If you’re like me, you probably put a good amount of thought into the outfits you pack for a trip, but what about the clothes you’ll be wearing on the plane? As any flight attendant or frequent flier will tell you, comfort is key when dressing for a flight. I enjoy dressing cute when I travel, but I never sacrifice comfort.
Travel days are often stressful for air travelers, especially those with economy class tickets. The seats are cramped, and although the cabin is air conditioned, the temperature often changes throughout the flight. Depending on where you’re traveling to, you may also be required to sit in that cramped space for long periods of time.
And that’s just the airplane itself! When thinking about what you should be wearing on an plane, don’t forget to factor in going through security and walking to your gate.
Choosing the right outfit for airplane travel can make your trip comfortable and stress-free. I’m sharing a round up of outfits to wear for airplane travel, so you can feel good and look great the entire time.
What To Wear For Airplane Travel
Wear comfortable pants.
Wearing comfortable pants is crucial in any situation that requires you to sit for a long time. When you put together your travel outfit, opt for pants that are loose, stretchy, or lightweight. Ponte knit pants, leggings, and some types of denim are great for airplane travel.
Leggings with hidden pockets are especially great for airplane travel because, in addition to being super comfortable, they offer a hands free way to keep your phone easily accessible.
Stick to breathable tops made of natural fabrics.
As you pick out a top to wear on your flight, take a minute to notice what the shirt is made out of.
Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, or merino wool allow both air and moisture to easily pass through them. Man-made moisture-wicking fabric is an okay option too.
You would do best to avoid wearing synthetic rayon or polyester materials because they are usually more constricting and tend to hold on to body odor.
Compression socks reduce swelling and help prevent blood clots.
Compression socks may not be the first thing you think of when putting together your travel outfit. But if you’re going to be sitting for a long time, they’re worth including as part of your outfit.
Sitting for an extended period of time can restrict blood flow and cause your legs to swell. A lack of adequate blood circulation puts you at risk for leg and foot soreness as well as deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots. And trust me, you don’t want to be sore when you show up for your long-awaited vacation!
Compression socks are designed to prevent blood clots and reduce the likelihood of soreness. Just remember to put them on before you board, because they’re not exactly easy to get on.
Wear layers to stay comfortable and save on cargo space.
The temperature inside an airplane cabin often changes throughout a flight. For this reason, and also to give you more space in your luggage, it’s a good idea to wear layers. If you get cold easily, you may want to wear long sleeves. You can also make a cardigan, shacket, or shawl part of your travel outfit.
For yet another layer, consider putting a light jacket in your carry on. Light jackets take up little space but provide a good amount of warmth on a cold flight.
Shop comfortable cardigans here.
Consider wearing a longer, flowy dress.
Dresses can also be great for travel, as long as you choose the right one. To ensure you’ll be comfortable on your flight, you’ll want to avoid wearing dresses that are short and restrictive. If you prefer to wear a dress, opt for a loose-fitting midi or maxi dress, that way you’ll be comfortable.
Shop comfortable dresses here.
Comfortable shoes are crucial for easier travel.
Airport travel usually requires a good amount of walking and standing in line. To make it easier to navigate the airport and board your flight, you’ll want to wear a pair of comfortable shoes. Flats are the most comfortable shoe to wear on a plane and they’re generally pretty easy to slip off and on when you go through airport security.
Sandals are typically okay, as long as they are comfortable and provide enough support for longer walks. If you have a go-to pair of flip flops, you can keep them in your carry-on to wear them on the plane, but they’re usually not the best choice for navigating an airport.
Comfortable closed-toe shoes will protect your feet best. And if you can’t imagine not wearing heels, block heels provide valuable stability.
Wrinkle-free business clothes are great for work trips.
When you’re traveling for business, you can totally wear your work attire on the airplane without worrying about your clothes getting wrinkled. Just so long as you wear the right wrinkle-free work clothes.
