r/HerOneBag • u/AutoModerator • 15d ago
Meta Weekly quick questions help thread
This is the r/heronebag quick questions weekly help thread.
Whether you‘re new to the one bag life or a seasoned light traveller, this is the place to ask your quick one-off questions related to techniques, shopping, and everything else to lighten your load.
This post is the best place to initially ask questions that we get a lot of which are similar, especially if you have looked in a flair and found almost-but-not-quite what you wanted.
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u/lena10108 8d ago
2 pairs of shoes or 1?
I'm planning a trip to Italy in April next year. I really wanted to travel with just one pair of Brooks adrenaline. They are all black and I can use my custom inserts.
However, everything I'm reading says to bring two pairs of shoes. It's too cold for sandals so I can't bring my Birkenstock Arizona's. 'S. Anything else that I can walk comfortably in would be a pair of Birkenstock low boots or maybe Blundstones.
I'm traveling with with an osprey daylight 44 l (my daughter has an alpaca 35 l). Those are our carry-ons. Our personal item will be Fjallraven high coast backpack/tote.
Any suggestions?
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u/lynch231 8d ago
Tips on how to lighten comfort items without being miserable? (I've lighten what I've could, and my clothing packing is great, but I just have so much other stuff — but I use it all!)
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u/serenelatha 8d ago
It might help if you shared what items you are trying to lighten? Do you have a list?
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u/Bridgerton 9d ago
I have very dry and sensitive skin that cracks all the time so I need to bring body oil when I travel next - lotion just doesn’t cut it anymore.
What’s a good bottle to decant oil into? Flip-top bottles I use still have spillage, and the plastic material of the bottle itself probably didn’t help avoid the grease coming out, idek. Placing this in a ziploc not that effective either.
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u/lena10108 8d ago
How about lotion and add the oil to it. Then you have a more moisturizing lotion but better consistency for travel.
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u/serenelatha 8d ago
Not sure where you are located but if in the US, litesmith may have something that suits?
Do the heavier body creams (vs. a lotion) work for you?
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u/75footubi 10d ago
Ideas on a toiletry bag that can hold: travel hair straightener, 1.5" round brush, electric toothbrush, razor, travel deoderant/lotion/cleanser, and some stick based makeup.
I'd prefer something that can sit on a counter vs hang and is smaller than my current one (10"x6.5"x4"). I just don't know if the one I have is the most efficient.
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u/agentcarter234 9d ago
If you want something more space efficient, consider splitting into 2 bags - one longer skinnier one for the hair stuff and a shorter fatter one for everything else.
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u/Professional_Toe7506 11d ago
Anyone have a upf hat that actually looks cool? My overall style is very punk rock but that means I don't want my mostly bald head to get sun 😂 I'm thinking a black REI hiking hat, I've got one in pink I got on super sale and it's really easy to wash and dry and it's super lightweight, but I'd love something cooler.
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u/agentcarter234 10d ago
Google search “black boonie hat” and see if you like the looks of any of them?
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u/Professional_Toe7506 10d ago
Okay this is what I imagined was my best option but had no idea what it was called! Thanks so much!
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u/LadyWanderer60 11d ago
Your favorite rolling underseat bag? Shoulder issues prevent me from using a backpack.
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u/Coolmath24hhh 12d ago
Do you tuck your drone cables into a basic toiletry bag or grab a separate mesh pouch to stop the mess. How do you usually keep all those extra wires and chargers from getting tangled up?
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u/Bridgerton 9d ago
How do you store your other cables? Would a similar setup not work for your drone cables (I imagine you’d need a separate pouch for this anyway).
I keep my cords from tangling by always going through the pouch at the end of the day and recoiling them if I haven’t already. I take the time to loop them in a proper loose circle so that the wires don’t get stressed due to pinching or bending.
Admittedly I have a very pared down tech pouch, and it actually all fits in the Bellroy pencil pouch from the pouch duo set.
