Woman in comfortable travel clothes at airport
As someone who practically lives out of a suitcase and runs a travel advisory, I’ve spent countless hours perfecting the art of airplane travel. Red-eye flights to Europe? Been there, done that, and learned a thing or two about what to wear for optimal comfort and style. Long flights can be stressful enough with cramped spaces, potential delays, and luggage worries. Choosing the right travel outfit, along with your go-to travel essentials, can significantly reduce travel-related stress and set you up for a smoother journey.
Elevating Your Long Flight Outfits
When it comes to long flight outfits, my philosophy is simple: comfort meets chic. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice style for comfort, especially when your airplane attire can also be your arrival outfit. Think of your travel day as part of your trip, not just the transit. Your clothing should allow you to step off the plane feeling refreshed and ready to explore, not just rolled out of bed.
However, practicality is key. Navigating airplane bathrooms in complicated jumpsuits or dealing with excessive layers at security checkpoints is less than ideal. Similarly, shoes matter. Flip-flops might be easy, but they’re hardly practical if you need to rush to catch a connecting flight, nor are they the most hygienic choice for long travel days. And while jeans have their place, overnight flights are best enjoyed without restrictive denim if possible.
This guide is packed with outfit inspirations for your next flight, featuring brands I personally rely on for travel-friendly clothing. These are pieces designed for both long-haul comfort and versatile styling throughout your trip.
Keep scrolling for a curated collection of long flight outfit ideas, and for daily travel inspiration, follow me on Instagram @meghandono and @enroutetoreverie.
What to Wear on a Long Flight: Prioritizing Comfort and Style
Stylish and comfortable separates for airplane travel
Comfy Separates: Your Cozy Travel Companion
For those ultra-long flights where immediate post-landing commitments are minimal, or you know you can change upon arrival, comfy separates are my go-to. This look is all about relaxed comfort without sacrificing a put-together vibe.
Think soft joggers paired with a luxurious cashmere hoodie or a warm merino wool sweater. Airplanes are notoriously chilly, so a cashmere hoodie, like my beloved Jenni Kayne version, is perfect for staying warm and snug throughout your journey. The key is soft, breathable fabrics that allow for movement and temperature regulation as you transition through different climates and cabin temperatures.
Woman wearing oversized cardigan, leggings and tee for airplane travel
Coatigan + Athleisure: Elevated Comfort for Travel
A coatigan is a travel wardrobe hero. It’s essentially a hybrid of a coat and a cardigan, offering the warmth of outerwear with the comfort of knitwear. It’s the perfect layering piece for travel, saving valuable luggage space while instantly elevating athleisure wear.
This Vuori coatigan is a fantastic example. Pair it with your favorite athleisure set for a look that’s both comfortable enough for the plane and stylish enough for the airport and beyond. The coatigan adds a touch of sophistication to otherwise casual pieces.
Woman wearing Vuori lounge set for airplane travel
Matching Lounge Set: Effortless Style and Comfort
For an instantly polished yet supremely comfortable travel outfit, a matching lounge set is your best friend. It requires minimal effort but delivers maximum style and comfort. Choose sets in soft, breathable fabrics like knit, jersey, or fleece for the ultimate in-flight experience.
The lounge set pictured above is from Vuori, a brand I consistently recommend for its high-quality athleisure wear. If you’re curious about the brand, you can read my Vuori Review for more insights.
Woman wearing Kilte knit set for travel
Matching Knit Set: Warmth and Versatility for Colder Destinations
Traveling to a colder climate? A matching knit set is an excellent choice. These sets are not only incredibly comfortable for long flights but also offer fantastic versatility for mixing and matching once you reach your destination. Wear them as separates or together for cozy, stylish looks throughout your trip.
This particular set from Kilte exceeded my expectations in terms of quality and comfort. It feels luxurious and looks effortlessly chic, all while being incredibly comfortable. I’m wearing a size 2 for reference. I’ve paired it with my favorite Adidas Gazelle sneakers for a practical and stylish travel ensemble.
Woman wearing trousers and sneakers for travel
Trouser + Sneakers: Lightweight and Polished for Warmer Weather
For warmer weather flights, especially those heading to Europe, I often opt for lightweight trousers and a light knit jacket. This combination offers a more polished look while still prioritizing comfort. Layering a basic tee under the knit jacket adds versatility for changing temperatures.
Here, I’m wearing the Sezane Betty Jacket (size L) and the Artizia Effortless Pant (size 8 – sizing up recommended!). This outfit is perfect for transitioning from the plane to exploring a new city without needing to change.
Woman wearing knit sweater jacket, trench and trousers for travel
Knit Sweater Jacket + Trench + Trousers: The Ultimate Layering Combination
This outfit is my go-to for flights like New York to London, where I need to look presentable immediately upon arrival. It’s all about strategic layering: comfy trousers, a knit lady jacket that can be styled in multiple ways throughout your trip, and my trusty trench coat, which is often the bulkiest outerwear I pack, making it ideal to wear on the plane.
These J.Crew Trousers are my absolute favorite travel pants for long flights to Europe, especially when I need to be ready to go as soon as I land and changing isn’t immediately an option. (I wear a size 8, and again, recommend sizing up for comfort).
