If you have ever wondered what to wear on the plane, then this is the article for you. You want to be comfortable enough to sit for hours, move easily through the airport, and cope with changing temperatures, but you also want to arrive looking polished rather than like you’ve just rolled out of bed.
The good news is that you don’t have to choose between comfort and style. With a few thoughtfully chosen pieces, you can create an airport outfit that’s practical, flattering, and ready for whatever your journey has in store.
Whether you’re flying for business, heading off on vacation, or visiting family, in this article, you’ll find the outfits we always recommend.
Brands that have specific plane travel collections
What you wear on the plane has become almost as important as what you pack in your suitcase. In fact, many fashion brands have developed dedicated travel collections featuring comfortable, wrinkle-resistant fabrics and versatile pieces designed specifically for long journeys. These capsule collections make it easier to arrive looking polished while feeling comfortable from take-off to touchdown. These are just some of the brands to take a look at.
- SKIMS has really leaned into travel recently, publishing its own “What to Wear on a Long Flight” guide and promoting soft knit sets, matching lounge separates, and layering pieces specifically designed for flying. Their Soft Lounge and Cotton collections work particularly well for long-haul travel.
- Pact isn’t an airport brand as such, but it’s one of the best for travel thanks to its organic cotton jersey, gauze, and lightweight dresses that pack well and remain comfortable on long journeys.
- Athleta has probably become one of the biggest names in premium travel clothing. Its wide-leg pants, joggers, jackets, and wrinkle-resistant fabrics are almost designed for airports.
- Eileen Fisher has long been a favorite of frequent travelers. The washable silk, lightweight knits, and system dressing concept make it ideal for creating a travel capsule.
- Chico’s has an entire Travelers™ collection built around wrinkle-resistant knits that can be worn straight out of a suitcase.
- SPANX has expanded well beyond shapewear, with AirEssentials becoming one of the most talked-about airport collections thanks to its incredibly soft, stretchy matching sets.
- Lululemon isn’t marketed as travel wear, but pieces like the Softstreme collection and lightweight trousers have become airport favorites.
- UNIQLO is excellent for travel basics, particularly AIRism tops, lightweight layers, and Ultra Stretch trousers. These regularly feature in editors’ “best airport outfit” roundups.
- Zella combines the comfort of activewear with easy-to-wear designs, making it an excellent choice for long travel days when you want to feel comfortable without looking overly casual.
- Zestt Organics specializes in beautifully soft organic cotton travel wraps and scarves that provide warmth, comfort, and versatility without adding bulk to your carry-on.
- Vuori is known for its elevated performance apparel, combining buttery-soft, stretch fabrics with clean, modern styling that’s ideal for long flights and effortless travel.
- Softies is known for soft jogger and lounge sets – wear as a co-ord on the plane and separates for sightseeing when you get there.
- Seasalt Cornwall is a great choice for travel thanks to its breathable natural fabrics, relaxed tailoring, and timeless pieces that are comfortable enough for the journey while remaining stylish at your destination.
What to wear on the plane
To make getting dressed for your next flight effortless, we’ve put together a travel capsule filled with comfortable, versatile pieces that will take you from check-in to touchdown in style.
tops
Simple, versatile tops work best for flying. A quality T-shirt, draped top, soft tank, or lightweight knit provides a comfortable base layer that can easily be styled with a cardigan or jacket. Look for breathable fabrics and relaxed silhouettes that won’t feel restrictive during a long journey. Then you can always wear your t-shirts with shorts or your shirts as a cover-up after you land.
SKIMS Stretch Cotton Jersey T-Shirt – CITY BLUES Draped Crewneck T-Shirt – MINT VELVET Print Batwing Top – Eileen Fisher Striped Organic Cotton Gauze Band Collar Shirt
Jackets and coats
A lightweight jacket or soft cardigan will keep you comfortable in chilly airport terminals and air-conditioned cabins, then becomes the perfect extra layer for cooler summer evenings, breezy boat trips, or strolling along the waterfront once you arrive. Choose a style that’s lightweight, easy to fold into your carry-on, and versatile enough to complement everything in your travel wardrobe.
