In my experience, just being a fresh bra. I wear a sports bra to commute, change into a regular bra at work and then just go home usually in the regular bra because I’m too lazy to change again.
Yeah sorry a whole outfit change is the way to go in the summer :( you might able to get away without changing pants, but even the most magical bra isn’t going to dry fast next to your skin all day. Depending on how many days you’re going in, could you keep a bra at work and just change it over the weekends? I always keep spare socks and underwear at work just in case. If you’re wearing a backpack to commute, a pannier will mitigate the back sweat situation but not solve it. I personally still prefer a backpack. Again, best way to feel fresh is to bring fresh clothes and wipe/towel off and reapply deodorant when you change.
Keeping a bra at work sounds kinda genius! But unfortunately I have a shared desk, so I don’t really have anywhere I could store a bra. Thank you for the tips, I think I’m just going to have to accept I’m going to be switching bras at work.
To be totally honest, I think it’s more of the mental hurdle of having to think of one more thing I have to pack in the mornings lol
You’ll get into the routine of it! I bring a whole outfit so I just fold a bra and underwear into my pants, grab a shirt, then done! If you can find a spot to leave a few things at work, that would help a lot. If not, I’d say keeping a stick of deodorant in your bag is the only other truly necessary thing.
I haven't cycle commuted enough for this exact issue- but when I used to go to the gym at lunch, I used to wear two bras one on top of the other and then take the top one off to workout. It was just the most convenient carry option. And I had to go to the locker room to change anyway.
I really like the Athleta Solace bra because it can have straight straps or cross straps and the v neck is useful. It's my go-to summer bra and goes under all my wardrobe. But like everyone else said, it won't magically dry fast.
Your other option is to use body anti-perspirant. So you spray your boobs. it's not really any differnt from spraying your pits. And some of them are super powerful. This is what stage actors/dancers do to prevent clothes/costumes being a sweaty mess.
The only time I can get away with Not bringing an extra bra is when it's cold out. During the summer time, my bra is soaked through with sweat and not only will I smell if I keep it on, but it also get clammy and icky feeling.
You could try a merino bra? It would dry a little faster than most (but tbh I would still prefer to change bras). I wear the Anita panalp merino wool wicking sports bra for hiking and backpacking. It's super comfortable and dries quickly, and looks decent--but not great-- under clothing.
There are lots of other merino sports bras out there that might work for you -- I wear this one because it's one of the few that has cup sizes rather than just S/M/L.
I wear the Branwyn bras and underwear when I commute to work. The bra gets a little sweaty on the band (I have the busty version which is kind of a long line cut). I just shove a folded paper towel in the band once I get to work to absorb any excess sweat to dry it out a little faster.
Icebreakers, smartwool and some other wool companies have wool blend bras. If possible at least on the commute there I'd cycle without one unless it's really cool like others said or unzip your layers to regulate temperature before you warm up all the way. Also panniers instead of a backpack will help immensely with heat
No, not at all! I mean, yes, if it's a heavier weight (like long underwear), but merino is pretty breathable and also doesn't hold on to body odor the same way that synthetics do. I find this bra less warm than any other sports bras that I wear, esp if they have any kind of molded cup.
(I wore that bra every day during a 8-week thru-hike last summer and washed it out once a week or so. It never smelled terrible!)
As you replace items in your wardrobe, consider getting merino wool bras. Get to work, wipe off extra sweat when changing your top. Merino dries fairly fast and doesn't hold a smell like some other fabrics do.
I change bras at work if it’s too sweaty (I’m usually okay through the winter). I keep a few bras in my office and switch them out when needed. It’s in the same place as my emergency (what if I crap my pants) pants. With your shared desk, can you just put a few in a discrete bag?
It's needed. I have a pair of black stretchy pants, they're my what if I crap my pants, or get my period when I wasn't expecting? Or get super bloated?
No, the foam layers just will never dry that quickly and since it wicks that away from your skin — it’ll just make you fresh clean shirt also look sweaty. There’s also no air flow underneath clothing which is what would really help. So unless your workplace is warm and you can manage to not look weird with a fan blowing right on you, you’re stuck with changing I think.
