Take it from the people who fly for a living: When it comes to what to wear on a plane, you can look stylish and still travel in comfort.
What to Wear on a Plane: Fashion and Travel Experts Explain
Updated on Jul. 31, 2024
Why airplane outfits matter
Young’s right, according to Emilia Ryan, a flight attendant who currently works transatlantic flights for a major airline. (Her name has been changed to protect her identity; major airlines have strict policies prohibiting flight attendants from speaking with the media.) What you’re wearing is one of the first things flight attendants notice about you as you’re boarding. “We do our best to treat everyone equally, no matter what they’re wearing,” she adds. “I often see pajamas being worn on my U.S. flights. And the cabin crew, we do wonder to each other if that person just rolled out of bed and if they’ve showered or brushed their teeth. Please come clean and dressed.”
That doesn’t mean you have to be a fashionista! “You can look and feel like a first-class traveler—and get some of the perks that go with it—without ever flying first class,” says Young, who now specializes in individual consulting, bringing her high-end expertise to everyday people.
It’s also practical, says Amy Caris, a flight attendant and the director of in-flight and training at JSX, a “hop-on” jet service. “Remember, you are sitting in a piece of machinery with confined spaces, sharp objects and strangers,” she says. “Don’t wear your best outfit, but wear something that is comfortable and can slightly stretch. Comfort can be stylish!”
Stretchy pants
This is the first item that all three of our experts suggested. Space is already at a premium on a plane, so you want to wear something that will allow you to move around easily, Young says. This is not the time for skintight jeans (although you may want to carry a jean jacket) or a bodycon dress. Tight waistbands, skirts, blouses and shirts are all no-no’s while traveling for the simple reason that our bodies naturally swell when we fly. Restrictive clothing does not pair well with bloating, also common on airplanes.
“As a passenger, I always wear ponte knit pants, which offer stretch and are stylish,” says Caris. “You can even find jeans that have stretch to them.”
Just be grateful you don’t have to wear what the flight attendants wear, Ryan adds. “Our uniforms are not super comfortable,” she says.
Breathable tops
“Breathable is the name of the game in traveling,” Young says. “Planes can swing between hot and cold, leading to an uncomfortable sweat situation.” When choosing what to wear on a plane, look for stylish tops made with natural fabrics, such as cotton, silk, wool or linen, which will allow air and moisture to pass through.
Moisture-wicking, man-made fabrics are an equally savvy option. “I avoid wearing synthetic polyester or rayon materials, as they retain body odor more quickly,” says Caris. “I like breathable tops that are just loose enough to keep my shape but are comfortable for sitting.”
Young adds that she paired her joggers with a fitted (but not tight) scoop-neck T-shirt made from pima cotton. “The basic white tee is a staple for a reason. It’s worth paying a little extra for fabrics that won’t pill, stretch out of shape or show sweat,” she says.
Compression socks
Sitting for a long time can restrict blood flow and make your legs swell. Compression socks are designed to help combat leg and foot soreness as well as prevent deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots in the legs—something you’re at a higher risk for when you fly.
Thankfully, compression socks are so much more fashionable today than they were in the past. They now come in a variety of heights, ranging from ankle to thigh, and colors. You can choose a fun pattern, pick a pop of color or go with a pair intended to look just like dress socks if you want them to blend with your outfit. “Put them on before boarding,” Caris suggests, “because it can be a challenge to get them on in a confined space.”
Cardigans
“Airplane outfits are all about layering,” Young says. “Not only does it add a little bit of style to a basic outfit, but it’s practical.” You never know if it’s going to be too hot or too cold when deciding what to wear on a plane, so a light cardigan is always a great choice. Young suggests choosing a lightweight cotton cardigan for summer or a heavier knit for colder weather. “This is a great option to pick a trendier piece or something colorful,” she says. “When you’re not wearing it, you can drape it across your shoulders or tie it around your waist.”
Pro tip: Arrive at the airport with your cardigan on. As Caris points out, wearing your layers will help you avoid taking up room in your carry-on bag.
Stretchy dresses
You don’t have to trade dresses for pants just because you’re flying. “Travel dresses are a great option because it’s a one-and-done outfit,” Young says. “You don’t have to worry about matching things, and they can be easily dressed down for the flight and then dressed up once you reach your destination.”
Again, she prefers athleisure, as these dresses are made in stretchy, breathable fabrics that hold their shape and don’t wrinkle or pill. But she’s not talking about tennis dresses—she suggests a longer, looser silhouette for comfort. “Marine Layer makes gorgeous dresses that are soft and comfortable yet also durable, especially their ribbed-knit dresses,” she says.
