Exactly What to Wear on a Long Flight: Best Style Tips
Today, I am sharing exactly what to wear for a long flight for the girl who needs a comfy, but realistic outfit idea for the airport and long flight ahead. Given my extensive history of traveling to every bachelorette party destination under the sun, annual family ski trips out west, and flying everywhere from Mexico to the Greek Islands—I have been on my fair share of long flights!
I also am the most uncomfy girl on a flight you've ever met. I have scoliosis/back issues, a weird rare bladder condition that makes it so I have to pee more often than the average gal, and a body that seems to always be cold. I'm not saying this to complain, but rather to let you know I am not messing around when it comes to keeping these outfits comfortable and functional for a long-haul flight!
So, let's dive in to my best tips when it comes to dressing in the right comfortable clothes for a long flight, while still maintaining your personal style!
Table of Contents
What to Wear for a Long Flight: Best Outfit Ideas
When it comes to long flights, you want an outfit that’s comfortable, functional, and stylish. Whether you’re heading to a warm destination or traveling for business, there’s a perfect option for every scenario. Let’s dive into the best outfits you can wear on a long-haul flight, starting with matching sets, which are always a great choice for their ease and versatility.
Comfy Matching Set Outfit Ideas
Matching sets are a staple for long flights because they’re effortless, look put-together, and provide comfort for long hours sitting on a plane. Here are my favorite matching set outfit ideas:
Long Sleeve Black Matching Sweat Set with Sneakers and Baseball Cap
This classic all-black sweat set is my go-to for a long flight. The long sleeves provide warmth for chilly airplane cabins, and the black color hides any spills or stains from in-flight snacks. Pair it with your favorite sneakers for easy movement and a baseball cap to cover messy hair when you land.
Short Sleeve Beige Matching Sweat Set with Wide Leg Pants, Sneakers, and Denim Jacket
This beige set feels more elevated, especially with the wide-leg pants that give a relaxed fit. It’s perfect for transitioning from a cold airplane cabin to a warm destination. The denim jacket adds an extra layer of warmth, and you can easily take it off when you arrive.
Brown Matching Set with Short Sleeve Sweater Top and Coordinating Joggers, Styled with a Cozy Cardigan
A softer, more neutral option, this brown matching set is great for those who want a polished look while staying comfortable. The joggers have a relaxed fit, making them ideal for long travel days. Layering with a cardigan helps keep you warm without feeling bulky.
Grey Matching Sweat Set with Oversized Sweater Top, Wide Leg Pants, Sneakers, and a Baseball Cap
This outfit is the definition of comfort. The oversized sweater top is perfect for staying cozy, and the wide-leg pants allow for plenty of movement. It’s a great choice for a red-eye flight, as it feels like wearing pajamas. The baseball cap is a must for hiding post-flight hair.
Comfy Pants Outfit Ideas
When it comes to long flights, nothing beats a great pair of comfy pants. Whether you prefer leggings, joggers, or lightweight pants, these outfits are designed to keep you comfortable without sacrificing style.
Black Leggings, Graphic Sweatshirt, Sneakers, and Baseball Cap
This classic combo is one of the easiest ways to look stylish and stay comfortable. Black leggings are perfect for a long flight because they’re stretchy and easy to move in. A graphic sweatshirt adds a bit of personality, and the baseball cap hides any messy hair from the airplane.
Beige Leggings with White Oversized Cardigan, T-shirt, and Sneakers
If you prefer lighter colors, this beige and white combo is a great option. The oversized cardigan adds warmth without feeling restrictive, and the neutral tones make it easy to match with your carry-on bag or travel accessories.
Linen Boxer-Style Pants with Cropped T-shirt, Cozy Cardigan, and Sneakers
This outfit is perfect if you’re traveling to a warm destination but still want to stay comfortable on the plane. Linen pants are breathable and lightweight, while the cardigan keeps you warm in the cooler airplane cabin. It’s a great choice for those who want a more relaxed fit.
Grey Joggers with Quilted Jacket and Graphic Tee
For a sportier look, pair grey joggers with a trendy shacket (shirt-jacket combo) and a graphic tee. The joggers are soft and stretchy, and the shacket provides an extra layer that’s easy to remove if you get too warm.
Black Flare Leggings with Quarter Zip Top, Sneakers, and Baseball Cap
Flare leggings are making a comeback, and they’re perfect for a long plane ride. They offer a bit more style than classic leggings, while still being just as comfortable. Pair them with a quarter zip top for a sporty look, and add sneakers and a baseball cap to complete the outfit.
Summer / Warm Weather Destination Outfit Ideas
If you’re headed somewhere warm, your outfit needs to be breathable and lightweight, but still cozy enough for the cooler airplane cabin.
Matching Sweat Set with Shorts and T-shirt for Layering
This is a great option if you’re flying from a cold climate to a warm one. The matching set includes shorts and a tee, which you can layer with a cardigan or lightweight jacket for the flight. Once you land, you’ll be ready for the warm weather.
Red Boxer Shorts with White T-shirt, Cozy Cardigan, Sneakers, and Baseball Cap
This outfit is comfortable and easy to throw on. The red boxer shorts are lightweight, and the white tee pairs perfectly with a cozy cardigan. It’s a great choice for shorter flights or a daytime transatlantic flight.
Black Tennis Skirt with Graphic Tee and Full-Zip Hoodie
A tennis skirt adds a sporty vibe, while the graphic tee and full-zip hoodie keep things casual. This is a great choice if you want to look cute and stylish while still staying comfortable.
Matching Casual Button-Down and Short Set with White Tee
This outfit is perfect for a tropical destination. The matching button-down and shorts give a polished look, while the white tank keeps things simple and breathable. It’s easy to layer with a cardigan or lightweight jacket for the flight.
