Travel Underwear: When Skin Matters

Travel underwear is a key purchase - so important it can make or break your trip.

If your top or pants are uncomfortable, you can stop and change. It's a bit harder with what you're wearing under your clothes - known as your base layer in the more technical shops.

The best underclothes dry quickly, don't chafe and are lightweight, often made of fibers that breathe (although some women, including myself, prefer cotton - but it's a matter of personal choice). Some panties have  anti-microbial properties, useful when you can't change as often as you'd like. Wicking properties are important to keep sweat at bay. And the elastic should last at least as long as your trip.

I usually like underwear by Tilley Endurables, although I have several friends who have tried Ex Officio and rave about them as well. I'm sure there are plenty of excellent brands and styles out there - and it's worth the research.

There are two types of travel underwear, top and bottom. The bottom is known - depending on the country - as underpants, panties, knickers... different words, same item. You'll need these wherever you go, although some women requiring maximum air circulation sometimes don't wear them if they use a travel skirt. The top is usually a camisole (a vest for some of you) - made of some sort of wicking material and mostly used in colder weather.

I usually carry one camisole (if I'm heading to the cold) and 2-3 pairs of underwear: two if I plan to wash a pair every night, three if I'm being a bit lazy. If I'm washing a pair each night, you can see how important it is that they dry quickly!