To avoid looking disheveled when you arrive, you might consider packing your business clothes in your carry-on and getting dressed in the airport bathroom. But if you have to go straight to the office or a meeting, why not save yourself time and effort by traveling in comfortable, breathable, wrinkle-free business attire?
Shop wrinkle-free business shirts here.
Loungewear is great for overnight flights.
Of course, you’re not going to be able to sleep as comfortably on an overnight flight as you would in your own bed, but loungewear certainly helps. However, it’s important to choose the right kind of loungewear.
You shouldn’t wear pajamas, even for long haul flights, because pajamas can be a little too baggy and possibly get in the way. But you want to choose clothing that is comfortable enough to sleep in, right? So instead, opt for some trendy loungewear that is comfortable and appropriate to wear in public.
Shop comfortable loungewear here.
Airplane Travel Outfit Ideas
Two Piece Jumpsuit, Cardigan, Sandals, Crossbody Bag
Two Piece Jumpsuit / Oversized Cardigan / Steve Madden Travel Flat Sandal / Crossbody Bag
I love this airport outfit for when I’m traveling for vacation in the spring. The matching two-piece jumpsuit is so lovely in pink. Plus, it’s ridiculously comfortable. I like to throw on an oversized cardigan for an extra layer of style and coziness.
For the perfect “I’m heading to the beach” look, I like to slip on one of my favorite pairs of flat sandals from Steve Madden. I completed this look with a gorgeous crossbody bag that is large enough to hold my passport, face mask, and other travel essentials, but small enough to wear comfortably through an airport.
Matching Loungewear Set With White Sneakers
Long Sleeve Crew Neck Pullover With Joggers Set / Vans Skate Authentic Shoe
For a long flight or overnight trip, I love comfy loungewear. This matching set is the perfect way to look put-together despite feeling like you’re still in your pajamas. I styled the set with a pair of white Vans because they look especially good with the dark khaki loungewear.
Oversized Sweater, Leggings, And Chelsea Boots
Striped Oversized Crew Neck Sweater / Black Leggings / Black Chelsea Boots
This is one of my favorite looks for the holidays and it just so happens to be a great outfit to wear for airplane travel. The oversized sweater is as comfortable as it gets, as are the black leggings that I could easily wear almost every day. And who doesn’t love a solid pair of Chelsea boots? They’re ridiculously comfortable, easy to slip on and off, and great for all types of weather.
Button Up Blouse, Classic Skinny Jeans, Espadrille Platform Sandals
White Button Up Blouse (HERE or HERE) / Classic Skinny Jeans / Steve Madden Espadrille Platform Sandals
Something magical happens when you pair a crisp white button up blouse with blue jeans. For this outfit in particular, I wore a gorgeous tie-front button up blouse and skinny jeans for a classic, super chic look. To keep things more on the casual side, I slipped on my favorite Steve Madden Espadrilles.
That blouse is one of my favorite button ups, but it’s made of polyester, which sometimes doesn’t hold up to airplane travel as well as other fabrics. If you want to recreate the same look, but with a more breathable, travel-friendly blouse, get this button up!
Khaki Cargo Jogger Pants, White Button Up Shirt, Brown Sleeveless Body Suit, Brown Booties
Khaki Cargo Jogger Pants / White Oversized Poplin Button-Up Shirt / Brown Sleeveless Body Suit / Brown Booties
How great is this fall outfit? These khaki cargo jogger pants are super lightweight and have an elastic waistband. They’re great travel pants! Plus, the sleeveless bodysuit is super comfy. I styled them with a white button-up shirt, worn unbuttoned, and brown booties.
The key to pulling off this look is to pair light khaki joggers with a chocolate-toned bodysuit. The white button up not only breaks up the brown tones, but it works as another layer to keep you comfortable on your flight.
What are some of your favorite things to wear for airplane travel?
Is there one item in particular that you can’t travel without? Do you have a go-to outfit that you wear every time you travel? Tell me about it! Then head over to my blog to read more about fashion and travel from my perspective.