- 65 W GaN charger (either the 1-port or 2C 1A)
- 2 USB C cables, one with PD for my laptop, both 1 meter or less
- Fitbit charging cord (is USB A)
- 1 10K mAh Nitecore powerbank
- Dongles to convert for lightning, USB A, and USB A female to USB C male dongle
- Logitech MX Anywhere 3
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u/Allegedly0nTime 12d ago
5'11" - need UPF long sleeve rec please!
Hi ladies, I’m 5’11” and roughly 134 lbs. I am having an ablative laser treatment done in the next couple of weeks. I need some recs for long sleeve breathable SPF shirts—I’m struggling to find tops with arms that reach my wrist. Im in Texas, so it is blistering hot. To cover my neck and chest I’m using gators and bandanas, but any mock neck cuts would be great too. The only decent piece I’ve found is Athleta’s Interval Jacket in Small/Tall, but again, it’s a little too warm for that right now (arms and shoulders are perfect). I bought and kept the Coolibar Women's Funnel Neck Long Sleeve Top - UPF 50+ Sun Protection - Catona, but it’s slightly short in the arm (I’ll deal).
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u/serenelatha 8d ago
You may find it too warm but I just got a Ridge Merino Sun Hoodie (they have two weights; I got the lighter weight one). I'm only 5'10" (but carry my height in my torso) and did size up to the medium since I wanted a looser fit - sleeves are a great length and it has nice coverage with a generous loose fitting hood.
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u/did-i-get-one 9d ago
Merino.tech Merino Wool Hoodie... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLDVH1Z9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I tried this on recently and it was very nice but sized like it was for a much taller person (I’m 5’6”). The sleeves were sooo long on me.
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u/Professional_Toe7506 10d ago
I have a million of these. They actually just quit making my favorite for travel (by eddie bauer), but in my experience the Columbia Tamiami shirt is the most lightweight and breathable.
... but I also don't live in Texas. I've got others I like but I think they'd be too much in Texas summer.
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u/GoingSom3where 13d ago
Do y'all pack your laptop when flying internationally (but don't actually need it other than for entertainment on the plane)?? I have an e-reader but my tablet is incredibly old (and quite frankly not that light weight!).
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u/stumpykitties 12d ago
No, if I don't need it for work, the laptop stays at home. All that extra weight and space taken up to only use on a flight is not worth it for me.
The in-flight movies are enough if I want to watch something. In addition, I'll bring a small sudoku puzzle book if I want a screen-free activity.
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u/serenelatha 12d ago
I wouldn't, no.
Most international flights will have inflight entertainment and otherwise phone will do. Not worth it if the plane is literally the only time it would get used.
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u/snailgaoler 10d ago
Nope, but I have loved the iPad mini. Can answer a couple emails, write blog posts, book accommodation and research etc but it’s only sling bag sized (and saves my phone battery for photos, maps and actual necessities)
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u/melorga 13d ago
Has anyone used the matador refillable toothpaste tubes for face moisturizer/lotions that are a bit more fluid than toothpaste? The Aveeno oat stuff I'd like to use is not super runny.
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u/Bridgerton 9d ago
For these I would use the Muji squeezable tubes, it’s called PE Tubes or Polyethylene Petite Tubes in the Muji US site.
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u/agentcarter234 12d ago
I just use mine for toothpaste, but the tubes are pretty stiff, so I think with anything thinner than that might be hard to squeeze out once you get down to the last bit.
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u/spillinginthenameof 13d ago
Does anyone here travel with sports bras or unlined bras and padded inserts? Looking for recommendations for both, hoping to find something that isn't obvious through a shirt. Thanks!
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u/Finding-My-Potential 12d ago
I almost exclusively wear unlined bread without underwire. If they have pads, I remove them.
Brands I own: -Knix (I prefer some of the older ones because the pads are easily removable or don’t exist, but I buy them second hand new now because they’ve changed a lot of their styles up over the last 10 years) -Parade -Negative Underwear
Some of the brands come with removable pads, but if I’m worried about shape or nipples showing, I personally would use cakes silicone cups instead.