Traveling for Business Outfit Ideas
For business travelers, it’s important to find a balance between comfort and professionalism. Here are two outfit options depending on the climate:
Cold Weather Option: Black Comfortable Trousers with Cardigan and Comfortable Loafers
This outfit is great for cooler climates or international flights that require a bit more warmth. The black trousers offer a polished look, while the plain tee keeps things simple. Add a cardigan for an extra layer, and finish with loafers that are easy to slip off at airport security.
Warm Weather Option: Beige Comfortable Trousers with Comfy Blouse, Cardigan, and Comfortable Ballet Flats
If you’re flying to a warmer destination, this outfit is a great choice. The beige trousers are light and breathable, while the blouse keeps the look professional. Ballet flats are a comfortable, stylish shoe choice for business travelers.
Clothing Items to Never Skip for a Long Flight
When preparing for a long flight, comfort and practicality should be your top priorities. Here are the must-have clothing items you should pack to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible during your journey.
Comfortable Underwear: It might seem obvious, but investing in soft, breathable underwear can make a huge difference, especially on long flights. Look for seamless styles and fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials to stay fresh.
Soft Wireless Bra: Skip the underwires and opt for a comfortable wireless bra or bralette. Look for something supportive but stretchy, so it won’t dig into your skin during hours of sitting.
Compression Socks: If you’re worried about blood circulation or deep vein thrombosis during long haul flights, a pair of compression socks are the best thing for you. They improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and are especially important on long-haul flights.
Jacket or Sweatshirt: Airplane cabins can get chilly, so bring a light jacket or hoodie that you can easily throw on or take off as needed. It also adds a layer of comfort while napping.
Comfortable Pants: Comfy pants are the best pants. Opt for pants that offer plenty of stretch and flexibility, such as leggings, joggers or yoga pants. Especially for long overnight flights. Avoid anything restrictive and stick to breathable fabrics, as you’ll want to be able to move freely.
Comfortable Shoes: Shoes with an easy slip-on design will save you time at airport security. They should also be cushioned for walking through the terminal.
Blue Light Glasses: If you're planning on reading, watching movies, or using your device, blue light glasses are a good idea! They can protect your eyes and reduce eye strain during long flights.
Clothing Items You Should Avoid for a Long Flight
Some clothing items just don’t make sense for a long flight. Avoid these, and you'll be much more comfortable.
Rompers/Jumpsuits: While these can be cute and comfortable for lounging, you’ll want to think twice before wearing one on a long flight. You’ll be stripping down to use the airplane bathroom—definitely not the most practical option for your travel outfit.
Jeans: Jeans are stiff, uncomfortable, and don’t provide enough stretch for a long flight. Plus, they take longer to get through airport security.
High Heels: High heels might be fashionable, but they are far from practical for a long flight. Stick to something flat that you can walk long distances in easily.
Anything That Wrinkles Easily: Wrinkled clothes are the last thing you want when you step off the plane and need to head straight to your next destination. Stick with fabrics that hold up well against wrinkles, like jersey or knit materials.
Anything That Could Set Off the Metal Detector: Avoid clothing with excessive zippers, snaps, or metal embellishments. These can set off the metal detector at airport security, causing delays and unnecessary frustration.
Top Tips on Surviving a Long Flight
Stay Hydrated: Airplane cabins can be incredibly dry, so drink plenty of water throughout your flight. Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol, as these can contribute to dehydration.
Move Around: To prevent blood clots and improve circulation, take short walks around the cabin when you can and do some in-seat exercises.
Layer Up: Airplane cabins can fluctuate between freezing and hot, so layering is key to staying comfortable.
Bring In-Flight Essentials: Lip balm, hand sanitizer, and a sleep mask are essentials that will keep you feeling fresh and relaxed during your flight.
Bring Snacks: Pack healthy snacks to keep your energy up and avoid relying on overpriced airplane food.
Best Suitcases and Travel Bags
When it comes to traveling, choosing the right luggage can make or break your experience. Here are some top picks for suitcases, carry-ons, and personal item bags that will keep you organized, comfortable, and ready to go.
Suitcases
A quality suitcase can make a huge difference on long trips. Look for durable materials like polycarbonate or aluminum for sturdiness and lightweight construction. Samsonite’s Winfield 3 DLX is a great option for those who want a sleek design with lots of space. If you're willing to invest more, the Away Bigger Carry-On has an integrated battery for charging devices, plus a hard shell for protection.
Carry-On Bags
The best carry-ons combine size, organization, and convenience. Aim for a bag that fits the overhead bin requirements but still offers enough space for essentials. The Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on is known for its durability and quiet wheels. If you're looking for something more stylish, the Calpak Ambeur carry-on offers a chic design without sacrificing functionality.
Personal Item Bags
Your personal item bag is where you'll keep things like your laptop, snacks, and entertainment. Tote bags and backpacks work best, and it’s ideal if they have a laptop sleeve and multiple compartments. The Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack is both eco-friendly and sleek, while the Baggallini Everywhere Bag offers versatility and organization in a lightweight design.
Hybrid Travel Bags
If you prefer a versatile bag that can do it all, hybrid travel bags are a game-changer. These bags can be used as both a personal item and a carry-on. The Nomatic Travel Bag is highly praised for its multi-functional design and spacious compartments. Plus, it’s perfect for those who need to pack light yet stay organized.
Dressing comfortably and thoughtfully for a long flight can make all the difference in your travel experience. Whether you’re flying internationally for a summer vacation, heading on a business trip, or simply want to survive a transatlantic flight with minimal discomfort, the key is to plan your outfit carefully. Stick to breathable, stretchy fabrics, pack your in-flight essentials, and you’ll be ready for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
