Travel Outfit
As a seasoned traveler and founder of En Route to Reverie, a travel advisory dedicated to crafting unforgettable journeys, I’ve spent countless hours in the air. Navigating time zones and cultures is part of the adventure, but long-haul flights, especially red-eyes to Europe, used to be a source of stress. Over the years, I’ve refined my approach to in-flight comfort, recognizing that the right outfit is as crucial as any travel essential. Now, I’ve perfected the science of long flight outfits, ensuring I arrive feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
Long journeys inevitably come with their share of discomfort – cramped spaces, the worry of luggage mishaps, and the domino effect of potential delays. However, I’ve learned that curating your favorite travel essentials and, most importantly, selecting a reliable and comfortable yet versatile travel outfit can significantly alleviate these stressors. Feeling good in what you’re wearing sets the tone for a smoother travel experience from the moment you leave home.
Elevating Your In-Flight Style with Comfy Travel Outfits
When it comes to long flight outfits, my philosophy is simple: blend comfort with a touch of put-together style. As you begin compiling your packing list for your next long plane ride, I encourage you to consider an outfit that doesn’t sacrifice your personal style for mere comfort. The goal is to step off the plane looking and feeling ready to embrace your destination, not like you just rolled out of bed. Your travel outfit should be a strategic choice, enhancing your journey, not hindering it.
Consider the entire travel experience when planning your Comfy Travel Outfits. Practicality is paramount. Airplane bathrooms are not designed for complicated attire, so bodysuits and jumpsuits might be best left in your suitcase. Similarly, coats with numerous buttons can be cumbersome at airport security, and excessive layers can become a hassle when navigating metal detectors. Personally, flip-flops are a no-go for air travel. Comfort aside, they aren’t the most hygienic option for extended travel, and definitely not ideal if you need to make a dash for a connecting flight. And while denim has its place in my wardrobe, I generally avoid jeans on overnight flights if possible, opting for softer, more flexible fabrics.
This guide is packed with outfit ideas perfect for cruising at 30,000 feet, alongside my go-to brands that excel in creating travel-friendly clothing. These aren’t just clothes for the plane; they are versatile pieces that can be incorporated into various travel outfits throughout your trip.
For more travel inspiration and real-time tips, be sure to follow me on Instagram @meghandono and @enroutetoreverie. Now, let’s explore some stylish and supremely comfy travel outfit ideas that will transform your long-haul flying experience.
Mastering the Art of What to Wear on a Long Flight
Woman in a cozy grey sweater, black joggers, white sneakers, and a beige scarf, looking out an airplane window. Cozy Yet Stylish Travel Outfit for What to Wear on a Long Flight by wit & whimsy
Effortless Comfort with Comfy Separates
For those ultra-long flights where immediate arrival readiness isn’t a priority, or when I know I’ll have time to change upon landing, comfy separates are my ultimate travel outfit formula. Prioritizing comfortable clothes for long flights is non-negotiable, and this combination delivers every time.
A classic pairing of comfy joggers with a luxurious cashmere hoodie or a soft merino wool sweater strikes the perfect balance. I tend to get cold easily on planes, so a cashmere hoodie, like my beloved Jenni Kayne one, is my secret weapon for staying warm and enveloped in cozy comfort. The beauty of separates is their versatility – each piece can be worn again in various combinations throughout your trip, maximizing your wardrobe efficiency.
Woman wearing a long beige cardigan over a white t-shirt and black leggings, holding a brown tote bag. What to wear on a long flight – Oversized Cardigan, leggings, and tee by wit and whimsy
The Versatile Coatigan + Athleisure Duo
A coatigan is a travel wardrobe hero, especially when aiming for comfy travel outfits. This hybrid garment, somewhere between a coat and a cardigan, eliminates the need to pack a bulky extra layer in your luggage. It also possesses the magical ability to slightly elevate athleisure wear, making it perfectly acceptable for strolling straight off the plane and into your destination.
This Vuori coatigan is a personal favorite. Its lightweight yet warm fabric makes it ideal for fluctuating cabin temperatures, and its stylish design ensures you look polished without sacrificing comfort. Pair it with your favorite athleisure set for an ensemble that’s both practical and chic.
Woman wearing a grey Vuori lounge set with a white t-shirt underneath. Vuori Lounge Set for What to wear on a long flight by wit and whimsy
Effortless Chic in Matching Lounge Sets
For the ultimate in easy style and unparalleled comfort, a matching lounge set is your go-to for comfy travel outfits. This is the epitome of looking effortlessly put-together while feeling like you’re in your pajamas – a true win-win for long flights.