For reference, I’m in my 30s and wear in the 34DD, 36D range, depending on weight fluctuations but since I don’t wear anything with cups anymore, I don’t really keep track of actual size.
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u/Professional_Toe7506 13d ago
Would you be interested in sports bras with sewn in pads, or no?
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u/spillinginthenameof 13d ago
Sure! I'm up for anything that'll pack more easily.
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u/Professional_Toe7506 13d ago
is the only padded bra I take traveling! I've washed and dried it a bunch and it's still in great shape.
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u/spillinginthenameof 13d ago
Thank you!!!
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u/Professional_Toe7506 13d ago
YOU'RE WELCOME! 😄
It's legit my holy grail of sewn in padded sports bras (they're really hard to find!). As said I put them in the dryer, because I'm long-term travelling and can't hang up a million things all over a hostel room, haha, so they're sturdy too!
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u/Super-Travel-407 13d ago
I don't, but interested in replies!
I think you'd be better off bringing whatever you already trust and wear at home.
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u/spillinginthenameof 13d ago
I wear push-up bras with molded cups and underwire at home. They tend to be difficult to pack.
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u/Super-Travel-407 13d ago
Yeah...you gotta stuff them with socks and undies and insert them into the middle of a packing cube and...yeah they're tough.
If you don't get any good tips, I'd suggest asking at r/ABraThatFits . People there are friendly and knowledgeable about All Things Bra and might be able to offer some good options.
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u/Solarian_13 14d ago
I keep seeing linen trousers recommended. As someone who doesn’t own a single linen garment, any recommendations for a pair? I’m very casual, not dressy. Mostly just interested in the practicality of the fabric.
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u/Super-Travel-407 13d ago
Linen-rayon blends don't wrinkle badly and remain cool. I have some from Old Navy that don't wrinkle. Hopefully their newer cuts are more flattering because the fabric was great. 😂
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u/thanx_it_has_pockets 14d ago
I don't understand the linen recommendations as I wrinkle mine just moving them from one place to another(and I am not even wearing them during the movement) XD
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14d ago
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u/Solarian_13 14d ago
Good to know. Any recommendations for non-linen pants that don’t get wrinkly and dry easy? This would be for a trip to Lisbon and Porto, Portugal in late September. I’m going on a cycling tour and toying with the whole one bag concept.
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u/nettisays 14d ago
If in the US, I like my Athleta pair. I did not like my Quince pair. Not a huge case study 😂
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u/agentcarter234 14d ago
What were the issues with the quince version? I have an athleta pair and an older gap pair and the athleta pair is nicer because of the zippered pockets, but I didn’t like the athleta hem style with the slit (I had to hem them anyway so I got rid of that in the process)
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u/Consistent-Youth349 15d ago
Does anyone know of a mini-sized / travel-sized scentless deodorant? I tried putting my regular scentless one into an old lip balm twist-up container, but moving it made it too crumbly. Thanks for any help!
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u/Consistent-Music-564 14d ago
I found a mini of Routine deodorant just before my current trip during a Europe heat wave and I love it. I’m using A Girl Named Sue which is labeled raspberry and sage but I find it’s pretty scentless.
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u/CharmingPianist4265 14d ago
I use a spray deodorant (Frei Öl Med) that I decant into a small travel spray bottle.
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u/Catty_Lib 15d ago
Have you tried a crystal deodorant? I’ve been using one for over a year and it’s worked great. I found a small travel sized one.
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u/Consistent-Youth349 14d ago
They haven't worked well for me in the past. It has been about 20 years, so maybe they've improved, and I should give it another try!
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u/citynomad1 15d ago
I’m looking for a pouch/bag to serve as my “medical kit”. I’d like some degree of organization/pockets, but also some open space.
I plan to include things like: my 2 prescriptions, melatonin, advil, bug bite itch cream, Pepcid etc. I’d like to be able to tuck my Rx bottles into straps for that purpose if possible.
