What to Wear on a Plane to Travel in Comfort & Style

Remember when flying was leisurely and glamorous and everyone dressed to the nines?  Now it’s jam-packed planes, scrambling to make your flight and passengers in the most casual clothing.

Despite it all, one thing hasn’t changed –  I still want to feel comfy but look stylish when I travel. How about you?

Whether your flight is an hour or a whole day, what you wear on a plane can make or break the ride. Here are some stylish outfits for flying that hit the perfect sweet spot between comfort and style.

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How to Dress for a Flight

1. Wear Loose Fitting Pants

Comfort is king when you’re traveling by air. The best airplane outfits start with a pair of loose-fitting pants.

There’s nothing worse than sitting for hours on a plane in stiff, tight pants that squeeze your thighs and dig into your crotch! Plus, if you wear anything binding, you risk getting Deep Vein Thrombosis – blood clots in your leg, which can lead to sudden death!

The best kind of pants to wear on an airplane are:

• Wide-leg pants: relaxed and elegant with a tucked-in top
• Stretchy denim: Dark wash is versatile and easy to style
• Soft straight-leg and flares: Ponte pants are classy and comfy
• Loose Chinos – relaxed fit
• Slim Refined Joggers: casual but chic with a snug sweater or tee

All these are loose, soft, and comfy, allowing you to bend, stretch, and move on long, packed flights.

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2. Add a Simple, Relaxed Top

The best travel outfits for planes start include a relaxed top that has some  stretch to keep you feeling comfy and stress-free. Keep it simple.

Avoid tops with big buttons, zippers, studs, that weigh you down and can get dig into your skin when crammed into a tiny seat.

Also stay clear of tops with decorative embellishment like fringe,  large looping, or sequins that could be caught on on something and pull. Remember how narrow those airplane aisles are!

I like plain, lightweight tops that that fit fairly close to the body  ( nothing wide or flowy), that are stretchy and have long sleeves that I can easily push up if it gets warm.

3. Choose Breathable Fabrics

The most comfortable airplane outfits are light, comfy, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant.

Cotton is a top choice because it allows air circulation, so you don’t get too hot during the flight. But it does wrinkle, so choose a wrinkle-resistant cotton blend.

You can also go with blended silks, knits, jerseys, and oh-so-cozy modals. Certain synthetic performance fabrics also work because they’re wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking, wicking, and quick-drying.

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4. Layer your Clothes

Airplanes are famous for their unpredictable temps. One moment, you’re sweating buckets, waiting on the runway for the plane to finally take off; the next minute, you’re up in the air, freezing your arms off. I’m always cold on a plane, and they no longer give out blankets!

This is why layering is so important when you are creating a comfy airplane outfit. Start with a light, airy base layer like a comfy cotton tee or tank top, then layer as needed.

You can layer up or down with a lightweight, long cardigan, blazer, sweater jacket, or a loungewear sweatshirt or jacket. Stay away from bulky ponchos or thick, heavy jackets that take up a lot of space. They’re not pratical when you are  trying to get to your seat in a packed planes.

I also like to bring an oversized scarf or a light cashmere wrap. This can be used for layering or be used as a blanket. When you don’t need it, roll it up and turn it into a pillow, or use it to cover your eyes when you want to sleep. It’s easy to toss into a carry-on!

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….But Color is o.k. too!

I wear jeans or dark-colored pants when I fly,  but since I love color, I wear something brighter. That’s just my style. A shot of pink, for example, makes me feel happy, like vacation time has begun!

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6. Ditch Heels for Comfy, Safe Shoes

The amount of walking you must do in an airport to get through customs, security, and finally to your gate is crazy! Leave your too-dressy, too-tight shoes or high heels at home! Instead, choose comfy shoes that are balanced with style.

• Slip-on sneakers make getting through security checks a breeze.
• Lightweight Trainers provide support and style without sacrificing comfort and protect your toes from travel accidents like stubbing your toe on your heavy suitcase.
• Any other easy-to-walk-in closed-toe shoe

A flight attendant once told me that closed-toe shoes make it easier to escape in an airline emergency like a fire or crash because they protect your feet from the fire and falling debris. No one likes to think about these things, but it’s true!

