I am in the middle of organizing items I will bring with me on my upcoming trip to Sweden. I’ve also been doing some online shopping for cold weather items that I will need for this adventure. During one of my recent online shopping sessions, I came across a “recommended item” on Amazon that made me chuckle: (see below)
Travelers’ underpants with a secret built-in security pocket. Wow! I literally laughed out loud and snorted when I saw this recommended item. All the ad is missing is a “Made in the USA” logo at the bottom. Ugh!!! I can’t help but wonder why Amazon thinks I might like this item. LOL!
I have traveled all over the world since I was seven years old, and can honestly say that I’ve never been worried about my belongings being stolen to the point that I felt it was necessary to hide them in my underwear. I’ve also never been pickpocketed or had anything stolen while traveling abroad (though I have had things stolen here in the US). Apparently, there are travelers out there desiring this level of ‘security.’ I think it’s just weird…
All of this got me thinking about the pros and cons of underwear with secret pockets and wondering about similar products. I’d also like to suggest some alternative products for people who are considering secret pocket panties, because there just has to be a better way…
First of all, if you are seriously considering this type of undergarment, I offer you this warning: do not wear these on days that you plan to fly. When you go through airport security (or any type of security screening) there’s that standard line they always yell: “Empty all pockets!” How would you accomplish this if you were wearing your secret pocket underpants and had stuff in them? Imagine the awkwardness of explaining to security agents why your crotch keeps setting off alarms or appears suspicious on the body scanner. Traveling abroad? Add a language barrier to the equation and it can get very dicey.
I did a little more digging and found that there are a number of similar products like this out there. Most of the “secret pocket” undergarments I found online are geared towards runners & athletes, and people interested in transporting things illegally. These audiences make much more sense to me than travelers. On that note, I’d also warn you that if airport security discovers you are wearing these, you will very likely be required to undergo additional screening. Basically, it might appear that you are trying to hide something you shouldn’t be bringing onto an airplane, or that you are attempting to conceal something illegal. Keep that in mind, especially abroad, where travelers’ paranoia may not be fully understood by local authorities.
As far as the pros and cons, I can think of many cons. Here are a few that immediately come to mind:
- They may be uncomfortable depending on what you’re storing in the pocket: jewelry, keys, passports, credit or ID cards–all hard objects with edges and not the kind of items I’d like to have poking me in the groin. They can also make you look bulky in all the wrong places. Honestly they don’t even look that comfortable, even with nothing in the pocket. A simple money belt–worn under your shirt–makes so much more sense.
- Difficult to access the pocket when needed: accessing the pocket requires you to either pull down your pants or lift up your dress, then reach down into your crotch pocket to retrieve your stash–hopefully somewhere with lots of privacy.
- Possibility of making you feel too warm: the product I’ve shared here is made of polyester and spandex–both materials that don’t ‘breathe’ and tend to make you feel warmer. If you’re visiting a warmer climate, these materials & the stash in your underpants might make you feel extra-overheated. Your clothing may also not fit as comfortably.
- Items in pocket can be damaged: items in the pocket may become damp from the warmer environment of your underpants, and documents in the pocket could become bent, folded, ink smeared, etc. Definitely not a good environment for items made of paper (ex. passports, money).
- Requires special laundering: unless you’re planning to buy one pair for each day, or will have access to laundry facilities, these are only good for one day of travel (and please don’t say otherwise). Planning to wash them as you travel? These underpants require special laundering. Here are the care instructions: “cool gentle wash, do not tumble dry, do not iron, do not dry clean, wash dark colors separately, wash in a laundry bag, do not bleach, line dry in shade.” Line dry in the shade? How convenient! Definitely not a travel-friendly garment. No thank you.
- Misunderstood by security: Though you may intend to store only passports and money in your crotch pocket, security personnel may see things differently. It’s their job to do so, so don’t act all surprised when you’re singled out for wearing these. For example, what are you trying to hide? Are you trying to transport something illegal? Do you have any illegal substances? These are legitimate concerns they may have, so keep that in mind.
- It’s just weird & kind of gross: There is no question about it–hiding things in your underwear is weird. Even though technically this is a sealed off compartment that never touches your bare skin, there is no way I would want to handle any items that have been ‘stored’ there. I am confident that most people would prefer not to handle money, passports, cards and other items that have been stored in your crotch pocket. Barf!
Pros: Let’s attempt to be positive for a moment. I don’t have statistics to back up this statement, but the chance of someone stealing items out of your security underpants while you’re wearing them is probably extremely low. Honestly, that is the only pro I can think of. If you can think of other pros, feel free to share them in the comments section below.
So what if you, or someone you love, have their mind set on a pair of secret-pocket travel underpants? I say turn to America’s most trusted and beloved travelers, Rick Steves and Samantha Brown, for guidance. Do you think Rick Steves wears secret-pocket underpants to secure his passport or cash? Do you really think Samantha Brown carries her passport, and her travel anxieties, in her no-no’s? Absolutely not.
I recently reached out to Rick Steves and Samantha Brown on Twitter to get their opinions on secret-pocket underpants for travel, but have not heard back yet. (I will let you know if I hear back from either of them–hehe!)
In the meantime, here are some alternative products from Rick Steves’s online travel shop:
- Hidden Pocket Security Pocket $19.99 (view item)
- Civita Money Belt $14.99 (view item)
- Civita Neck Wallet $14.99 (view item)
- Security Pouch $5.99 (view item)
Additional Rick Steves security items and other travel gear can be found at his online travel shop. Samantha Brown also has a travel shop on her website, but I didn’t see many larger alternatives (though her bags look very nice). Trusted travel supplier Magellan’s also offers a variety of anti-theft items for travelers, though no secret-pocket undergarments are listed.
Here are a few other products that I’d suggest over secret-pocket underwear | Infinity Scarf w/ Secret Pocket | Silk Undercover Bra Stash | Under-Clothes Hidden Pouch | Hidden Compartment Belt | Common Sense (free) |
Unless you are traveling with something completely irreplaceable at a destination overrun with pick-pocketing and theft (even then I don’t think this is the best choice) I would never recommend a product like this. In my opinion, travelers should focus more on being aware of their surroundings and paying attention to what’s going on around them rather than stashing things in their underwear. I think it just spoils the spirit and adventure of international travel.
Here are some tips from Rick Steves’ about avoiding pickpocketing and theft while traveling abroad, and how to pack the perfect money belt. If you follow these common sense tips, and stay engaged with your surroundings, chances are you will be just fine—no secret pocket underpants necessary.
I think it all just boils down to this: if you think something is so valuable & irreplacable that it will only be safe in your underwear, you’re probably better off leaving it at home.
If you’re still not convinced, and believe secret-pocket underpants are the only way to travel with peace of mind, click here to view them: | Girdle brief 1-pocket | 2-pocket fleece lined |
Stockholm to Abisko 