I’ve done my fair share of long-haul flights over the years, especially back and forth across the Atlantic, and I’ve learned that what you wear on an airplane can make a HUGE difference in how comfortable you are.
When you’re going to be sitting in a relatively cramped airplane seat for eight or nine hours (sometimes longer!), the last thing you want is to be wearing something that’s digging into your waist, squeezing your legs, or making you wish you’d packed a change of clothes in your carry-on.
Now that I’m in my 50s, comfort is definitely my priority when it comes to flying, but that doesn’t mean I want to turn up at the airport looking like I’ve just rolled out of bed. I still like to look reasonably put together, even if I’ll spend most of the flight watching movies and trying to get a few hours of sleep.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to dress comfortably for a long-haul flight without sacrificing style, and I’ve found a few outfits over the years that I keep coming back to.
So, here’s what I love to wear on long-haul flights, along with a few things you will NEVER catch me wearing on an airplane!
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What I Love to Wear on Long-Haul Flights
Leggings, Leggings, Leggings!
If you happen to spot me wandering through an airport before a long-haul flight, there’s a very good chance I’ll be wearing leggings.
They’re my go-to travel trousers, and I haven’t found anything that beats them for comfort.
My favorites are the OFFLINE by Aerie Real Me Xtra Mid-Rise Leggings.
They’re incredibly soft, stretchy, and comfortable, which is exactly what I want when I’m going to be sitting on an airplane for hours. I also love that they don’t have uncomfortable buttons or zippers digging into my stomach.
I normally pair mine with a comfortable black T-shirt, which might not be the most exciting outfit in the world, but it works!
Black goes with pretty much everything, doesn’t show every little mark or spill, and is easy to dress up a little if I want to look more presentable when I arrive. If I’m feeling particularly adventurous, I may go with navy or dark grey, but I always pick a color that won’t show any stains!
I also always take a hoodie, cardigan, or sweater that I can throw on when I get cold. I don’t know about you, but airplane temperatures seem to have a mind of their own. One minute I’m perfectly comfortable, and the next I’m freezing to death … and then there are the midlife hot flashes!
Having an extra layer I can easily pull on or take off makes life so much easier.
Matching Loungewear Sets
Another favorite of mine for long-haul flights is a matching loungewear set.
I absolutely love these because they’re comfortable enough to sit in for hours, but you still look like you’ve made a bit of an effort.
And let’s face it, when you’re getting off an overnight flight after very little sleep, it’s nice to at least have your outfit looking reasonably presentable, even if the rest of you isn’t quite there yet!
Amazon has some really lovely matching sets, and I’ve found several that are perfect for traveling.
Here are a few of my favorites.
PRETTYGARDEN Matching Loungewear Sets
I love PRETTYGARDEN’s matching sets because they’re an easy way to put together a comfortable travel outfit without much thought.
I especially like having a coordinated top and bottom that I can wear together or mix and match with other pieces.
Two of my favorites are:
I gravitate toward these outfits when I want something a little different from my usual leggings and T-shirt.
WIHOLL Loungewear Set
Another one I love is this WIHOLL Loungewear Set.
Matching sets are particularly handy when traveling because you don’t have to spend ages deciding what goes with what. Throw on the set, add some comfortable shoes, grab your carry-on, and you’re good to go.
PINSPARK Loungewear Set — Great for Petite Women!
Now, this one deserves a special mention for my fellow short girls!
At just 5 feet tall, I know all too well how hard it can be to find comfortable trousers that don’t drag on the floor.
Nothing’s worse than finding a lovely matching outfit, only to discover the trousers are about six inches too long!
That’s one reason I particularly like this PINSPARK Loungewear Set.
If you’re on the shorter side like me, it’s definitely worth a look when shopping for comfortable travel clothes.
ETCYY Loungewear Set
Another favorite on my list is this ETCYY Loungewear Set.
I love having a few different matching sets to choose from because they’re not just useful for flying. They’re also great for travel days, relaxing at the hotel, or heading out for a casual breakfast while you’re away.
Anything that serves more than one purpose when I’m packing is always a bonus! And don’t forget to check your local TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls – I always find some great deals there on matching loungewear sets!
Comfortable Shoes That Are Easy to Get On and Off
When it comes to footwear, I have one very simple rule: if they’re not comfortable, they’re not coming on the airplane.
I always choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off, especially when I’m settling in for a long flight. Nobody wants to spend ten minutes wrestling with complicated buckles or laces in a cramped airplane seat, particularly when the person next to you is trying to get comfortable too.
I also like to wear shoes with a little room, because feet can swell during long flights.
And while I want shoes that are easy to remove, I also make sure I have socks with me. Walking around an airplane cabin or visiting the bathroom barefoot is definitely not something I’d recommend!
What I NEVER Wear on a Long-Haul Flight
Now that we’ve covered what I love wearing, let’s talk about the things you absolutely won’t find in my long-haul travel wardrobe.
