We Tested 28 Bodysuits for Travel — These Are Our Favorites

The goal for any trip is always to pack light, bringing versatile pieces that you can wear on multiple occasions throughout your travels. Enter: the bodysuit. Made popular in the 1980s and ‘90s, bodysuits have come back in a big way with so many different styles available for all body types. In the last year, I’ve entered my "bodysuit era," throwing a few in my suitcase every time I travel. The best bodysuits for travel are flattering, hug in all the right places, are comfortable, and can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfit options. With so many to choose from, it can be tricky to narrow down the best bodysuits for travel. So we tested 28 different styles, sending multiple bodysuits to our team members with different body types, in order to see how the same product fit various size ranges. We tested for comfort, fit, quality, and durability. Read on to find out which travel-friendly bodysuits earned our stamp of approval. Credit: Skims Our top pick for the best overall body suit is the Skims Fits Everybody Square Neck Bodysuit for its incredible comfort and stretch. Although we thought it appeared small out of the packaging, once we tried it on, it fit like a glove with amazing body sculpting abilities. We appreciate all the details that make this bodysuit the most comfortable one we’ve worn; the button clasp is discreet, the fit and material gives (meaning it won’t dig into your skin or feel scratchy), and there are no tags, which can be very annoying when wearing something body-hugging like a bodysuit. We love that the supportive fabric means you can go braless if you’d like. The impeccable fit that cinches your waist and molds to your body with contouring capabilities. The square neckline is flattering and can easily be dressed up or down, making this a versatile piece for your travel wardrobe. From our tests, we determined that even after multiple washes, this bodysuit held its shape, though we made sure to air dry it. We feel this is a high quality piece that will be a staple piece for years to come. The Details: XXS-4X | 76 percent polyamide, 24 percent elastane Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Abercrombie & Fitch We love the scoop neck design of the Abercrombie & Fitch Long-sleeve Cotton-blend Seamless Fabric Bodysuit and the double-layered material for extra support and confidence. This makes it possible to go braless as well, for additional comfort. It’s smooth and comfortable, and we appreciated that the sleeves didn’t stretch out at all over the course of the day. The one thing we really love about Abercrombie’s bodysuits is the length, which works for even longer torsos. While it hugs our bodies nicely, the fabric is stretchy and soft so it has some give to it, making it a solid choice for almost any body type.  The Details: XXS-XL | 95 percent cotton, 5 percent elastane Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Commando We love how comfortable the Commando Ballet Off-shoulder Bodysuit is, and were impressed by the fit despite only coming in one size. We noticed that despite the off-shoulder style, this bodysuit still offered free range of our arms, without the stress of a potential malfunction while out and about. It’s supportive enough that some bust sizes would feel comfortable and supportive enough to go braless, which is great for the off-shoulder design. While this pick didn’t cinch our waist as much as other models, the high-quality material, seamlessness, and stretchiness made it very flattering. We found it to be very durable, holding up to several washes without shrinking, fraying, fading, or pilling, all while retaining its shape. We also really liked how breathable and lightweight the material was. The Details: One-size | Luxury microfiber blend (81 percent nylon, 15 percent elastane, 4 percent cotton) Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Girlfriend Collective With a built-in bra, stylish ribbed material, and the option for type of bottom coverage, the Girlfriend Collective Cream Penny Square Neck Bodysuit is our top pick for best size-inclusive because of its very wide range of sizes. This is a fantastic first-time bodysuit for its versatility in comfort, though it might not be the best choice for those with a long torso. If that’s you (like me), then it’s best to size up for length. The high-quality, thick material stretches and cinches in the waist for a flattering fit. We noticed that this bodysuit held its shape throughout multiple wears too. We love the cut of the neckline and the flexibility for it to be a basic staple piece or dressed up with the ribbing detail.  The Details: XXS-6XL | 89 percent recycled plastic bottles (RPET), 11 percent spandex Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: lululemon Calling all high-cut bodysuit lovers with the Lululemon Wundermost Ultra-soft Nulu Square-neck Sleeveless Bodysuit and its ultra soft and stretchy material. Paired with high-waisted jeans or a skirt, this comfortable bodysuit has a great balance of form-fitting and flexibility. The straps are not adjustable but we noticed it fits true to size. If you have a longer torso, you might need to order a size higher. This bodysuit held up well; we didn’t notice any stretching, ripping, fading, pilling, or shrinking. We did notice that the button clasp was a bit large and awkward to clasp because the buttons are vertical instead of horizontal; but once closed, it was comfortable and not bothersome.  