Essential clothing items for a long-haul flight: Discover the 6 must-haves guaranteing comfort and fashion.
Revamped Guide:
Travel Style hints:
With the vacation season beginning, it's time to ponder what to wear while floating through the friendly skies. Finding airport outfits that blend comfort, style, and practicality can be a daunting task. So, here's your helping hand!
Comfort is king, whether you're flying short-haul or long-haul. Choose soft, breathable fabrics, and don't forget those essential layers to take on and off when the temperature changes. If you want a polished look, consider midi dresses, blazers, or loose denim. For those hopping into the daylight warmth, pack an extra outfit in your carry-on.
What to wear on a plane is a personal choice, but starting with some basic wardrobe staples may help. Dresses in jersey fabric make excellent travel pals, while sticking to stylish tops and jeans outfits can be fine-tuned with relaxed fits or stretchy denim for extra comfort.
according to Fashion experts:
When it's work or play, what to wear on a plane doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer. There are many components to consider, especially during long-haul or night flights. Whatever you choose, make comfort the priority. Leverage the tips below to add some polish to your ensemble.
Consider your destination's time of day and temperature, as well as whether you're headed straight to your accommodation or jumping into a meeting or social setting. Consider the surroundings, as airports involve a lot of walking, so ensure that your footwear is comfortable and won't delay your last-minute gate dash in heels.
Your accessories should serve ergonomic purposes. Can your shoes slip on and off effortlessly? Will your bag fit under your seat or in the overhead locker? Can you access your essentials without a fuss?
Luxurious Loungewear
Athleisure remains on-trend in 2025, with designers embracing sports-luxe as a guide for key looks. Top picks include the best leggings, joggers, and sweatshirts for comfortable airport outfits. Aim for coordinating two-piece sets with eye-catching cuts for a fashion-forward look.
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Opt for soft jersey trousers and matching hoodies for an outfit that merges both comfort and design. In warmer temperatures, pack a lightweight jersey t-shirt in your holdall to easily slip on upon landing.
Embrace elasticated waistbands and wide-leg fits for a win-win combination. Pair these with a neutral t-shirt and the best white sneakers to showcase leg-lengthening side stripes. Comfortable and chic—could you ask for more?
Check out Skims' selection for comfy loungewear essentials. These stretchy navy pants add style, too, while the iconic hoodie delivers a casual, yet high-end vibe.
Lightweight Blazers
Lightweight blazers provide a sharp and chic finish to any outfit, making them suitable alternatives to heavy jackets and coats. Opt for linens or cotton blends for optimal comfort. A larger, oversized silhouette looks cool paired with leggings, joggers, or jeans. Or, wear them to directly transition from an airport to a meeting or social gathering.
A pinstripe tailored blazer adds sophistication to any outfit, while the linen material ensures breathability. This design doubles as a stylish cover-up for your favorite dress if you feel chilly in the evening.
You can never go wrong with a classic tailored linen blazer, which perfectly embodies the holiday spirit. Wear it with tailored trousers for warm-weather evenings by the beach.
This lightweight design adds a sleek finish to any ensemble, slipping easily over a hoodie or sweater. The printed cuffs offer a touch of elegance, making it feel designer rather than everyday wear.
Comfortable Jeans
Choosing the best jeans for flying depends on comfort, especially for long-haul trips. High waists and relaxed fits, such as mom jeans or barrel leg designs, are fashionable and comfy during travel. Opt for jeans with stretch for ultimate comfort, and avoid skin-tight denim that may prove restrictive over prolonged flights.
These jeans are comfortable for travel with their stretchy waistband and pull-on style. They also feature a trendy wide leg fit and high-rise waist. Get them in nine colorways.
Straight leg jeans offer a casual yet polished blend. This mid-indigo pair plays well with blazers or jumpers for effortless comfort without sacrificing style. Size up for extra comfort.
For a more structured appearance, consider a white jeans outfit. Wide jeans like these, which have medium stretch, ensure comfort, especially if you’re traveling for work or a more formal event. Pair them with a blazer for business trips or with a sweater for a more laid-back feel.
Midi-Dresses
Looser-fit midi and maxi dresses are stylish and practical airport options. Opt for soft jersey designs or loose-fitting cotton iterations. A visually appealing, well-selected dress will also adapt well if you're transitioning into warmer weather.
Easily layer them with a cardigan or a t-shirt for added comfort during your trip. A pretty summer dress can be repurposed for the holiday, helping to lighten up your suitcase.
This dress perfectly blends airport style and evening wear with its bold red hue, working well for the plane with a light cardigan and as a stylish nighttime outfit.
T-shirt dresses work wonders as plane outfit companions. For your flight, team them with stretchy leggings for extra comfort. After landing, simply remove the leggings to be ready for warm-weather fun.
This khaki green dress features a flattering tie-waist detail, perfect for hiding a tummy, and comes in several different colorways, from a bold crimson red to a smart navy.
Slip on shoes & trainers
Selecting the right footwear for the plane requires careful consideration. The day can be long, with lots of walking, and there's always the need to remove shoes for airport security. Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off to save time and energy.
A white trainer adds versatility to your holiday wardrobe, pairing well with almost anything. Adored by fashion editors, celebrities, and royals, these Veja trainers are also sustainable.
If you're looking for a closed-toe shoe, Birkenstock clogs in suede are a great alternative, as they slide on and off with ease, and can also be worn on your vacation instead of packing your best slippers for women.
One of the best and most comfortable sandals on the market, Birkenstock's Arizona, has been popular for years. A timeless shoe that can be worn for day or night, and even lounging by the pool.
Large totes or Backpacks
Roomy totes and backpacks with multiple compartments are ideal for traveling. Backpacks offer hands-free convenience, while you can still roll your luggage along and have your essentials at hand. If you prefer, choose a large tote bag to keep your items within view, stow it under your seat, or store it in the overhead locker.
Remember, individual airline policies may limit the size of carry-on luggage, so factor this into your decision-making. As with shoes, aim to choose a bag adaptable for your destination, making your carry-on double as a beach bag for a lighter load on your vacation.
A brown leather woven tote endeared to many due to its luxury and practicality, boasts more than enough room for your in-flight essentials, making it the ultimate holiday accessory.
Using water repellent material, this tote bag is durable against pool or sea splashes, while its secure zip and two carrying methods make it versatile and secure.
Crossbody bags provide hands-free convenience when traveling. Uniqlo's nylon bag is the trendsetter's choice, with multiple colorways already selling out, ensuring your essentials are always close by.
- When packing for a long-haul flight, consider the combination of comfort and style with loungewear pieces like luxury leggings, joggers, or sweatshirts, and opt for coordinating two-piece sets for a fashion-forward look.
- For a smart casual airport outfit, layer a lightweight blazer over a jersey t-shirt and jeans, ensuring you choose a fabric like linen or cotton blend for optimal comfort during travel.
- A midi or maxi dress in soft jersey or loose-fitting cotton is a stylish and practical choice for the airport, making it easy to transition into warmer weather with the addition of a cardigan or t-shirt.
- Selecting the right footwear for travel requires considering ease of use, such as slip-on shoes or trainers that can be quickly removed for security checks, and a comfortable and versatile choice like white Veja trainers or Birkenstock clogs in suede.