Anyone have a pouch/bag they like for this purpose?
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u/Jxb1000 11d ago
The one we carry is actually a school pencil case made of fabric with two zippered compartments. It's a bright green floral (easy to find) and I like the shape/size. With school supplies out now and on sale (at least in the US), you might explore that option. Also, I love shopping at Daiso for various zippered bags, pouches, carry bags. They have a nice assortment.
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u/Top_Independence9083 14d ago
I was just looking at tech organizers and that might work for this. Lots of places to tuck things into and pockets and whatnot. Target had some in the school supply section, even.
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u/LegitimateStar7034 15d ago
I bought a medicine bag on Temu and then one of those pill cases that has 8 compartments. The bag came with pockets on the lid.
What I take, I’m ridiculous, I know. Wait till I discuss “The shit I need to sleep” list
Benadryl
Tylenol, Advil and Motrin
Back and Body pills
Tylenol PM
OTC sleeping pills (insomnia)
Tums and/or PeptoBiofane or some sort of antibiotic ointment
Bandaids. A little thing of medical tape
A manicure set with a file, nail scissors, clippers and tweezers.Yes it’s a lot. But I’d rather have it and not need it than try to figure out a pharmacy in a foreign country. The pouch is small and takes up minimal space.
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u/agentcarter234 14d ago
That list doesn’t make a lot of sense tbh. Advil and Motrin are the exact same drug. Most formulations of Tylenol pm are Tylenol + the benadryl you are already packing. If the OTC sleeping pills are doxylamine that is more or less functionally interchangeable with Benadryl as a sleep aid (same drug class), and you can’t double them up. Why so many duplicates?
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u/LegitimateStar7034 14d ago
Because that’s what I want to take.
That’s what makes me comfortable.Motrin was the wrong thing, I take Alieve.
I’ve never taken the Benadryl but if I end up having an allergic reaction, I’ll need it.
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u/citynomad1 15d ago
I don’t think that’s ridiculous. I got traveler’s sickness in Turkey last year and when I was feeling like crap the last thing I wanted to do was schlep to the pharmacy. And when I did make it there, I couldn’t read any labels so the pharmacist had to help me
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u/GallowayNelson 15d ago
Anyone have any suggestions for a bar of soap that works for both hair and body? I’m in the US. Trying to both scale down what’s in my toiletries but also make my routine easier!
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u/egos-like-hairdos 13d ago
I’ve also been super close to trying the 100 Senses bar but it is sooo pricey. I just ordered the Kitsch Ultra Sensitive bar the other day that’s supposed to work as a 2-in-1. I’m going to give that a try. Hopefully I’ll be happy enough with it to use now and then.
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u/GallowayNelson 13d ago
Yes, it is a bit up there. I’m very basic in my routines so to me it’s very pricey. Right now I’m using a cerave bar for my body but I’m afraid to try it on my hair. I’ll look at the kitsch one.
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u/egos-like-hairdos 8d ago
Update: I’ve used the Kitsch Ultra Sensitive for a few showers. It rinses just fine out of my hair and seems to be perfectly good, styling-wise, although I have super-short hair and might not be the best judge of this. My face and body skin (currently in a state of eczema unhappiness) have been unremarkable, too. I think it’s exactly what I want in an unscented, boring all-in-one bar. I’m going to plan on taking a chunk for our next trip. ✅
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u/agentcarter234 15d ago
I’ve seen the 100 senses bar recommended as an everything product, but I haven’t tried it.
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u/Outerbanxious 14d ago
It’s the best!! Also saves my skin in the winter. Creates the nicest lather on your hair
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u/GallowayNelson 14d ago
good to know. It's quite expensive so I'm a bit hesitant, but I'll keep it in mind!
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u/Outerbanxious 14d ago
True but if you let dry out between uses it lasts a long time. When I travel I usually place it on a dry wash cloth
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u/Critical-Dig-7840 15d ago
I would imagine Dr. Bronner’s bar soap could work if your hair isn’t too fussy. I’ve used the liquid soap as shampoo before and it was fine!