The Details: XXS-1X | 79 percent nylon, 21 percent Lycra® elastane Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon We love the bang for your buck Mangopop Women’s Square Neck Long Sleeve Tops Bodysuit for its versatility as a staple piece and good fit. We noticed that it fit a longer torso as well, and the button closure was easy to clip and unclip. The material isn’t super thick so we had to wear a bra underneath, but it wasn’t see-through and the material was very soft. It holds up to multiple washes and wears, without ripping, shrinking, fading, or losing its shape. The square neck design is perfect for dressing up or down, whether you’re wearing it out for a dinner date or a day exploring a new city with friends. It also comes in regular or fleece-lined, so if you want to wear this during a cold winter outing, you’ll stay nice and toasty. The Details: XXS-XXL | 95 percent rayon, 5 percent spandex Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Nuuds We fell in love with the buttery soft fabric and thick, double-lining of the Nuuds Seamless Scoop Tank Bodysuit. An instant wardrobe staple, this bodysuit is the ideal amount of stretchy, smoothing, and sculpting without feeling too tight or losing its shape throughout the day. While we wish it came in longer length for us gals with a lengthy torso, for now we’ll just have to order a size up. It cinches our waist nicely and has a thong bottom so it won’t show lines. We noticed that even under the bone color, we could wear a black bra without it showing through – that’s how rich, high quality, and thick the material is. It held its shape and showed no signs of wear and tear or shrinking after washing, which we also really appreciated. For ultimate comfort in a versatile bodysuit, this one goes the distance. The Details: XS-XXXL | 90 percent nylon, 10 percent spandex Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Parade We love the thin, lightweight material of Parade’s Vintage Fit Bodysuit. It feels incredibly comfortable to wear, with smooth and stretchy fabric that doesn’t feel restrictive, yet flattering as it molds to your body. There are no clasps on the gusset, so that should be noted when considering bathroom breaks. We noticed that certain colors would require wearing a bra underneath as the thin material might appear transparent. That being said, we appreciated that it still felt supportive and offered good coverage. It held up to multiple wears and washes fairly well, without stretching out, though it did show signs of slight pilling. For a lightweight bodysuit to wear in warm weather destinations or layer with, this is our top pick for its high comfort level and breathability.  The Details: XS-XXXL | 75 percent TENCEL™ Lyocell, 19 percent TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™, 6 percent elastane Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Pinsy Get fancy with the Pinsy Shaping Lace Shapewear Bodysuit, ideal for dressing up and feeling sexy. The material is lacey, comfortable, and not itchy. The straps were snug but didn’t dig into our shoulders. While we noticed it didn’t exactly live up to the shapewear status, it did comfortably suck everything in a bit without being too tight. Even with nipple covers the lining seemed insufficient for coverage in the chest area. The quality was very nice otherwise, and it held its shape with no ripping, shrinking, or fraying and it fit true to size. The bottom is a hook and eye adjustable closure for ease of bathroom breaks. The Details: S-XXXL | SCULPT-LACE™ fabric Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Quince We love how flattering and comfortable the Quince Second Skin Square Neck Long Sleeve Bodysuit is, with the ideal balance of stretch that didn’t lose its shape. We appreciated that it didn’t have any tags and the button clasp on the bottom was easy to snap and remained comfortable all day. It fit great with some molding to the body and could be worn either with or without a bra. We noticed that it held up great with no ripping, unraveling, fading, or stretching even after several washes. The forgiving material was a highlight, with plenty of flexibility for optimal comfort and fit. This is easily a wallet-friendly yet high quality basic for any wardrobe that can be dressed up or worn casually, thanks to the material and neckline. The Details: XS-XL | 6 percent nylon, 24 percent spandex Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Shapermint We love an adjustable bodysuit for versatility in length and the Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day Scoop Neck Bodysuit fits the bill nicely. We liked the medium compression it offered that cinched in the waist and smoothed our upper body, as well as the lack of tags or seams that can sometimes become uncomfortable. We noticed that the three rows of buttons for the closure helped with size adjustment, but it became cumbersome to close each time we put it on or went to the bathroom. We really appreciated the fully opaque, high quality material, so that it wasn’t see-through at all. It held its shape with strong and sturdy fabric without feeling too bulky. The fabric also held up very well after washing, with no pilling, fading, stretching, or shrinking to report.  