Pickpocket-Proof Clothing: 10 Garments to Protect Your Stuff

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Nothing sours a trip like having your belongings stolen by a pickpocket. But chances are, if you travel frequently—or just happen to be unlucky—a sticky-fingered stranger will one day secretly separate you from your stuff. Since traveling sans cash, credit cards, and other valuables isn’t an option for most of us, I’ve rounded up a passel of pickpocket-proof clothing and accessories that’ll make you less of a target for thieves.

Protect Yourself with Pickpocket-Proof Clothing

While no one can guarantee that these garments are 100 percent “pickpocket-proof,” they will make it a whole lot harder for opportunistic thieves to swipe your stuff.

Pierron & Co.’s Infinity Scarf

When you’re in flight, don’t be the person who gets up to use the bathroom and carelessly leaves their passport and money behind in the seat. Instead, tuck your valuables into the large zippered pocket in Pierron & Co’s infinity scarf. Then wrap it around your neck and hit the aisle with style and your stuff securely in tow. Buyers praise not only the fully concealed zipper but also the quality and drape of the knit fabric, which makes this pickpocket-proof clothing a particularly worthy purchase.

Clothing Arts’ Pickpocket-Proof Business Travel Shirt

I’ve seen casual men’s tops with concealed pockets, but work shirts? Not so much. So I was particularly impressed with Clothing Arts’ Pickpocket-Proof Business Travel Shirt, which has an inner zip pocket—suitable for flat items such as an ID, credit cards, and cash—hidden behind the breast pocket. A tailored but not tight fit makes it easy to wear tucked or untucked. Collar stays keep it looking sharp, and the cotton-polyester blend fabric is wrinkle-resistant and dries quickly.

SCOTTeVEST’s Boxer Briefs

Whether they’re hitting the road or just the gym, men will appreciate SCOTTeVEST’s boxer briefs, which have pockets to hold valuables close. Made of sweat-wicking, odor-resistant, and synthetic-blend fabric with a non-constrictive fit, the shorts have an exterior front pocket for a phone, cash, or credit cards. On the opposite side is a concealed interior one that’s large enough to comfortably hold a passport.

Clothing Arts’ Travel Wrap Skirt

Admittedly, Clothing Arts’ travel wrap skirt isn’t the prettiest skirt I’ve ever seen, but what you lose in style you’ll gain in utility. With an impressive five zippered pockets (three on the side, two in the back) for secreting your stuff, this pickpocket-proof clothing has a flat-front, knee-length design that’s universally flattering, and the man-made fabric is quick-drying and water-repellent, with SPF 50 protection. Available in khaki, navy, and black, it’s a way smarter alternative to cargo shorts.

SCOTTeVEST’s TEC Hat

A baseball cap is pretty much the last place a pickpocket is going to try to target, which makes SCOTTeVEST’s TEC Hat all the more ingenious. From the outside the topper looks like any other, but there’s a key pocket under the brim and a side pocket with a concealed zipper for cash or a credit card. Mesh lining makes this pickpocket-proof clothing cool to wear even in steamy temps. The strap adjusts to fit most, and the cap is available in black and gray, with or without the company logo.

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Lululemon’s Stash ‘n’ Run Bra

When you’re running in a new environment, you want to be focused on your surroundings, not worrying about the safety of your stuff. Lululemon’s Stash ‘n’ Run bra alleviates women’s angst with two front pockets for unobtrusively storing a room key, ID, cash, and credit cards. Made of stretchy, sweat-wicking fabric and offering medium support, it also fits the bill for other workouts. Bonus: The rear straps look cute under open-back tops.

Aday’s Throw It Higher Leggings

Travelers who don’t want to sacrifice style for security should consider Aday’s Throw It Higher Leggings. Full length and high-waisted with a firm fit, they have small zip pockets in the front, plus a hip pocket that’s large enough for a cell phone and high enough that it’s concealed under tunic-length tops. Sweat-wicking, pill-resistant technical fabric makes the leggings suitable for workouts, and fashion-forward accents (think gunmetal self-locking zips and a wet-look fabric waistband) make them equally appropriate for street wear.

Pocket Bra

If you’ve ever furtively tucked a $20 bill or credit card into your bra, you’ll immediately understand the thinking behind Pocket Bra, a lightly padded demi-cup that has pockets in its cups and along its sides, designed expressly for this purpose. Available in black and pink, the bra looks just like a regular one, complete with lace detailing at the center and sides, so it can be worn confidently with sheer tops and evening wear.

Lululemon’s ABC Pant Classic

Lululemon’s bestselling ABC Pant Classic is popular for its streamlined yet comfy “anti-ball crushing” (yes, that’s what “ABC” stands for) design. But the casual trousers—essentially a smarter, stretchy non-denim version of classic five-pocket jeans—are also a great choice for men who want to tote their passports incognito. Just tuck it into the concealed-zip back pocket of these pickpocket-proof pants, and you’re good to go.

SCOTTeVEST’s Chloe Glow

A hoodie that has a whopping 18 pockets but still looks like a regular hoodie? Sign me up for SCOTTeVEST’s Chloe Glow. Surprisingly sleek-looking, this capacious hoodie jacket has interior pockets specifically designed for not only keys, credit cards, and cash but also for glasses (with a chamois cleaning cloth attached), a tablet, and a lipstick. Its Spandex-blend fabric is moisture-wicking, and thumbholes in the sleeves keep wrists toasty and fingers free. The Chloe Glow comes in white, black, red, or blue.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Which Travel Clothes Are Worth the Money?
• Travel Clothes That Feel Like Pajamas (But Look Like First Class)
• 7 Things You Should Always Wear on a Plane

Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon is a Caribbean travel expert, award-winning travel journalist, and self-described “Carivangelist,” who goes to the beach and beyond to share the world’s favorite warm-weather destination with brands including Travel + Leisure and The Telegraph. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and on JetSetSarah.com.

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