Caris also loves stretchy dresses that move with you. “I don’t recommend wearing skirts and dresses that are restrictive, but some knit dresses can be long, stretchy and easy to travel in,” she says. The best ones will keep you covered and comfy.
Comfy shoes
Young says that current fashion rules are all about sneakers, even in higher-end looks, which is great for travelers who have to walk miles and repeatedly take their shoes off. “It may sound funny, but certain shoes, like the Nike Airforce Ones, are considered ‘classics,’” she says.
An alternative she likes: an “elevated sneaker” made out of leather (or leather-like material) with nice laces. “They look like dress shoes but they feel like sneakers,” she says.
Flight attendants agree that walking shoes are the best option when flying, but if you’re set on something dressier, they recommend flats. If you prefer to wear heels, Caris points out that block heels are the most stable. Closed-toe shoes are best because they protect your feet, as Caris learned the hard way. “I’ve broken my own rule and worn sandals before,” she admits. “As I was standing in the aisle, waiting to get to my seat, the person in front of me backed up onto my foot and bent my nail back. Ouch. It was a good reminder as to why I should stick to my rules of flying!”
The biggest no-no? Stilettos, of course. “Avoid high heels, especially stilettos, as they can slow you down and even puncture the slide in case of an evacuation,” Ryan says. Flip-flops aren’t ideal either; they can fly off your feet during an emergency, and you’ll find they make life difficult if you have to sprint through the airport to make your flight.
Wraps or shawls
A thick or lightweight shawl (think: wool or cashmere) not only adds flair to your outfit but does double-duty on the plane as a blanket, pillow or extra layer, without taking up too much space in your carry-on bag, Young says. In cooler months, she carries a pashmina or thick wool scarf, and in warmer months, she picks a silky kimono or wrap. “These are one of the most versatile yet overlooked items of travel clothing,” she says. “Their uses are almost limitless! Bring one in a fun print or color to add style to your basic travel outfit.”
Just remember to avoid covering your seat belt with the wrap. “This way, [flight attendants] won’t need to wake you up if they’re required to conduct a compliance check during the flight,” says Caris.
Wrinkle-free business attire
If you’re traveling for business, you can save time and reduce stress over what to wear on the plane by dressing in your work outfit before you get on the flight. “It’s easy now to find business-looking yoga or stretchy pants and blazers for both men and women,” says Caris. “If you have to head straight to the office or a meeting after your flight, it’s not ideal to change in the lavatory or an airport bathroom stall. And it’s one less thing to worry about, especially if the flight gets delayed.”
For men, Young recommends Lululemon trousers. “They look just like dress pants, especially when paired with a nice collared button-down and a blazer, but you’d never know the difference unless you touched them,” she says. “They are so stretchy and comfortable and also stain resistant.”
For women, there are even more options, Young says. Betabrand and Lululemon have ladies’ dress pants that look professional but feel just like yoga pants. But her personal favorite? “Halara, a discount clothing site, has a shocking variety of travel trousers that I think are just as nice-looking and comfortable as the more expensive ones,” she says.
Loungewear set
If you’re flying overnight, it’s important to be able to get a few hours of sleep on the plane. But that doesn’t mean you should put on the same pajamas you would wear at home. Opt for loungewear, which looks as appropriate in public as it does in bed.
The trick to making your loungewear not look like something other than pajamas is to pick a matching set in a neutral color (no cartoon characters!), Young says. “Buying the top and bottom together, so they match, makes the look more cohesive, and it looks expensive,” she says. “You can even go with a nice matching sweatsuit. Just pick one that is fitted but not tight. Ultra-baggy sweats look messy.”
Caris agrees that loungewear passes the flight fashion test. “A nice pair of modal cotton sweats or a harem pant is acceptable,” says Caris. “Just make sure there are no holes in them!”
Slippers or cozy socks
To get comfortable and fall asleep, you’ll want to take off your shoes—but flight attendants warn against going to the lavatory without something on your feet. Although socks do provide a barrier between you and a dirty floor, they won’t protect you from wet spots—and you don’t want to spend hours with wet socks on your feet. A pair of slippers, preferably with a rubber sole, will do the trick and will come in handy in a hotel room, as well.
Young suggests bringing your own warm, comfy socks too. Some airlines provide them if you fly business or first class, but they’re generally thin and not good quality. “Good-quality socks or slippers can make all the difference between a comfortable international flight and a miserable one,” she says. “It’s the little things.”
Hoodie
Young’s new travel must-have is a high-quality, well-fitting hoodie. “You can pull the hood up to protect your hair, cover your headphones for better sound quality, block out your neighbor’s noise, lessen the overhead light or even use it to cover your eyes and face to get some sleep,” she says.