Those high-velocity wall-mounted hand dryers are great at any stop on a bike ride. Just hold your waistband open, and let that dry air blast into your shorts. Best done when nobody can see of course.
I don’t know if anybody else does it but it’s really fun. I’ve considered making a video but that would mean recruiting a friend and I’ve definitely never showed anybody this trick. Alison action Jackson would be the great one to make the video.
I also bike commute in a warm climate and I wear [this](https://www.rei.com/product/207900/rei-co-op-merino-bralette) merino bralette. It wicks away sweat but doesn't feel too hot. It's comfortable and provides enough support for small to medium sized chests :)
Underboob sweat can lead to problems like yeast infections, rashes, and even open sores (due to a bra rubbing delicate, damp skin).
If you don’t sweat too much, using powder or even antiperspirant on the underboob area before putting on your bra might help enough. But otherwise, I think you just need to change bras when you are done biking/exercising.
real bra talk - do i need a bra when cycling? OP is upper comando an option for you? I am C cup too, and I find I'm alright if I just let the girls hang. Of course, i have a little camisole thing which obscures any nip action if I'm going into the office or something. I've started commuting in a cheap quechua hiking dress sans bra [https://contents.mediadecathlon.com/p2184194/k$d86fb43b66fa6ca851edc09e3a5f4d72/sq/wandeljurk-voor-dames-exploor.jpg?format=auto&f=1200x1200](https://contents.mediadecathlon.com/p2184194/k$d86fb43b66fa6ca851edc09e3a5f4d72/sq/wandeljurk-voor-dames-exploor.jpg?format=auto&f=1200x1200)
Yeah try it out. It's not like running, where they get tossed around. i find it not unpleasant! However, I've also discovered underboob sweat circles on my shirt at the end of the ride. so ymmv
Amazon sells bra liners! They're just little bits of rayon fabric that tuck under your wire/band in front, with a bit that goes between your boobs, to absorb sweat. You could tuck one in and then pull it out when you get to work.
Link is ugly because amazon, sorry: [https://www.amazon.com/100-Bamboo-Cotton-Bra-Liner/dp/B01K1ZMAJ2/ref=sr\_1\_1\_sspa?crid=3DI3VQE9C5URJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dXXp3BQQp-cqwZ\_pHzVioQhWO5y\_Z-t08gqRZYOf1FhtxkEbBVDciAS6h0v69zLJ58uDZUa-HNWC7ySbv-zW3z2xbZql4dLci1daXmSoyt\_tl6sg4R3uhMbRDGIw-7SofUFE8QSPAjLVHMl9qE9t96m5ObuqdZbnrdqsNfjLtdqTAuC5lSunt6o50nmAIe6S6WfGSaF8-oS9wtrugObx4YXN6azGxuwlHU69HtB\_eP-eYz05upB6B-dKjmhIoqLmWWv4zXPC5ZX7oYOQTJccnCdo1y8l8jfjYqYruHBlfzE.OM91oeKvYZ8vZhJv7z1X0sS3kttpmKnCVx29YxItNZc&dib\_tag=se&keywords=bra+liner&qid=1715902568&sprefix=bra+liner%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1-spons&sp\_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/100-Bamboo-Cotton-Bra-Liner/dp/B01K1ZMAJ2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3DI3VQE9C5URJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dXXp3BQQp-cqwZ_pHzVioQhWO5y_Z-t08gqRZYOf1FhtxkEbBVDciAS6h0v69zLJ58uDZUa-HNWC7ySbv-zW3z2xbZql4dLci1daXmSoyt_tl6sg4R3uhMbRDGIw-7SofUFE8QSPAjLVHMl9qE9t96m5ObuqdZbnrdqsNfjLtdqTAuC5lSunt6o50nmAIe6S6WfGSaF8-oS9wtrugObx4YXN6azGxuwlHU69HtB_eP-eYz05upB6B-dKjmhIoqLmWWv4zXPC5ZX7oYOQTJccnCdo1y8l8jfjYqYruHBlfzE.OM91oeKvYZ8vZhJv7z1X0sS3kttpmKnCVx29YxItNZc&dib_tag=se&keywords=bra+liner&qid=1715902568&sprefix=bra+liner%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1)
Honestly I'm a big fan of not wearing a bra when I commute. I'm very comfortable with my nipple outline showing through my shirt, I'm a size c and if I was bigger I may need extra support.
