Sure, you’ve probably heard of pickpocket-proof pants and shorts — the kind with all sorts of extra buttons and hidden pockets to make it difficult for would-be thieves to get at your shiny things. They may indeed be a good alternative to money belts and ’round-the-neck passport holders for those worried about keeping their money and passports out of the reach of sticky fingers.
But I’ve never seen a pair that would actually look flattering on women. And, I’m sorry, but I still like to feel cute when I travel, even if I am wearing the same 5 shirts for a month.
Enter a new alternative to unflattering pants — products from the Clever Travel Companion.
This company has created a line of underwear, t-shirts/tank tops, and even long johns with secure zipper pockets for both men AND women. The pockets are the perfect size for a passport, and can also hold a bit of money and a credit card or two.
Essentially, they are perfect for travelers.
Unlike other pickpocket-proof pants, these ones (as well as the t-shirts/tank tops) are meant to be worn UNDER your regular clothes, so they really only need to be functional.
And, for the most part, they are.
I was sent a pair of the women’s underwear and a tank top to try out by Clever Travel Companion. And, while I haven’t actually traveled with them yet, I have worn them to dance around my apartment (sorry, no photos…). Not only are both these pieces functional, but they’re also quite comfy and fit true to size, which is always a plus when purchasing travel clothing.
The underwear are either 95% cotton / 5% spandex or 95% rayon / 5% spandex (I have a pair of the latter), and run $29.90. I love the boyshort cut of them, and the fact that they aren’t flimsy; they feel like they will hold up well on the road. The pockets will fit anything as large as a passport, although sitting down with a passport in either pocket isn’t as easy as it could be.
The tank top is 100% cotton (super comfy) and runs $39.90. The under-boob pocket is discreet, and able to hold more than the pockets in the underwear. I stuck my passport, some money, and 2 credit cards in the pocket and wore the tank top around for an hour. That I had things concealed in my shirt was essentially unnoticeable to me, and would be unnoticeable to others, too, with the addition of a cardigan or jacket.
Bottom line: Both these pieces are a great way to hide important things in places it would be very difficult for a pickpocket to reach.
Lonely Planet has called the Clever Travel Companion the “perfect travel present,” and, after giving a couple items a try myself, I’m inclined to agree. I would certainly prefer to receive something like this as a gift than a pair of ugly pickpocket-proof pants.
I’m not the type of person to usually worry about getting robbed when I travel, but that’s mostly because I’ve never traveled anywhere where it was a real possibility. If I did, I imagine that being able to keep my passport, money, and maybe a credit card in a secret pocket would definitely give me peace of mind.
Both of these will definitely be coming to Europe with me this summer.
Two thumbs up!
Check out the Clever Travel Companion for yourself, and be well on your way to traveling with less fear of getting robbed!
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What sorts of items do you travel with in order to keep your belongings safe?
*Note: I did receive free samples of Clever Travel Companion underwear and a tank top, however I would never recommend something to you that I don’t honestly like myself!
Good, I’m glad to see you take precautions. Eastern Europe can be pretty tricky if you travel alone. I’m not saying all people want to rob you but, take care of your money and ID’s. Also, don’t trust anyone you just meet.
Cristian Balau recently posted..Italian Cheese Sottocenere Al Tartufo With Truffle
I will be sure to keep your words in mind, Cristian!
That looks like a very interesting travel gear. The best thing is that they got items for men and women.
Jonathan recently posted..ballroom dance dvd
Yes, that’s what I really like about their products — that it’s useful for both genders!
Passports.. now underwear fresh. And I can only imagine the look on the passport officers face when I remember I’ve forgotten to get my passport out of my pants before rocking up to the barrier…
Laurence recently posted..7 Super Shots
Hahaha, yes that could be a bit awkward.
I love Pacsafe bags, and I’m keen to try out their new range too!
Vanessa recently posted..Redcliffe Markets – Photo post
I’ve never tried any Pacsafe products (again, just me not worrying about these sorts of things even when I probably should be), but I know a lot of travelers use their stuff!
I’ll be honest – I prefer the pants. There isn’t anything about pocket proof underwear that appeals to me. A passport rubbing against the wrong spots or jabbing me in places I don’t want is not a good idea. Maybe this is a good idea for women but can’t see the appeal for men. I am with Laurence on this – accessing your passport while wearing these could get you arrested in some countries.
I noticed you didn’t model the underwear! HA!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Sports, racism, and the healing power of travel Part I
I think that, for men, who are used to carrying various things in their pockets, these underwear/shirts may not be ideal. But, like I said, I’ve yet to find any pickpocket-proof pants that actually look good on women!!
And no, I did not model the underwear.
Boo, the tank tops are all in cotton — that’ll take eons to dry, which renders a pretty brilliant idea useless for many of the travelers who would use it.
Carrie recently posted..Three five-mile tests
You’re probably right on that point — perhaps they should consider making them out of other materials, too!