She adds that this is a great option for men. They usually won’t bring a scarf or shawl, but a hoodie can be used for many of the same purposes. Young recommends Vuori, as the brand has structured, lighter-weight options in nice fabrics that won’t wrinkle or look cheap. “Avoid obvious brand names, pictures or loud patterns, as those will automatically cheapen the look,” she adds.
A leveled-up travel bag
A carry-on bag is a must, which means it’s also an automatic accessory for your outfit, Young says. “This is an opportunity to elevate your look—but in an easy, functional way,” she says. “But I’ve seen so many travelers with nice outfits, and then they’re carrying their backpack from college or a ratty duffle bag.”
She recommends picking a water-resistant bag with plenty of compartments and a top zipper for safety that is comfortable to carry. “Then have fun with it,” she says. “Choose a fun color or pattern, nice metal details, that sort of thing.” Her travel bag of choice is a leather Kate Spade tote.
“Make sure it fits the airline’s carry-on requirements,” Ryan adds. “It still has to fit under your seat, so don’t bring anything too large or that you’re worried will get damaged by getting shoved under a chair.”
Jewelry
Jewelry is tricky when traveling. “Jewelry is the top way to elevate a basic outfit and add class and style,” Young says. “It’s amazing how simply adding a pair of small gold hoops or studs and a few layered necklaces will transform your look.”
The issue comes with security. In the past, when metal detectors were the norm, travel experts suggested skipping the metal jewelry so you wouldn’t have to take it off. But that’s not the case now, Ryan says. “Small metal earrings or a necklace won’t set off a metal detector, but it doesn’t matter as much because most airports these days are using body scanners. These aren’t metal detectors, and the TSA can easily tell the difference between your earrings and a weapon,” she says.
Caris cautions against chunky jewelry, however. “You don’t want to wear hoops that can get caught and pull on your earlobe,” she says.
Comfortable underwear
A tip Ryan can’t emphasize enough is to wear comfortable, durable and practical underwear when traveling. For women, this means choosing the right bra. “I prefer to wear a bralette or wire-free bra, as they are less constricting,” she says. “If you’re larger-chested, you will want a bra with more support, but still make sure you choose one that allows you to breathe comfortably and has wide, thick straps so your shoulders don’t hurt.”
For both genders it means choosing breathable, washable underwear, Young says. “This is one of the most important decisions you make when getting dressed to travel,” she says. “Travel can be hot, sticky, wet and then cold and dry an hour later. The sweat situation down below can get dire, and if that’s uncomfortable, then you will spend the whole flight uncomfortable.” Buy higher-end underwear in a breathable fabric that doesn’t constrict you.
FAQs
What should you wear for a long-haul flight?
“Long-haul flights are all about comfort and practicality,” Ryan says. “If you can sleep, you should, so bring a shawl or sweatshirt to help keep you warm.”
Young adds that she always brings a hoodie for long flights, as the hood protects her hair from getting frizzy while rubbing against the seat and can block out light and random airplane noises. “I got a hoodie with a satin-lined hood—it feels so luxurious,” she says.
What should you wear when flying for business?
Wrinkle-free attire is the most important thing to look for when flying for business. “You want to be able to go directly from the airport to your meeting without looking like a slob,” Young says. “Thankfully, technology has come a long way. Land’s End’s wrinkle-free button-down shirts are high quality and a great option for men and women.” Skip suits unless your work requires them.
What’s the best cold-weather airplane outfit?
The best cold-weather airplane outfit is one that you can quickly adjust between the plane and your destination. You’ll want to bring a coat, hat and gloves—but you likely won’t want to wear them while sitting on the plane, so space is key.
“A packable puffer coat with a hood can provide a lot of warmth but can be stuffed into a tiny bag in your carry-on,” Young says. “You can also use it as a pillow on the plane.”
What’s the best warm-weather airplane outfit?
The best warm-weather airplane outfit is one that is light and breathable while still keeping you covered. Resist the temptation to show a lot of skin when flying, Ryan says. “Anywhere your skin is exposed, it can stick to the seats or become scratched or irritated,” she says. “It also exposes you to a lot of bacteria and other germs that you really don’t want as a travel souvenir.”
Opt for things like a linen shirt and pants, athleisure or a long, lightweight dress, Young says.
About the experts
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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing, and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. For this piece on what to wear on a plane, Lois Alter Mark tapped her experience as an award-winning travel writer who’s flown around the world to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Emilia Ryan, flight attendant (whose name has been changed to protect her identity) currently working transatlantic flights for a major airline; phone interview, Oct. 6, 2024
- April Young, personal stylist and former celebrity stylist; in-person interview, Oct. 5, 2024
- Amy Caris, flight attendant and director of in-flight and training at JSX; interviewed