SKIMS Sheer Modal Blend Cardigan – Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Flight Jacket – CITY BLUES Crop Dolman Sleeve Shirt Jacket – EIleen Fisher Garment-Dyed Organic Cotton Terry Hooded Jacket
CITY BLUES Crop Dolman Sleeve Shirt Jacket – SKIMS Stretch Cotton Jersey T-Shirt – H&M Denim Balloon Trousers – Bimba y Lola 13 16 Sneakers – baggallini Expandable Underseat Carry-On Suitcase – Oradina 14K Gold Compass Rose Pendant Necklace
pants
Forget anything restrictive. Wide-leg trousers, pull-on pants, soft tailored trousers, and elevated knit pants all make excellent travel companions. They allow you to move comfortably through the airport while looking far more polished than traditional sweatpants. Dark neutrals such as navy, chocolate, charcoal, or black are practical choices that won’t easily show creases or spills.
SKIMS Oversize Straight Leg Pants – SKIMS Cotton Blend Jersey Fold Over Pants – H&M Denim Balloon Trousers – Zella Studio Luxe High Waist Capri Leggings
Dresses, jumpsuits and skirts
If you’re comfortable wearing them on the flight, dresses, jumpsuits and soft pull-on skirts can be excellent alternatives to trousers. Look for relaxed, breathable fabrics with plenty of stretch that won’t feel restrictive when you’re sitting for long periods, and you’ll arrive ready to head straight out for lunch, sightseeing or dinner without needing to change.
Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Lofty Gauze Classic Collar Shirtdress – COS Cotton Mini T-Shirt Dress – Eileen Fisher Airy Organic Cotton Twill Jumpsuit – Eileen Fisher Ribbed Knit Skirt
COS Cotton Mini T-Shirt Dress – Zella Studio Luxe High Waist Capri Leggings – Spring Step Moonwalk Perforated Leather Shoe – Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote – Oradina 14K Gold Compass Rose Pendant Necklace – Oradina 14K Gold Date Me Birthstone Stud Earrings
shoes
Airport security, long walks through terminals, and hours on your feet all call for practical footwear. Stylish sneakers are one of the best choices, providing comfort without compromising your outfit. Loafers, supportive flats, or slip-on shoes are also excellent options, particularly if they’re easy to remove at security. Save high heels for evenings at your destination, and your flats can double as sightseeing shoes.
ECCO Gruuv Lite Espadrille Slip-On Sneaker – Spring Step Moonwalk Perforated Leather Shoe – Circus NY by Sam Edelman Nara Mesh Ballerina Sneaker – Bimba y Lola 13 16 Sneaker
accessories
A large tote bag or travel carry-on should hold everything you need within easy reach, while a crossbody bag keeps your passport, boarding pass, and phone secure as you move through the airport. A lightweight scarf is one of the hardest-working travel accessories, doubling as an extra layer, blanket, or even a makeshift pillow on longer flights. Then you can wear it as a wrap over your summer dresses at your destination.
baggallini Expandable Underseat Carry-On Suitcase – Longchamp Le Pliage One S Canvas Travel Bag Expandable – Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote – Oradina 14K Gold Compass Rose Pendant Necklace – Ana Luisa Pave Huggie Hoops Silver – Oradina 14K Gold Date Me Birthstone Stud Earrings – Nordstrom Rib Cashmere Travel Wrap
SKIMS Sheer Modal Blend Cardigan – SKIMS Cotton Blend Jersey Fold Over Pants – ECCO Gruuv Lite Espadrille Slip-On Sneaker – Longchamp Le Pliage One S Canvas Travel Bag Expandable – Ana Luisa Pave Huggie Hoops Silver – Nordstrom Rib Cashmere Travel Wrap
Your plane outfits together in one capsule
Below, you can see your plane outfits together in one capsule so you can see how you could mix and match the separates to create different looks.
If you’re landing somewhere warm, your travel outfit can easily become part of your vacation wardrobe. Lightweight trousers, a breathable shirt, comfortable sneakers, and a cardigan can all be worn again during your trip, helping you pack more efficiently while making the most of every item in your suitcase.
What are your own tips when thinking about what to wear on the plane? Let us know in the comments below
Continue reading:
- Stylish travel clothes for women that are chic and comfortable
- What to wear in the heat without sacrificing style
- Summer party outfits: what to wear for every invitation
Like this article on what to wear on the plane? Share it on Pinterest!
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!