If you are trying to figure out what to wear on a plane, I have answers. As someone who's been on plenty of both long and short-haul flights, I know that finding that sweet spot between comfort and style can be tricky, but once you have, you'll find dressing for the airport a breeze.
Comfort is key when travelling, no matter how long your journey is. I tend to prioritise loose, breathable fabrics and I make sure to pack handy layers to take on and off when the temperature changes, like zip-up sweaters or lightweight knitwear. Loungewear is an easy go-to for longer journeys, especially if you plan on sleeping on an overnight flight.
Midi dresses, blazers, and loose-fitting trousers are all polished options that will make you feel put-together and work for shorter trips. Another thing to consider is temperature. If you're stepping off into the midday sun, you'll want to consider what to wear in the heat too, with removable layers or packing some simple staples to change into from your hand luggage.
What to wear on a plane
What to wear on a plane comes down to individual taste, but it also requires considering comfort and practicality. Lightweight dresses in cotton or jersey fabric can make great travel partners. However, if you're loyal to your best skinny jeans or denim in general, my top tip is to ditch tight-fitting styles. Consider denim with added stretch, or elasticated waistbands so you can feel at ease whilst travelling.
1. Loungewear set & mules
The best leggings, joggers, and sweatshirts are all great choices for comfortable, long-haul airport outfits, and flat mules are great to slip on and off. To keep the style factor high, opt for coordinating two pieces with more directional cuts.
What you want to avoid is skin-tight designs that make you feel constricted, and remember you'll be sitting on a plane for quite some time.Think wide-leg, soft-jersey trousers and matching jumpers for an outfit that works for both comfort and style. Slip a lightweight jersey t-shirt into your holdall if heading to hotter climes, as you can easily pop this on at the other end.
An elasticated waistband and wide-leg fit are the ultimate combination for a comfy flight experience. Pair these with a neutral t-shirt and the best white trainers to highlight their chocolate brown shade. Practical and stylish, what more could you want?
This sweatshirt is made from a premium, silky-soft jersey, and it features a relaxed drape for maximum comfort and a laid-back feel. Layer over a white t-shirt.
If you're looking for a closed-toe shoe that is not a trainer, Birkenstock clogs in suede are a great alternative, as they'll slide on and off easily for security. You can also wear them on your trip around the hotel instead of packing your best slippers for women.
2. Linen blazer & comfy jeans
Jeans and blazer outfits are a polished choice for short travel days. Lightweight blazers offer a sharp and stylish finish to any outfit, and they are brilliant for smartening up laid-back denim. A larger, oversized silhouette can be layered over simple vests and T-shirts. For your jeans, choose a pair with added stretch or a relaxed design to maximise comfort.
Roll your jacket into the overhead locker and use it on cool evenings on the trip itself. And add your most comfortable sandals for the chicest finishing touch.
You can never go wrong with a classic, tailored linen blazer. Easy to wear as part of a jeans and a blazer outfit, this design is perfect for delivering that holiday feel. Pair with a camisole for warm-weather evenings out by the beach.
These relaxed jeans are made from stretch denim, which makes wearing them on travel days a breeze. The comfortable material and boyfriend silhouette make them perfect for an airport outfit, as well as for wearing on the holiday itself.
This lightweight cotton t-shirt can be easily slipped underneath a blazer, and can be worn solo, tucked into denim, or linen trousers. It's made from 100% organic cotton for a soft finishing touch.
3. Oversized shirt, linen trousers & flats
If you're waking up early for a flight, the last thing you want to wear is tight, restrictive clothing, which is why a breezy cotton shirt and linen trousers are a failsafe airport outfit idea. Plus, both an oversized shirt and loose linen trousers are a stylish and comfortable addition to your beach outfit ideas, too. Add some comfortable flats for a polished finishing touch. A top tip is to try to tie in colour by matching your shirt with the tone of your shoes.
The vibrant red shade of this striped shirt makes it perfect for a warm holiday destination, and it offers the right combination of laid-back yet polished. It's made from 100% organic cotton and features a playful navy and white stripe.
Linen trousers are a wardrobe must-have during the warmer season, and if you want a pair that works for both smart-casual outfits as well as everyday, these are the ultimate find.