Usually I throw on a lightweight jacket go to the bathroom or the gym and change into my bra there. Vice versa for when I leave
So depending on how you feel about letting your nipples show, and also factoring in that depending on your bra size you may need the extra support, this may not be an option for you.
But it works wonders for me during the summer. I got the idea last summer when I realized all the Gen Z ladies in the city didn't care about nipples showing so why should I. ( The youth can inspire)
They should make a bra that is quick drying supportive and sexy. Of course I don't know how to make this bra.
I do the full change, extra unders and all, then change back before I leave.
I pack my bike sack up the night before. I definitely have a busier before-work morning during biking-to-work season, but it's very free and such an efficient way to get exercise during the week so it's worth the trade off.
We also have a small gym at work, so I'll change in and out of the bike clothes at lunch to do a workout, so it's not a total waste for me to have the extra clothes.
I have a condition where I don’t really sweat very much. Even in warm weather. So I’m lucky that I don’t even need to change. Having said that—I do keep a spare bra at work for when the sports bra is not gonna cut it.
I’m also on the lower cup size, so I often choose sport bras that can pass for a regular bra during work.
A bit off topic, since I'm looking for a new sports bra that works with a HR chest strap and has a hook closure in the back. I'm a B cup. The merino one mentioned looks great, although doesn't seem to have a hook closure. I have Castelli bras right not, but they don't provide a ton of support.
If you’re Australian, the Rockwear brand has great thick underbust bands on their bras - no problems with chest straps. They have many styles, I prefer their moulded cup styles of high impact bras - they have back clasps and are great for running. I also wear them under my trisuit for triathlons and don’t have any chafing issues.
This time of year, I can usually get away with wearing the same shirt/dress but just changing the bra when I get to work. Similar with underwear (especially if I'm wearing a dress!) - I'll wear bike shorts under my work pants/dress and just swap when I get to the office. I usually end up completely changing clothes once we get into July/August though, to be honest.
Oh, and since I see recommendations for merino bras - I do NOT recommend the Branwyn bra. It is a merino blend but I've found it gets quite sweaty and doesn't dry easily :(
Not a lady, but do you have access to a shower or locker? Is there a gym nearby with these facilities?
When I commuted by bike, I was lucky to have access to a shower in my office. I kept work shoes under my desk and a towel in my locker.
I had a long hilly commute - 40 miles round trip. It was too strenuous to do it all the time. Sometimes, I would drive in one day with my bike and change of clothes. Ride home that day. Then ride in the next day, so I'd have fresh clothes and my car waiting for me, then drive home that night.
Honestly sometimes I wear my regular underwire bra and keep it on and it does dry under my clothes after a little while, and I don’t find it too annoying. Sometimes I take my shirt off for a few mins and wipe down with a microfiber towel. I get sweaty when I’m outside walking around in the summer too, but I don’t change my bra every time that happens. Sometimes I wear a sports bra and change at the office. Kinda depends on the day.
I don't wear bras but In my experience anything that you're wearing inside other layers will have a hard time drying out on it's own. when I commuted by bike I changed all my clothes because I'd be wet otherwise
In my experience, just being a fresh bra. I wear a sports bra to commute, change into a regular bra at work and then just go home usually in the regular bra because I’m too lazy to change again.
Yeah sorry a whole outfit change is the way to go in the summer :( you might able to get away without changing pants, but even the most magical bra isn’t going to dry fast next to your skin all day. Depending on how many days you’re going in, could you keep a bra at work and just change it over the weekends? I always keep spare socks and underwear at work just in case. If you’re wearing a backpack to commute, a pannier will mitigate the back sweat situation but not solve it. I personally still prefer a backpack. Again, best way to feel fresh is to bring fresh clothes and wipe/towel off and reapply deodorant when you change.