Finally, think about how much more hygienic a covered shoe is than a sandal or flip-flop since airplanes and their washroom floors are full of germs. about You don’t want anything gross splashing up on your feet!

7. Slip On Compression Socks

When you’re thinking about what to wear when flying, don’t forget about socks. There have been a few times I’ve slipped on my sneakers on forgot to wear socks.

There are two problems with this. First, at security you need to remove your shoes and when you don’t have socks, it’s pretty gross to be stepping on that filthy carpet. Also. with all the walking around the airport, your feet can get pretty sweaty and smelly.

So be sure to wear socks and if if you really want to give your feet some TLC, wear compression socks. Compression socks keep the blood flowing in your feet and legs, improve circulation, and keep swelling at bay during long flights.

This is particularly important on long flights when you are sitting for hours.

8. Choose Elevated Leisurewear

Some Leisurewear looks too casual and loungey, like it belongs in the gym or on the couch when watching TV. But if you can find a classy leisurewear set that is a little more polished like this one above, that can work too. Matched sets are great because they look intentional and, therefore, more professional. Keep your outfit neat so you look classy, not trashy.

9. Carry a Bag that Gives You Freedom

Your best friend for stashing essentials and in-flight entertainment is a big, roomy tote bag. Look for one with pockets to keep things organized.

For short flights or for gals who don’t like to carry a lot of stuff, there’s the trusty crossbody bag! It’s all about convenience, security, and style rolled into one. Keep your essentials close and your hands-free. Opt for an adjustable strap for extra comfort.

Whichever way you go, I suggest avoiding bags with heavy hardware like studs or chains, which weigh you down, may get scratched, or accidentally knock a fellow passenger out if you are swinging it around onboard trying to find your seat. LOL!

I usually wear dark bottoms like these @mottandbow Orchard power stretch jeans made for air travel with a very light cashmere sweater to keep me warm on the plane. Comfy sneakers and a light crossbody bag are a must!

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Questions…Many people ask……

Q. Leggings are Comfy. Can I wear them on a plane?

Leggings are a little controversial when it comes to air travel, and there are two issues here.

They’re not the safest -Yoga leggings are the worst thing to wear on a plane since they are both tight and made of thin synthetic materials, which are more likely to burn in a fire and will stick to your legs.  If you still want to go ahead, find a blended fabric.

They’re not the classiest – When you board a plane, you should be dressing not just for yourself but for the passengers whose very close space you will be invading.  If you are wearing leggings with a short top and not much else, that’s a lot of information.  If you are going to wear them, make sure they aren’t too flimsy, and wear them with a long top, tunic, jacket, or short dress that covers your crotch and your bottom.  It’s only polite in such a crowded space; a longer top creates a more flattering look.

Q. What to Wear on a Plane in Summer?

Summer is when most people travel by air. It’s hot, and there’s more flexibility as to what you can wear. Here’s how to dress for a flight in warmer weather:

Maxi dress: A long, comfy maxi dress with a layering piece, like a jean jacket,  can work.

Shorts: I don’t recommend them because they are not comfy or elegant, but if you choose to wear them, go for longer Bermuda shorts to keep your thighs covered and warm.

Sundress: On short flights  (i.e., 1.5 hours or less), I wear a soft, loose cotton dress with 3/4 length sleeves and sneakers. It’s always fine,  but pants are the best for any flight for warmth and safety.

Cropped Pants/Capris: If long pants feel too hot in summer, cropped pants or capris that hit just above the ankle to mid-calf are great options.

Here are a few more airplane outfit for summer. 

Many people travel overseas in the summer. If you are going to Europe and you are not sure what to wear, Check out these Euro-chic travel looks.

The Bottom Line about What to Wear When Traveling on a Plane

Traveling in comfort and style doesn’t have to be a puzzle. Whether you are jetting off on a business trip or a well-deserved holiday, there are a ton of options to help you feel relaxed and look fabulous. Follow these guidelines and prepare for takeoff with confidence and flair. Safe travels!

Tags: What to wear when traveling on a plane, what clothes to wear on a plane, what is a good outfit to wear on a plane

Meet the author

Deborah Boland

Deborah, a former Fashion & Lifestyle TV host and Image Consultant, understands the style challenges women face in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. As the founder of Fabulous After 40, she helps women tweak their chic and embrace fashion with confidence—so they always look and feel amazing.

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