The lounge set pictured above is from Vuori, a brand that consistently ranks among my all-time favorites for athleisure. Their pieces are not only incredibly comfortable but also stylish enough to wear beyond the confines of your home or airplane cabin. For a deeper dive into the brand, check out my Vuori Review.
Woman wearing a cream-colored knit set consisting of a long sleeve top and pants. Kilte Knit Set for Travel
Cozy Sophistication with Matching Knit Sets
When winter travel is on the horizon, a matching knit set of separates becomes an invaluable component of comfy travel outfits. These sets are not only wonderfully warm and cozy for chilly flights, but they also offer incredible versatility for remixing and matching once you’ve arrived at your destination. Imagine a sweater worn with jeans, or the knit pants paired with a different top – the possibilities are plentiful.
This particular set from Kilte completely exceeded my expectations. The quality is remarkably luxurious in person, offering a level of comfort that doesn’t compromise on style. It’s both incredibly comfy and surprisingly polished. I’m wearing a size 2 for reference and have paired it with my favorite Adidas Gazelle sneakers for a relaxed yet chic travel look.
Woman wearing a cream knit top and light trousers, holding a brown handbag.
Lightweight Elegance: Trouser + Sneakers
For warmer weather long flights, especially those heading to Europe, I often gravitate towards light-colored trousers paired with a lightweight knit jacket. This combination is a staple in my collection of comfy travel outfits, offering breathability and style in equal measure. I typically layer a favorite tee underneath the knit jacket for added versatility and comfort.
In this look, I’m wearing the Sezane Betty Jacket (size L) and the Artizia Effortless Pant (size 8 – I recommend sizing up in these!). The trousers offer a relaxed fit perfect for long periods of sitting, while the knit jacket provides a touch of warmth and sophistication.
Woman wearing a beige knit jacket and white trousers, holding a black handbag. Travel Outfit
Layered Sophistication: Knit Sweater Jacket + Trench + Trousers
This is precisely the comfy travel outfit I chose for a flight from New York to London. It’s a testament to strategic layering and choosing pieces that are both comfortable for the journey and stylish enough for your destination. I started with my most comfortable J.Crew Trousers – truly my absolute favorite travel pants for long flights to Europe when I need to be ready to go upon arrival and changing isn’t immediately possible (wearing an 8 – again, size up for best comfort). I layered a knit lady jacket over a tee, which I knew I would style in various ways throughout my trip, and topped it with my trench coat, the bulkiest coat I was bringing, making it the perfect plane companion.
Woman wearing a trench coat over a white top and black trousers, carrying a black tote bag. What to wear on a long flight
Breezy Comfort: Linen Set
For summer travels, especially to warmer climates, a comfy yet put-together linen set is an ideal choice for comfortable travel outfits. Linen is renowned for its breathability and relaxed drape, making it perfect for staying cool on stuffy planes. These breezy separates are not only comfortable for travel but also incredibly versatile; wear them as a beach cover-up or casual poolside attire for the remainder of your trip if your destination involves sun and sand.
To combat inevitable airplane air conditioning, I always, always fly with my favorite cashmere travel wrap, which I own in three colors. It serves multiple purposes – blanket, wrap, or scarf – ensuring I remain warm and cozy throughout the flight.
Woman wearing a cream oversized cardigan over a white top. White Company Boyfriend Cardigan
The Essential Travel Cardigan
Enter what I affectionately call “The Travel Cardigan” – a cardigan specifically chosen for its exceptional comfort on travel days. This Travel Cardigan is your secret weapon for creating comfy travel outfits. Pair it with leggings or your most comfortable pair of jeans for an instantly cozy and travel-ready ensemble. A good travel cardigan is like a wearable blanket, providing warmth without bulk and adding a layer of sophistication to even the simplest outfits.
Woman wearing a black top and black leggings with a grey cardigan, carrying a black backpack. What to wear on a long flight
Spring Style: Athleisure + a Trench Coat
For spring trips, a trench coat is almost always part of my luggage. One of my favorite trench coats effortlessly elevates comfy travel outfits. Pair it with a matching athleisure set and sneakers for a comfortable base, then top it off with a ball cap for a touch of off-duty street style cool. The trench adds a layer of polish and practicality, making it perfect for transitioning from airport to city exploration.
Woman wearing a navy blue Vuori athleisure set with a white baseball cap. Vuori Athleisure Outfit
Leggings for Long Hauls: The Exception
While I’m generally not one to reach for yoga pants for plane travel as a default, I do make exceptions for a favorite comfy pair of leggings, especially for truly long plane rides. The key is to choose high-quality leggings that feel more like soft pants than workout gear, ensuring they are appropriate for travel and beyond.
