The ‘disgusting’ but surprisingly common travel habit that’s dividing the internet

From phones to cash and bank cards, women have long used bras to stash belongings.

Whether it’s in the club or out for a jog, it can be a handy ‘pocket’ when you’re out and about sans bag.

However, a recent Reddit thread has thrust the common habit into the spotlight, and it’s divided the internet.

While on a cruise, the user revealed they had seen women storing their ‘cruise cards’ — the onboard essential that opens passengers’ doors, acts as a charge card for drinks and shopping, and is used for getting on and off the ship — in their bras.

The post sparked a lively debate, with many calling it ‘disgusting’ and ‘unhygienic.’

Others said their bra was their ‘second pocket,’ and that things might be different if clothing companies made women’s shorts with decent pockets like men’s ones.

The discussion made us wonder what Metro readers think about the issue.

Is it as ‘dirty’ as some make it out to be? Or is it harmless, even practical?

Metro readers have their say

Jen Shilling, Gaia Kush, and Chloe Nicole Stott all went in on the pocket situation.

Anyone who buys women’s clothes will know that pocket sizes are typically smaller than men’s — sometimes they’re not even real pockets, just excess material sewn on to look like pockets.

‘If they made women’s clothes with pockets, we wouldn’t have to,’ Jen wrote.

Gaia agreed: ‘It’s ridiculous how few pockets women’s clothes have. For some reason, a lot of our pockets are nothing more than decoration.’

Chloe added: ‘And when we do have pockets, they are small and hold practically nothing. If you’ve ever worn a guy’s trousers and seen how big the pockets were, you realise how ridiculous it is that we don’t have that.’

Sharon Swift was also in support of bra-based storage. She asked what makes it less hygienic than holding a card in your hand: ‘It is just in contact with flesh.’

Matt Finch agreed, writing: ‘I mean… is there really any difference to that part of the body’s skin touching it, to one’s hands?’

For Louise Slack, keeping valuables in this area makes perfect sense. She has always kept cards and banknotes in her bra, despite carrying a handbag.

‘That way, if my bag got lost or stolen, I would still have the essentials on me.’

While they do make a point, those who work in retail and hospitality flew the other flag.

Nici Morgan reminded people that bags and clothes with pockets exist.

‘It is totally unnecessary to be so gross. We cashiers shouldn’t ever have to deal with sweaty boob,’ she said.

Stephen Rock added that he finds the habit more unhygienic during summer, the prime time for cruises.

Ultimately, many agreed that there is a difference between handing someone ‘sweaty cash’ from a bra and a cruise card.

One woman pointed out that nobody uses the card apart from the owner, meaning they are the only one who would come into physical contact with it.

Her only ask? That cruise companies thoroughly clean the cards for the next guests.

Who is in the right, and what changes could be made?

Cheryl Hankin is right: women have been using their bras to keep phones, money, and more, since their invention.

However, that doesn’t mean that everyone wants to keep their cruise card tucked away in their bikini.

Accidents can happen, from getting it wet after jumping in the pool (and forgetting to remove it), to not wanting to dig into your bra each time you get a drink from the bartender.

Some readers appealed to cruise companies to hand out lanyards, so passengers can wear them around their necks at sea.

Patricia Wigg said she has been forced to buy lanyards on cruises, and it would be better if they were free.

Similarly, Dani Lily suggested transferring cards onto wristbands instead, as is common at spas and many all-inclusive resorts.