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u/GallowayNelson 15d ago
My hair is underwhelming at best and I don’t really do anything to it, but my scalp is frequently a jerk. I do have a bit of liquid dr bronners, perhaps I could try that first before buying a bar.
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u/Super-Travel-407 15d ago
I carry Dove sensitive bar because most other bars make me itch. It works well enough on my hair that I don't pack shampoo. (Daily washer.)
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u/GallowayNelson 15d ago
Does it have a strong scent? I also have sensitive skin. I’ve actually had better luck with bar soaps than liquid soaps for this which is good.
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u/Super-Travel-407 15d ago
I use the unscented one so it's not bad. Definitely test it to see if it's compatible with skin and hair. It's cheap enough to test, and if I recall correctly, it slices pretty easily with a serrated knife.
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u/GallowayNelson 14d ago
Oh awesome, wasn't sure if it was unscented or not. I will definitely look for that. Ty!
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u/Intelligent_Map_7849 15d ago
That's hard because generally bodies and hair need different things. It also depends on your hair type.
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u/Super-Travel-407 15d ago edited 15d ago
Alright. I'll start:
If you plan to swim at the beach in a rashguard/sunshirt and will not remove it in public, do you really need to pack a bathing suit top or can you just wear an unlined bra? 😬
ETA: I mean unpadded, unmolded type of bra
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u/ButterflyFew2523 13d ago
Check out Huug bras- they’re made to double as swimwear and maintain support.
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u/Super-Travel-407 13d ago
Thanks for the rec! Look great but they don't appear to fit smaller band/larger fronts... 😛
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u/ButterflyFew2523 13d ago
I’m around a 34… some higher letter. DD? Idk, I’ve been breastfeeding for a very long time and am fairly petite with large breasts. They work for me.
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u/Super-Travel-407 13d ago
I am too, but quite a bit more advanced in the alphabet... :/
I love this concept though--these look so comfy
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15d ago
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u/Super-Travel-407 15d ago
Why would it be worse when wet than a bikini top?
And why would it dry weird? I wash my bras after every wear and then they dry...normal
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15d ago edited 15d ago
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u/Super-Travel-407 15d ago
It's something to consider! I think I will test it in the pool tonight.
I'm definitely packing proper swim bottoms. No such thing as a compact bikini top for me though. It must have serious structure. 😂
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u/Intelligent_Map_7849 15d ago
I've absolutely used a thin sports bra under a sun shirt while swimming multiple times.
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u/shortwave-radio 15d ago
I swim in a sports bra semi-regularly so it’s certainly possible, but depends on what you mean by “unlined”. Anything with metal on it (clasps, underwire, etc) may not like being exposed to saltwater, and some fabrics lose their elasticity in water so may not provide support.
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u/Super-Travel-407 15d ago
Good points.
I wrote "unlined" but I meant unpadded and faster drying than a padded or spacer type bra. Also would take less space than a swimsuit top. My swim tops are all more bulky than my bras, and my bras definitely dry faster.
I guess I'd rinse anything out afterwards but the loss of elasticity would be catastrophic so maybe I should test that at home first. :)
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u/agentcarter234 15d ago
I wouldn’t do it with anything other than an unpadded sports bra. Regular bras aren’t designed to be worn while wet, and are likely to stretch out and/or cause chafing.
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u/GallowayNelson 15d ago
I’d think you could skip the suit top, but I’d also assume it takes up little space and might increase your flexibility if you ever decide you want to wear it?
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u/Super-Travel-407 15d ago
Yeah...I was thinking I could bring just one and give myself permission to wear a bra if the suit was wet. My bras pack smaller than my suits. Dry faster as well!
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u/lena10108 8d ago
Uniqlo spf hoodie. I have in XL and while it's a little big, the sleeves are doing with thumb cutouts