Woman wearing trench coat and trousers for airplane travel
Linen Set: Breezy Comfort for Summer Travel
For summer adventures, a comfortable linen set is a dream. Linen is breathable, lightweight, and naturally stylish. These sets are perfect for warm weather flights and can double as beach cover-ups or casual poolside attire during your trip if you’re heading to a beach or pool destination.
To combat airplane chill, I always bring my favorite cashmere travel wrap. I own it in three colors and use it as a blanket, wrap, or scarf to stay warm and cozy throughout the flight. Cashmere adds a touch of luxury to your travel experience.
Oversized cardigan for travel
A Travel Cardigan: The Ultimate Versatile Layer
What I like to call “The Travel Cardigan” is essential for comfortable travel days. This specific cardigan is designed for ultimate comfort and versatility. Pair it with leggings, comfortable jeans, or even joggers for a cozy and stylish travel outfit. A good travel cardigan is like a wearable blanket that also looks chic.
Woman wearing cardigan, top and leggings for travel
Athleisure + a Trench Coat: Effortless Street Style for Spring
For spring trips, combining athleisure with a trench coat is a stylish and practical choice. I always pack one of my favorite trench coats for spring travel. Pair it with a matching athleisure set, comfortable sneakers, and a ball cap for an effortlessly cool, off-duty street style vibe. The trench elevates the casual athleisure, making it airport-appropriate and chic.
Woman wearing Vuori athleisure outfit and jacket
Comfy Leggings: For Ultimate Flexibility
While I don’t typically wear yoga pants on a plane regularly, I make exceptions for exceptionally comfortable leggings, especially for long-haul flights. The key is to choose high-quality leggings that feel like a second skin and offer gentle support without being restrictive.
For more of my favorite leggings recommendations, check out my guide to All My Favorite Leggings.
Woman wearing leggings and sweater for airplane travel
T-Shirt Dress: Simple and Versatile for Warmer Climates
For spring and summer travel where heavy layers aren’t necessary, a midi t-shirt dress is a fantastic option. It’s comfortable, easy to wear, and incredibly versatile. Dress it up with sandals or down with sneakers – it’s a piece that works for various occasions during your travels. Choose a soft, breathable fabric like cotton or modal for maximum comfort on the plane.
Woman wearing Vuori joggers and sweater for travel
Joggers: The Go-To for Domestic Comfort
Joggers are my preferred comfy pant for domestic travel, especially for longer flights. My Vuori Joggers are incredibly soft and comfortable. When styled thoughtfully, they can still look polished and put-together.
If I know I can embrace a casual vibe upon arrival, joggers are often my go-to for long flights, particularly when traveling from New York to California. They strike the perfect balance between comfort and presentability.
Woman wearing joggers and half-zip for airplane travel
Matching Half Zip Set: Sporty Chic Comfort
A matching set with a half zip is a stylish and comfortable choice for long flights. Brands like Varley and Spanx are my personal favorites for these sets. The half-zip allows for adjustable ventilation, which is great for fluctuating cabin temperatures.
The Spanx AirEssentials Zip Up and AirEssentials pants are made from a fantastic fabric – cozy yet cool and supremely comfortable. I wear a size M in both, as you can see in the image below. For more budget-friendly options, explore sets on Amazon.
Woman wearing Spanx AirEssentials travel set
This Frank & Eileen travel set is another excellent option. I own it in a size M. The triple fleece fabric is incredibly high-quality, comfortable, and warm without being too hot. Frank & Eileen offers a range of chic and practical travel sets. For a more affordable alternative, check out this set from Amazon.
Woman wearing satin trousers for airplane travel
Satin Pants: Elevated Comfort for the Stylish Traveler
Satin pants are surprisingly comfortable for travel, offering a touch of elegance while feeling like pajamas. They’re versatile enough to dress up with heels for evenings out at your destination or dress down with sneakers for daytime exploring.
I particularly love the Varley satin pants (I wear a size S). The LaLigne Colby pant and Jenni Kayne Demi Pant are also fantastic choices if you prefer a wider leg silhouette.
Woman wearing satin trousers, sweater and sneakers for travel
These Toteme patterned silk pants are perfect for airplane travel. They feel like pajamas but look elevated and stylish. I’m wearing a size 36 for reference.
The Essential Travel Bra: Comfort is Key
Underwire bras are a no-go for long flights. Comfort is paramount, so opt for a supportive yet comfortable bra. This bra and this one are excellent choices, offering the support you need without sacrificing comfort during long hours of travel.
Beyond clothing, consider packing compression socks as a vital in-flight essential. Compression socks help alleviate tired, achy feet and are crucial for preventing deep vein thrombosis and blood clots, which can be a risk during extended travel in pressurized cabins.
If you rely on a travel pillow for in-flight comfort, be sure to pack it. I also prioritize sleep on overnight flights and find that this eye mask is essential for blocking out light and ensuring restful sleep. Even a few hours of sleep on a long flight can significantly reduce jet lag upon arrival. And for ultimate bra comfort during travel, I highly recommend this comfortable bra.
Shop Travel Outfit Ideas
This curated collection features brands I personally love and shop. I hope this guide helps you plan your perfect comfortable and stylish travel outfit for your next trip!
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