Some of these might seem obvious, but I’ve seen enough questionable airport outfits over the years to know that not everyone shares my opinions!
Jeans or Anything That Digs Into My Waist
I love a good pair of jeans as much as the next person, but you will NEVER catch me wearing them on a long-haul flight.
I don’t care how comfortable they feel when I’m standing in front of the mirror at home. After several hours of sitting in an airplane seat, that waistband is almost guaranteed to start annoying me. And don’t even get me started on buttons digging into my stomach!
The same goes for any trousers that are tight, restrictive, or uncomfortable around the waist.
When I’m flying, I want to sit, move around, curl up in my seat (as much as you can in economy!), and generally stay comfortable without constantly adjusting my clothes.
Give me soft, stretchy leggings or relaxed loungewear trousers any day.
White Clothing
I have absolutely nothing against white clothing. In fact, I love wearing white, especially when I’m somewhere warm and sunny.
But on an airplane? Absolutely not.
Between balancing drinks on a tiny tray table, eating meals in a cramped seat, and the occasional bit of turbulence, there are far too many opportunities for disaster.
And knowing my luck, I’d manage to spill something down myself before we’d even taken off!!
That’s why I normally stick to darker colors, particularly black, when I’m flying. It’s practical, easy to coordinate, and much more forgiving of the inevitable little travel mishaps.
Knee-High Boots
I know knee-high boots can look lovely with a travel outfit, especially if you’re heading somewhere cold, but they’re another definite no for me on a long-haul flight.
For starters, they’re not particularly easy to take off and put back on when you’re sitting in a cramped airplane seat or going through security. More importantly, your feet and lower legs can swell on long flights, and the last thing you want is a pair of tight boots squeezing your calves for hours.
If I’m traveling somewhere cold and really want to take my boots, I’d much rather pack them and wear something more comfortable on the plane.
Uncomfortable Shoes
This probably goes without saying, but high heels, stiff shoes, and anything that pinches my feet are staying firmly at home, or at least in my suitcase.
Airports often involve a surprising amount of walking, especially when you’re connecting through a large international airport. The last thing I want is to be hobbling through a terminal because I decided to wear shoes that looked lovely but weren’t particularly practical.
Sneakers that are comfortable always win! I especially love Skechers Slip-Ins for travel. They’re easy to slip on and off and stand up really well to long days of walking in European cities!
And Finally… PAJAMAS!
Right, I might upset a few people with this one, but I have to say it.
Please, please, PLEASE don’t wear your pajamas on an airplane!
Yes, I know they’re comfortable. Yes, I know you’re probably going to try to sleep during the flight. And yes, I completely understand wanting to be as cozy as possible.
But you’re getting on an airplane, not climbing into bed!
There are so many comfortable loungewear sets available these days that you really don’t need to show up at the airport in your actual pajamas. You can be just as comfortable in a lovely matching set, leggings, or relaxed trousers without looking like you’ve wandered straight out of your bedroom.
Save the pajamas for when you get to your hotel!
A Few Other Things I’ve Learned About Dressing for Long-Haul Flights
After years of flying, I’ve realized the best travel outfits are usually the simplest.
I don’t want to spend my flight adjusting waistbands, worrying about stains, or feeling too hot one minute and freezing the next. I want clothes that are comfortable, easy to move around in, and practical enough to get me through a long travel day.
Layers are especially important, and I always make sure whatever I’m wearing will work with a hoodie or sweater.
I also try to avoid anything too complicated. If an outfit involves lots of buttons, fiddly fastenings, or trousers that are a nightmare to deal with in a tiny airplane bathroom, it’s probably not the best choice.
One other thing worth mentioning is circulation. Sitting for hours isn’t great for anyone, so I make a point of getting up and moving around when it’s safe to do so, and moving my ankles and feet while seated. Compression socks can also help some travelers, particularly on longer flights, but it’s worth checking with your healthcare professional if you’re unsure whether they’re suitable for you.
And remember, comfortable doesn’t have to mean tight. I want my leggings and loungewear to feel soft and easy to wear, not like they’re squeezing the life out of me!
My Perfect Long-Haul Flight Outfit
If I had to choose just one outfit for my next overnight flight across the Atlantic, it would probably be the same combination I’ve worn countless times before.
My favorite Aerie leggings, a comfortable black T-shirt, a cozy hoodie or sweater, and easy-to-wear shoes. If I fancy a change, I’ll go with one of my matching loungewear sets instead.
At the end of the day, I think the secret to dressing for a long-haul flight is finding that happy medium between comfort and looking reasonably put together. You don’t need to dress up for an eight-hour flight, but you don’t need to wear your pajamas either!
And trust me, when you’re several hours into an overnight flight over the Atlantic, with another three hours to go before landing, you’ll be glad you chose comfort over fashion.
What about you? Are you a leggings-and-hoodie traveler like me, or do you have a completely different go-to flying outfit? And is there anything you would NEVER wear on a long-haul flight?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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