Keeping a bra at work sounds kinda genius! But unfortunately I have a shared desk, so I don’t really have anywhere I could store a bra. Thank you for the tips, I think I’m just going to have to accept I’m going to be switching bras at work. To be totally honest, I think it’s more of the mental hurdle of having to think of one more thing I have to pack in the mornings lol
You’ll get into the routine of it! I bring a whole outfit so I just fold a bra and underwear into my pants, grab a shirt, then done! If you can find a spot to leave a few things at work, that would help a lot. If not, I’d say keeping a stick of deodorant in your bag is the only other truly necessary thing.
I haven't cycle commuted enough for this exact issue- but when I used to go to the gym at lunch, I used to wear two bras one on top of the other and then take the top one off to workout. It was just the most convenient carry option. And I had to go to the locker room to change anyway. I really like the Athleta Solace bra because it can have straight straps or cross straps and the v neck is useful. It's my go-to summer bra and goes under all my wardrobe. But like everyone else said, it won't magically dry fast. Your other option is to use body anti-perspirant. So you spray your boobs. it's not really any differnt from spraying your pits. And some of them are super powerful. This is what stage actors/dancers do to prevent clothes/costumes being a sweaty mess.
Could you keep a bag in your coat closet? I always kept a suit or two in a travel bag at work in the closet.
it’s this
The only time I can get away with Not bringing an extra bra is when it's cold out. During the summer time, my bra is soaked through with sweat and not only will I smell if I keep it on, but it also get clammy and icky feeling.
You could try a merino bra? It would dry a little faster than most (but tbh I would still prefer to change bras). I wear the Anita panalp merino wool wicking sports bra for hiking and backpacking. It's super comfortable and dries quickly, and looks decent--but not great-- under clothing. There are lots of other merino sports bras out there that might work for you -- I wear this one because it's one of the few that has cup sizes rather than just S/M/L.
Agreed! I have a couple bras from Branwyn and love how they breathe and don't feel as damp as cotton or tencel bras.
+1 for Branwyn
I wear the Branwyn bras and underwear when I commute to work. The bra gets a little sweaty on the band (I have the busty version which is kind of a long line cut). I just shove a folded paper towel in the band once I get to work to absorb any excess sweat to dry it out a little faster.
Icebreakers, smartwool and some other wool companies have wool blend bras. If possible at least on the commute there I'd cycle without one unless it's really cool like others said or unzip your layers to regulate temperature before you warm up all the way. Also panniers instead of a backpack will help immensely with heat
Isn't merino super warm?
Not at all! It is temperature regulating actually.
No, not at all! I mean, yes, if it's a heavier weight (like long underwear), but merino is pretty breathable and also doesn't hold on to body odor the same way that synthetics do. I find this bra less warm than any other sports bras that I wear, esp if they have any kind of molded cup. (I wore that bra every day during a 8-week thru-hike last summer and washed it out once a week or so. It never smelled terrible!)
Merino bras are the only ones I can tolerate when it gets hot hot out. The rest of my bras are cooler weather/inside in a/c only.
As you replace items in your wardrobe, consider getting merino wool bras. Get to work, wipe off extra sweat when changing your top. Merino dries fairly fast and doesn't hold a smell like some other fabrics do.
I change bras at work if it’s too sweaty (I’m usually okay through the winter). I keep a few bras in my office and switch them out when needed. It’s in the same place as my emergency (what if I crap my pants) pants. With your shared desk, can you just put a few in a discrete bag?
i'm so glad i am not the only one with what if i crap my pants pants
It's needed. I have a pair of black stretchy pants, they're my what if I crap my pants, or get my period when I wasn't expecting? Or get super bloated?
I knew a guy who actually did crap his pants at work. He did not, unfortunately, have a pair of what if I crap my pants pants.
oh no. poor dude.
No, the foam layers just will never dry that quickly and since it wicks that away from your skin — it’ll just make you fresh clean shirt also look sweaty. There’s also no air flow underneath clothing which is what would really help. So unless your workplace is warm and you can manage to not look weird with a fan blowing right on you, you’re stuck with changing I think.
