Flying can take a toll on even the most seasoned travelers, but frequent fliers (like many of us here at The Discoverer) know that what you wear on a flight makes all the difference in the world.
Looking and feeling fresh upon touchdown isn’t luck — it’s an art. And it all starts with how you get dressed in the morning. If you pick clothes that allow you to move, breath, and breeze through security, you’ll be one step closer to an enjoyable journey.
Check out our crucial travel clothing must-haves for both gals and gals and you’ll not only feel better on your next flight, but you’ll also look good!
For Women
It’s all about the layers. The temperature inside an airplane can go from stuffy and warm to icy cold in 20 minutes flat. Keep yourself on an even keel with comfy, cozy, breathable attire and cute and functional accessories.
Clothing
Restrictive clothing on long flights becomes uncomfortable pretty quickly. That’s why loose and flexible clothing choices are key.
Bottom: Leggings are our immediate go-to. These bottoms are unmatched in comfort, versatility and style. Leggings are stretchy and can move with you whether you’re curled up in a ball trying to catch some sleep or sitting for hours on end during an in-flight movie marathon. We love Abound’s Basic Legging, made with super soft cotton that doesn’t “thin out”. But if you fall in the camp that believes leggings aren't pants (no judgement) then try a pair of comfy joggers or loose-fitting pants, like You also can't go wrong with LuluLemon's Dance Studio Joggers.
Top: Layer something warm and loose-fitting with your classic legging look. We love long basic tees, like this one from Urban Outfitters. Toss a wrappable cardigan over it and you’re good to go!
Footwear
The most important choice you make for an in-flight outfit is your footwear. Cramped, pinched or cold feet can turn a potentially pleasant flight into a long-haul nightmare. We recommend going with something that’s easy to slip on and off (for airport security reasons), made from soft, non-rigid material (for comfort) and closed-toe (for warmth). Allbirds and Tom’s check all three boxes.
Accessories
Tote: The right carry-on tote is clutch. Nothing beats the look or functionality of Longchamp’s Le Pliage Tote. The soft nylon material and secure zip closure make it the perfect travel companion. Choose from nearly two dozen colors.
Shawl: This must-have accessory can save the day on multiple occasions during a flight. Use it for extra warmth, ball it up into a pillow or use it as a blanket during a mid-flight freeze. It’s the easiest accessory to bring along and the one you’ll probably wind up using the most.
For Men
When it comes to men’s apparel, there’s a fine line between dressing comfortably and looking like you just rolled out of bed. Laying up for a flight is just as important for guys as it is for girls, but it isn’t as easy to pull off. Luckily, with a few inside tips, you’ll be flying in style and comfort in no time.
Clothing
When in doubt, go with basics. Loose-fitting cotton tees never fail. J. Crew makes a solid classic and Everlane gets points for creating this Heavyduty tee that keeps its shape and won’t wear thin or stretch out after a few washes.
If you’re dressing to impress, tossing a blazer over a crisp tee will take your look to the next level. We love the casual-yet-pulled-together pocket-happy version from Territory Ahead. Plus, it’s machine washable, and we all know that’s an important quality in travel clothing. If fashion isn’t your thing, relax to the max with a fitted zip-up hoodie. Snag one from Reigning Champ; they know how to craft a quality hoodie and these ones fit just right
When it comes to pants, most men can’t get away with leggings like the ladies do. But that doesn’t mean guys should shy away from pants with a little stretch in them. Columbia’s lightweight Flex ROC pants help guys pull off the polished look while still being comfy enough to weather a long flight or trek up the side of a mountain. Your choice.
Footwear
You can never go wrong with a clean pair of sneakers. Sleek sports shoes in black or gray compliment any outfit and are hands-down the most comfortable footwear for traveling. Hurrying through the airport in slouchy loafers or suffering through a long flight in leather business shoes? No thanks. Nike’s Free RN Motion get our vote for sure, as do the Allbirds Wool Runners.
Accessories
Guys get to accessorize, too!
Carry-on: you and your Hynes Eagle backpack will make the perfect pair. Expertly designed to maximize space while still meeting carry-on luggage regulations, this sleek looking pack can be your holiday weekender bag or travel business briefcase.
Neck pillow: this best-selling travel pillow by MLVOC will help you drift off to sleep in no time flat. Boasting memory foam wrapped in a soft, washable, sweat-resistant fabric, the pillow’s fit, size and angle can also be customized with a drawstring. Best of all, it comes with a travel case that compresses it down to half its size.