s swimming lesson the day before you left.

1. The "Nest & Stuff" Method

The golden rule for moulded bras (like the Panache 365 or Freya Undetected) is to never fold one cup into the other by twisting the centre. This can warp the underwires and cause permanent creases in the foam.

Stack your bras on top of each other so the cups "nest" together. Then, take your rolled-up socks or crinkle-sarong and stuff them inside the cups. This creates a firm internal structure that prevents the cups from being crushed by the rest of your luggage.

2. The "Top of the Pile" Rule

Underwires are tougher than they look, but the weight of a heavy pair of boots or a denim jacket can easily bend them out of shape. Always pack your lingerie and swimwear last, placing them at the very top of your suitcase.

Bonus Tip: If you’re using packing cubes, dedicate one specifically to your "smalls." It keeps them away from zippers and rough fabrics like sequins or denim that could snag delicate lace.

3. Don’t Forget Your "Travel Toolkit"

A long weekend often means multiple wears of your favourite swimsuit. To keep it in top shape:

Rinse Immediately: Saltwater and chlorine eat away at Lycra over time. Rinse your swimwear in cold water as soon as you take it off, even a quick cool-water-rinse in the hotel shower helps.
Pack some Eucalan: We swear by Eucalan No-Rinse Delicate Wash. It comes in handy travel sizes and is perfect for a quick sink-wash. Because it requires no rinsing, it’s the fastest way to freshen up a bra or bikini in a hotel room.

4. Dealing with the "Wet Togs" Dilemma

You may be familiar with packing a slightly damp swimsuit just before you leave. Whatever you do, don't just roll it up in a plastic shopping bag and forget about it, this is a recipe for mildew and irreversible damage.

The Fix: Wrap the damp suit in a dry towel and step on it to absorb excess moisture before packing. Use a breathable mesh laundry bag (or a dedicated wet bag) rather than plastic, and make sure to hang it out to dry properly once you’re home.

5. Sand-Proof Your Swimsuit

If you’ve been to the beach, sand granules often get trapped in the fibres of your swimwear.

The Trick: Wait until the garment is 100% bone-dry. Once dry, gently stretch the fabric and "flick" it with your fingernail; the sand will pop right out. Never try to scrub sand out while the fabric is wet, as this can damage the fibres