The Details: S-4XL |  90 percent nylon, 10 percent spandex (body), 100 percent cotton (gusset) Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Spanx We love the SPANX Suit Yourself Long Sleeve Turtleneck Bodysuit for layering or to wear on its own for its incredible level of comfort and flattery. It smoothes everywhere you want it to without feeling too restrictive, and we really appreciated the lack of tags so nothing dug in. This bodysuit is thick and not see-through at all, but didn’t feel heavy. We found that the quality was fantastic and held its shape with no stretching or ripping after several wears, and it didn’t pill, fade, or shrink after washing. It’ll keep you warm but remain breathable, making it an ideal piece for cooler weather destinations.  The Details: XS-3XL |  77 percent polyester, 23 percent elastane (body), 100 percent cotton (gusset) Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Others We Liked Three bodysuits we tested didn’t make our list but had features that might align with some traveler’s needs. Shaperx Short Sleeve Bodysuit Tops Crew Neck Thong Body Suit: Although this bodysuit was very comfortable and cinched in all of the right spots, the thong bottom was uncomfortable and the material was somewhat translucent.  Good American Scuba Crewneck Bodysuit: This bodysuit had high-quality materials, wasn’t see-through, and offered good support. However, the arm length was too long and the upper portion of the sleeves were too tight. Commando Ballet Body Turtleneck Bodysuit: Although this bodysuit felt more like wearing a regular shirt with stretchy, breathable material, the sleeves were a bit too long and it only comes in one size. Our Testing Process Our Travel + Leisure team tested 28 different bodysuits, wearing them at least two times per week and washing at least once. All products were tested the same way in real world situations, and multiple bodysuits were sent to team members with differing body types when available in order to see how the same product fit in a variety of size ranges. We evaluated the fit, comfort, quality, and durability and our top picks are the items that performed the best, earning the highest points. We will continue using these products and collecting insights for the most up-to-date information. Tips for Buying Bodysuits for Travel Opt for versatile pieces Staple travel wardrobe pieces are versatile and can be worn several times on one trip for a variety of activities and outings. That’s precisely what you should look for in a bodysuit; one that can take you from day to night, city to city, and can be paired with many other bottoms in your suitcase. That way, you’re less likely to overpack and will still feel like you have plenty of options without being stuck wearing the same outfit over and over. Look for travel-ready features In addition to being super packable, other travel-friendly bodysuit features to look for are stretchy materials, as well as wrinkle- and odor-resistant fabrics. The less you have to worry about ironing and washing your travel clothing, the better. Consider sizing up if you have a long torso As someone with a long torso, I can vouch for the suggestion to size up if you’re like me. Or, search for a “tall” option when purchasing a bodysuit. Otherwise, it will ride up or sit too low in the chest area, especially if it’s not adjustable. Sizing up will add a bit more length for us long-torsoed gals.  Frequently Asked Questions Should I wear underwear with a bodysuit? This is strictly a personal choice. Based on comfort, I always choose to wear underwear with my bodysuits, while being aware of lines showing. Typically with jeans and flowy skirts, this isn’t an issue, but it all depends what you’re pairing your bodysuit with.Some bodysuits come in a thong style and others in bikini cuts, which is also completely up to your preference. If it’s more narrow in the crotch, it may be less comfortable to wear without underwear, but again, it’s up to you. What’s the difference between a bodysuit and shapewear? Not all bodysuits necessarily have shaping features, whereas shapewear inherently does. That said, there are hybrid-style bodysuits made from compressive material like shapewear that are typically tighter and really hold everything in.The term bodysuit refers to the style of the top, which is a one-piece, much like a swimsuit or leotard, that usually snaps closed at the crotch. Shapewear is a garment meant to smooth and contour to the shape of your upper and mid body, creating a slimming effect. It hugs the body tight, enhances curves, and provides a lot of support. Brands like SKIMS, Good American, and some designs from Aritzia offer a good combination of both bodysuits and shapewear. Why Trust Travel + Leisure As a travel writer and photographer who owns many bodysuits, T+L contributor Lauren Breedlove drew upon her personal experience with packing and wearing this versatile garment on a wide array of occasions. She has also written numerous roundups about packing for travel and has a flair for fashion. With her insight and expertise, she curated this list of the best bodysuits for travel. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

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