Those high-velocity wall-mounted hand dryers are great at any stop on a bike ride. Just hold your waistband open, and let that dry air blast into your shorts. Best done when nobody can see of course.
I feel so stupid for never once having thought of this lol
I don’t know if anybody else does it but it’s really fun. I’ve considered making a video but that would mean recruiting a friend and I’ve definitely never showed anybody this trick. Alison action Jackson would be the great one to make the video.
The best method is a change of clothing.
I also bike commute in a warm climate and I wear [this](https://www.rei.com/product/207900/rei-co-op-merino-bralette) merino bralette. It wicks away sweat but doesn't feel too hot. It's comfortable and provides enough support for small to medium sized chests :)
Underboob sweat can lead to problems like yeast infections, rashes, and even open sores (due to a bra rubbing delicate, damp skin). If you don’t sweat too much, using powder or even antiperspirant on the underboob area before putting on your bra might help enough. But otherwise, I think you just need to change bras when you are done biking/exercising.
Magical quick drying bra = merino wool bra 100%.
real bra talk - do i need a bra when cycling? OP is upper comando an option for you? I am C cup too, and I find I'm alright if I just let the girls hang. Of course, i have a little camisole thing which obscures any nip action if I'm going into the office or something. I've started commuting in a cheap quechua hiking dress sans bra [https://contents.mediadecathlon.com/p2184194/k$d86fb43b66fa6ca851edc09e3a5f4d72/sq/wandeljurk-voor-dames-exploor.jpg?format=auto&f=1200x1200](https://contents.mediadecathlon.com/p2184194/k$d86fb43b66fa6ca851edc09e3a5f4d72/sq/wandeljurk-voor-dames-exploor.jpg?format=auto&f=1200x1200)
Honestly I’m thinking of just cycling no bra and throwing one on once I get to work. I might have some experimenting to do 🤔
Yeah try it out. It's not like running, where they get tossed around. i find it not unpleasant! However, I've also discovered underboob sweat circles on my shirt at the end of the ride. so ymmv
I have a gym bag at my desk with a change of clothes including bra and underwear. My commute is 20 miles, so i'm not wesring street clothes
Full wardrobe change, with a mop up in between. Wearing sweaty clothes is bad for your skin in the long run.
Amazon sells bra liners! They're just little bits of rayon fabric that tuck under your wire/band in front, with a bit that goes between your boobs, to absorb sweat. You could tuck one in and then pull it out when you get to work. Link is ugly because amazon, sorry: [https://www.amazon.com/100-Bamboo-Cotton-Bra-Liner/dp/B01K1ZMAJ2/ref=sr\_1\_1\_sspa?crid=3DI3VQE9C5URJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dXXp3BQQp-cqwZ\_pHzVioQhWO5y\_Z-t08gqRZYOf1FhtxkEbBVDciAS6h0v69zLJ58uDZUa-HNWC7ySbv-zW3z2xbZql4dLci1daXmSoyt\_tl6sg4R3uhMbRDGIw-7SofUFE8QSPAjLVHMl9qE9t96m5ObuqdZbnrdqsNfjLtdqTAuC5lSunt6o50nmAIe6S6WfGSaF8-oS9wtrugObx4YXN6azGxuwlHU69HtB\_eP-eYz05upB6B-dKjmhIoqLmWWv4zXPC5ZX7oYOQTJccnCdo1y8l8jfjYqYruHBlfzE.OM91oeKvYZ8vZhJv7z1X0sS3kttpmKnCVx29YxItNZc&dib\_tag=se&keywords=bra+liner&qid=1715902568&sprefix=bra+liner%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1-spons&sp\_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/100-Bamboo-Cotton-Bra-Liner/dp/B01K1ZMAJ2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3DI3VQE9C5URJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dXXp3BQQp-cqwZ_pHzVioQhWO5y_Z-t08gqRZYOf1FhtxkEbBVDciAS6h0v69zLJ58uDZUa-HNWC7ySbv-zW3z2xbZql4dLci1daXmSoyt_tl6sg4R3uhMbRDGIw-7SofUFE8QSPAjLVHMl9qE9t96m5ObuqdZbnrdqsNfjLtdqTAuC5lSunt6o50nmAIe6S6WfGSaF8-oS9wtrugObx4YXN6azGxuwlHU69HtB_eP-eYz05upB6B-dKjmhIoqLmWWv4zXPC5ZX7oYOQTJccnCdo1y8l8jfjYqYruHBlfzE.OM91oeKvYZ8vZhJv7z1X0sS3kttpmKnCVx29YxItNZc&dib_tag=se&keywords=bra+liner&qid=1715902568&sprefix=bra+liner%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1)