For more of my legging recommendations, explore All My Favorite Leggings. Finding the right pair can transform your perception of leggings as travel attire, making them a surprisingly chic and comfortable option within the realm of comfy travel outfits.
Woman wearing a black top and black leggings with white sneakers, holding a beige handbag. What to wear on a long flight
Effortless Summer Style: T-Shirt Dress
For spring and summer travels where heavy layers are unnecessary, a cute midi t-shirt dress is a fantastic option for comfy travel outfits. This single piece is the epitome of effortless style – comfortable enough for hours of sitting yet versatile enough to be dressed up or down upon arrival. Pair it with sneakers for the plane and sandals for exploring your destination – it’s a true travel chameleon.
Woman wearing black Vuori joggers and white sneakers, holding a white tote bag. Vuori Joggers
Joggers: Domestic Travel MVP
A reliable go-to comfy pant for me, particularly for domestic travel involving longer flights, is a pair of well-fitting joggers, especially Vuori Joggers. They are incredibly soft and comfortable, and when styled thoughtfully, they maintain a put-together appearance. Joggers have become a cornerstone of comfy travel outfits for many, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and style.
If my arrival destination allows for a more casual look, this is often the type of outfit I choose for long flights, especially when traveling from New York to California. It’s my dependable choice for those journeys where comfort is paramount, but style isn’t entirely off the table.
Woman wearing a grey half-zip top and black joggers with white sneakers, holding a black backpack. What to wear on a long flight
Coordinated Comfort: Matching Half Zip Sets
A matching set featuring a half-zip top is another excellent choice for achieving comfy style on a long flight. These sets offer the ease of loungewear with a more polished aesthetic, making them ideal for travelers who want to look good and feel relaxed. Varley and Spanx are home to some of my personal favorite versions of these sets.
The Spanx AirEssentials Zip Up and these AirEssentials pants are crafted from a truly remarkable fabric – cozy yet breathable and supremely comfortable. I wear a M in both, as you can see below. For more budget-friendly options, Amazon offers a variety of similar sets.
Woman wearing a light brown Spanx half-zip set. spanx air essentials travel set 1
Another fantastic option is this Frank & Eileen travel set. I own it in a size M and can attest to its exceptional quality. The triple fleece fabric is incredibly comfy and warm without being overly hot – perfect for fluctuating cabin temperatures. The brand specializes in chic yet practical travel sets, making them a great resource for comfy travel outfits. For a more affordable alternative, consider this set from Amazon.
Woman wearing a cream Frank & Eileen travel set. frank eileen travel set
Elevated Comfort: Satin Pants
Satin pants are a surprising dream to travel in, offering a unique combination of comfort and subtle sophistication. They feel incredibly smooth and soft against the skin, making them ideal for long periods of sitting. While comfortable enough for the plane, they are also effortlessly chic; I wear them with heels for evenings out once I reach my destination, or dress them down with sneakers for a day of exploring, as pictured below. Satin pants are a versatile and unexpected addition to the realm of comfy travel outfits.
I particularly love the Varley satin pants (I wear a size S). The LaLigne Colby pant and Jenni Kayne Demi Pant are also excellent choices if you prefer a wider leg silhouette.
Woman wearing satin trousers and a cream oversized sweater with white sneakers. satin trousers airplane look
Woman wearing patterned satin trousers and a cream sweater. satin toteme pants jenni kayne oversized sweater
These Toteme patterned silk pants are practically designed for airplane travel. They feel like pajamas but look elevated and beautifully stylish. I wear a size 36 for reference.
The Essential Travel Bra
Underwire bras and long flights simply don’t mix. For ultimate comfort during air travel, opt for a really comfy yet supportive bra. This bra and this one are consistently my top choices. They provide the necessary support without any of the discomfort associated with underwire, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout your journey.
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Beyond your outfit, don’t forget the in-flight travel essentials that enhance comfort and well-being. Traveling with compression socks is crucial. They not only help alleviate tired, achy feet but also play a vital role in preventing deep vein thrombosis and blood clots, risks associated with prolonged travel in a pressurized cabin.
And if you’re a devotee of travel pillows, make sure yours is packed and ready. I personally prioritize sleep on overnight flights and find it achievable only with the help of this eye mask. Even a few hours of quality sleep during a long flight can significantly reduce jet lag upon arrival.
Finally, for unparalleled comfort from the moment you leave home to when you arrive at your destination, I wholeheartedly recommend this bra as the perfect base layer for your comfy travel outfits.
Shop Travel Outfit Ideas
These curated selections feature brands I personally love and shop. I hope this guide proves helpful as you plan your next trip and choose your perfect comfy travel outfits!
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