These iconic Mary-Janes are celebrated for their comfort-first design, making them a stylish and practical choice. Dress them up with your best summer dresses or wear them day to day with laid-back linen or a simple t-shirt and jeans.
4. Midi dress & comfortable sandals
When it comes to deciding what to wear in the heat whilst dressing for flying, a relaxed midi or maxi dress is a failsafe choice. Opt for soft jersey designs or loose-fitting cotton iterations. A chic way to make an impact but stay comfortable, a well-selected dress will also be just right for the warmer weather.
Easy to layer, you can style a cardigan over the top or a vest underneath for added comfort on your out-of-town trip, and a pretty summer dress can even then be re-worn during the holiday itself. Add comfy sandals and a roomy tote bag.
Ideal if you're packing light and need to get the most out of your airport outfit, this dress works from day to night with ease. The British clothing brand, Boden, has the best collection of well-made, elevated dress designs, and this striped pick is one of them.
If you're looking for a bag that meets the hand luggage requirements whilst being elevated enough to use every day, this basket bag is a great find. It's made to be carried on the shoulder and features structured leather straps for a sturdy finish.
FitFlop is home to some of the most comfortable sandals, thanks to their ergonomic designs. These tan sandals have a sleek, low profile, yet have hidden cushioning. They are a practical choice if you're wondering what footwear to wear on a plane.
5. Easy knit, cotton trousers & comfy trainers
When it comes to what to wear for a stopover flight, there are several factors to consider. Long travel days often include lots of walking, whether that's around duty-free or racing through never-ending corridors to make final boarding, so comfortable trainers are a great choice.
In addition to this, layers are essential. We'd recommend wearing a vest or simple t-shirt underneath a cosy knitwear piece, which ensures that you stay warm in air-conditioned environments. Lightweight cotton trousers are a comfy alternative to more fitted, structured designs like jeans.
The high-street is brimming with cashmere pieces with accessible price points, including this oversized design from H&M. This butter yellow jumper will see you through summer and well into autumn, and it will look excellent with denim blue.
These wide-leg trousers are made from breathable cotton, making them great for travel days where the temperatures fluctuate. They have an elasticated waistband, making them a comfortable choice for days with lots of moving around.
If you're travelling on a long-haul flight or having to stop over, these trainers will become your new best friend. Some of the most comfortable trainers, they have a light construction with added cushioning, which will make wearing them a breeze.
FAQs
What's the best outfit to wear on a plane?
The best outfit to wear on a plane will vary from person to person, but there are a few cardinal rules to follow. For example, comfort should be a number one priority next to style, because there is nothing worse than boarding a plane in tight or restrictive clothing. The ideal outfit combines breathable layers and loose silhouettes. Start with a base such as a cotton T-shirt or a poplin button-down shirt and build your outfit around it. Lightweight blazers or cardigans are ideal for layering up, and in terms of trousers, opt for jersey joggers, elasticated waist jeans, or loose denim silhouettes.
While you want a comfortable airport outfit that will transition to the plane, don't forget to consider the temperature at your final destination. Whether you're heading to warmer or cooler climes, layering is key to help you adapt. You may also want to pack a change of clothes to slip into at the other end.
What colour is best to wear on a plane?
Of course, none of us plans to spill anything on ourselves on a plane journey, but with turbulence and sometimes cramped seating, accidents happen. While there is no hard and fast rule, if you want to err on the side of caution, darker colours are a good choice for plane journeys as they are better at hiding spills and stains.
Should I get changed at the airport for the plane
If you're wondering about the difference between comfortable airport outfits and what to wear on a plane, the truth is, there is little separating the two. However, if you're heading to the airport straight from the office, or you're flying with friends or colleagues and want to feel a little more polished at the start of your trip. you may want to have a separate, more athleisure-style outfit, such as leggings and a sweatshirt, packed to slip into once you're on the plane itself, wearing a jeans and blazer combo for the airport.
This will come down entirely to personal choice, and some people want to travel as minimally as possible, wearing one outfit from the airport to the flight. However, if you have a particularly long day of travel before you take off, you may want two outfits, so you can freshen up.
