As I get ready to pack my clothes for my trip to El Salto, Mexico, in 10 days, 22 hours and 45 minutes (but who’s counting?) I need to make sure to pack the right undergarments. You guys may not understand this, but having the wrong bra for any activity can make for an uncomfortable day.

El Salto’s water is normally like glass in the morning so the only real chop on the water is if you ride through someone’s wake, probably trying to pass them to get to your spot. I am not so worried about the girls bouncing around all over the place. My biggest concern is that it’s going to be HOT -- so I need to let them breathe. That’s a concern in Guatemala and Panama and Africa as well, but depending on what activities you’re doing it may demand a different garment. No matter what, I need to find the right balance between comfort and style. I have a lot of great sports bras, but just because they work for one thing doesn’t necessarily particularly work for another.

I recently interviewed a number of female anglers about their bra choices. We’re all built differently – what works for a tall 38D might not be good for a short 32A, or vice versa. It’s hard being a girl!

Travel makes it even tougher. They do our laundry every day at Anglers Inn, so I want something they can’t mess up. This is not the time or place for your dainty and expensive lingerie. Also, I sweat, a lot, so I don’t want to wear my nice everyday bras and ruin them.

You may laugh, but my biggest concern is that I don’t have “mono boob.” Some of my most supportive bras that best keep the girls from bouncing, cause that condition, so they stay at home. I will save these for winter wear when I have several layers and no one can tell.

Plus I’m vain. I need to look good in all my pictures.

So now, without further ado, I’m going to bare it all and give you a little insight to what I wear on the water and why.

Many years ago I stopped growing up but unfortunately I didn’t stop growing out. I have a short torso and big boobs. My boobs seem to start right under my chin so I can’t wear low cut bras or push-up bras. I will spill right out and despite what Pete Robbins thinks that’s not a good look.

One bra I love is my pink and black, reversable razorback bra by Tommy Hilfiger. It won’t hold you in or help hold them down in rough water or a strenuous workout, but this medium-impact workout bra is light weight and so comfortable.

I always thought of the Warner’s brand as an old lady, uncomfortable, can’t-wait-to-come-home-and-take-it-off type of undergarment, but this new bra could be one of my all-time favorites. It’s light, breathable, holds me in and is very supportive. Not exactly running-worthy but definitely fishing-worthy. I could only find it in black, so I can’t use it under light-colored shirts, but that’s OK as I have other styles that work great in lighter colors.

Mono boob central, this bra is for high impact EVERYTHING, and I have had it for years and won’t give it up. It’s unfortunate that I can’t tell you what brand it is because the tags and all the writing have disappeared. It’s held up great, I play it up to, “they don’t make things like they used to.” I won’t be wearing this one on the water unless I have a lot of clothes on as it’s quite unattractive, but for high-impact activities in colder weather it’s a keeper.

I am always moving and need to be comfortable, so how about a brand named Moving Comfort? No, really, that’s the brand name, and they live up to it. They come in several different colors. I own black and purple and the most reasonable prices are found on Amazon. The best thing about this bra are the adjustable shoulder straps. How smart is that? It is seam free with contoured cups and has plenty of support. No way the girls are falling out of this bra. However, support comes with a price. These create mono boob, which leads to subpar pictures, so she will be left at home for this trip.

Pete absolutely hates this next one (I won’t tell you what he calls it) and I agree that it’s not the most attractive, but it’s one of my favorites. It’s supportive, breathable, and doesn’t cause mono boob. It fits like a regular everyday bra but it’s even more comfortable -- I should have bought more when I had the chance.

I’m pretty sure I purchased this at Nordstrom Rack and just realized after owning it for several years that it can also become a razorback by unclipping the straps and crossing them and then reclipping. The bra is definitely being packed for the trip.

Athleta -- Oh how I love Athleta clothing! The quality is terrific, they fit my short, stout body and they have great styles and colors. I understand that good quality costs money but unless I get their merchandise on sale I just can’t see spending the high price.

This next one will give me black eyes if I try to wear it for a run. Perhaps I could use it as a pajama top? But on those days when it is hot as Hades out, you just want to be comfortable, don’t care what you look like, and need a bra that wicks sweat and can dry fast when washed, Jockey is the answer. They are very affordable, come in several different colors, and are normally sold in two-packs.

They have removable padding but I find if you take it out you end up with the “Jennifer Aniston look.” Although she can get away with this – and built a career upon her headlights – it’s not a great idea for the rest of us.

Jennifer Aniston nipples not a good look for fishing

So there you have them – the bras that work best for ME and the factors I consider when picking one.

Take it or leave it but please WEAR IT! I hope you found this useful. I actually am excited that writing this blog helped me realize that one of my bras does double duty, so thank you for helping me figure this out.

Wishing you tight lines, unwavering support and no wardrobe malfunctions!