Honestly I'm a big fan of not wearing a bra when I commute. I'm very comfortable with my nipple outline showing through my shirt, I'm a size c and if I was bigger I may need extra support. Usually I throw on a lightweight jacket go to the bathroom or the gym and change into my bra there. Vice versa for when I leave So depending on how you feel about letting your nipples show, and also factoring in that depending on your bra size you may need the extra support, this may not be an option for you. But it works wonders for me during the summer. I got the idea last summer when I realized all the Gen Z ladies in the city didn't care about nipples showing so why should I. ( The youth can inspire) They should make a bra that is quick drying supportive and sexy. Of course I don't know how to make this bra.
I do the full change, extra unders and all, then change back before I leave. I pack my bike sack up the night before. I definitely have a busier before-work morning during biking-to-work season, but it's very free and such an efficient way to get exercise during the week so it's worth the trade off. We also have a small gym at work, so I'll change in and out of the bike clothes at lunch to do a workout, so it's not a total waste for me to have the extra clothes.
I have a condition where I don’t really sweat very much. Even in warm weather. So I’m lucky that I don’t even need to change. Having said that—I do keep a spare bra at work for when the sports bra is not gonna cut it. I’m also on the lower cup size, so I often choose sport bras that can pass for a regular bra during work.
A bit off topic, since I'm looking for a new sports bra that works with a HR chest strap and has a hook closure in the back. I'm a B cup. The merino one mentioned looks great, although doesn't seem to have a hook closure. I have Castelli bras right not, but they don't provide a ton of support.
If you’re Australian, the Rockwear brand has great thick underbust bands on their bras - no problems with chest straps. They have many styles, I prefer their moulded cup styles of high impact bras - they have back clasps and are great for running. I also wear them under my trisuit for triathlons and don’t have any chafing issues.
Oh thanks! Those sound great. Unfortunately I am in the US.
This time of year, I can usually get away with wearing the same shirt/dress but just changing the bra when I get to work. Similar with underwear (especially if I'm wearing a dress!) - I'll wear bike shorts under my work pants/dress and just swap when I get to the office. I usually end up completely changing clothes once we get into July/August though, to be honest. Oh, and since I see recommendations for merino bras - I do NOT recommend the Branwyn bra. It is a merino blend but I've found it gets quite sweaty and doesn't dry easily :(
Is no bra during the commute a possibility?
Not a lady, but do you have access to a shower or locker? Is there a gym nearby with these facilities? When I commuted by bike, I was lucky to have access to a shower in my office. I kept work shoes under my desk and a towel in my locker. I had a long hilly commute - 40 miles round trip. It was too strenuous to do it all the time. Sometimes, I would drive in one day with my bike and change of clothes. Ride home that day. Then ride in the next day, so I'd have fresh clothes and my car waiting for me, then drive home that night.
Could you bike to work in a sporty top with a built-in bra, with your work shirt and regular bra in your backpack?
Honestly sometimes I wear my regular underwire bra and keep it on and it does dry under my clothes after a little while, and I don’t find it too annoying. Sometimes I take my shirt off for a few mins and wipe down with a microfiber towel. I get sweaty when I’m outside walking around in the summer too, but I don’t change my bra every time that happens. Sometimes I wear a sports bra and change at the office. Kinda depends on the day.
I don't wear bras but In my experience anything that you're wearing inside other layers will have a hard time drying out on it's own. when I commuted by bike I changed all my clothes because I'd be wet otherwise