With the travel season beginning, working out what to wear on a plane becomes a priority, and finding airport outfits that meet the criteria of being both practical and stylish can be a struggle, so to help you navigate this tricky task, we've compiled a useful guide and breakdown of possibilities and what to look for.
For both long-haul and short-haul flights, comfort is key, which is why it's best to prioritise loose, breathable fabrics and to make sure you've packed handy layers to take on and off when the temperature changes. Loungewear is an easy go-to for longer journeys; however, midi dresses, blazers, and loose-fitting denim are polished options that will make you feel put-together. If you're stepping off into the midday sun, you'll want to consider what to wear in the heat and have a spare outfit packed in your hand luggage.
What to wear on a plane will very much come down to individual taste, but pulling some simple essentials as a basis could be a good place to start. Dresses in jersey fabric can make great travel partners, but if you're loyal to your stylish tops and jeans outfits, think about more relaxed leg fits or denim with stretch, so you can feel at ease, as there will be a lot of sitting around.
What to wear on a plane according to fashion editors
Whether it's work or play, what to wear on a plane has no easy answer. There are so many elements of the day to consider, particularly if you're going on a long-haul or night flight. Whatever you decide on, keep comfort as the focal point, and use the styling tips laid out below as a way to add polish to your finished look.
Consider the time of day and temperature at your final destination, and if you're heading straight to your accommodation or if you're going directly into a meeting or social setting. Airports generally involve a lot of walking, so make sure you have comfortable flats, as you don't want to be sprinting for final boarding in heels.
You'll also want to carefully consider your accessories. With hand luggage at a premium and with shoes needing to be removed for airport security, think about the ergonomics of your outfit. Can your shoes slip on and off easily? Will your bag fit under your seat or in the overhead locker, and can you get those essentials in there?
1. Luxurious Loungewear
Athleisure remains a big spring/summer fashion trend for 2025 as designers continue to use sports-luxe as a guiding principle for many key looks. The best leggings, joggers, and sweatshirts are all great choices for comfortable airport outfits. To keep the style factor high, opt for coordinating two pieces with more directional cuts.
Think wide-leg, soft jersey trousers, and matching jumpers for an outfit that works for both comfort and design. Slip a lightweight jersey t-shirt into your holdall if heading to hotter climes, as you can easily pop this on at the other end and tie your sweatshirt around your waist.
An elasticated waistband and wide-leg fit are the ultimate combination for heading onto a plane. Pair these with a neutral t-shirt and the best white trainers to highlight the leg lengthening, side stripe detailing. Practical and stylish, what more could you want.
American clothing brand Skims is great for comfy loungewear looks, and these stretchy navy pants are no exception; the flared leg adds style, too. Opt for platform trainers to avoid sweeping airport floors with the hems.
Sharpen up your loungewear ensemble with this iconic hoodie. This white logo hoodie is relatively lightweight, but still warm enough for hanging out in the airport or beating the airplane aircon chill.
2. Lightweight Blazers
Lightweight blazers offer a sharp and stylish finish to any outfit, and they are a great alternative to bulky jackets and coats. Opt for linen or cotton blends to ensure maximum comfort. A larger, oversized silhouette also looks chic paired with leggings, joggers, or teamed with jeans. You can also roll your jacket into the overhead locker and use it on cool evenings on the trip itself. If you're headed straight out when you land, a blazer and some barrel leg jeans are a directional look that works for almost any occasion.
A pinstripe tailored blazer will add a smarter finish to any look, and the linen material makes this style breathable. This cream double-breasted design can easily be thrown over your favourite dress on your trip if you get cold in the evening, too.
You can never go wrong with a classic, tailored linen blazer. Easy to wear with tailored trousers, this fitted design is perfect for delivering that holiday feel. Pair with a camisole for warm-weather evenings out by the beach.
This lightweight design will add a sleek finish to any look and can be easily slipped on top of a hoodie or sweater. The printed cuffs add an elevated touch that makes it feel designer instead of high street.
3. Comfortable Jeans
When it comes to the best jeans to wear on a plane, you want to choose the most comfortable styles, as there will be a lot of sitting around, particularly if you're on a long-haul flight. High waists and relaxed fit styles, such as a mom jean or barrel leg design, are both stylish and comfortable for plane journeys.
Jeans with lots of stretch in them are the top choice for long-haul flights, and you can even look for drawcord-waisted styles for a more sporty and laid-back feel. What you want to avoid is skin-tight denim that makes you feel constricted, and remember you'll be sitting on a plane for quite some time, so make sure your waistband won't dig in.
These jeans combine style and practicality when travelling with their stretchy waistband and pull-on style. They also feature an on-trend wide leg fit and high-rise waist. Shop up to nine colourways.
Straight leg jeans are the perfect blend of laid-back yet polished. This mid-indigo pair will team with everything from blazers to your best jumpers for comfort, style, and ease. Size up for the ultimate comfort.
Looking for more structure when travelling? Opt for a white jeans outfit. Wide jeans, like these, which have medium stretch will help to keep you comfortable. Pair with a blazer for a work trip or with a jumper to lean into their more casual feel.
4. Midi-dresses
When it comes to choosing an elevated airport outfit, midi and maxi dresses are a stylish and practical choice. You can opt for soft jersey designs or loose-fitting cotton iterations. A chic way to make an impact but stay comfortable, a well-selected dress will also be just right if you're transitioning into warmer weather.
Easy to layer, you can style a cardigan over the top or a t-shirt underneath for added comfort on your out-of-town trip, and a pretty summer dress can even then be re-worn during the holiday itself, making your suitcase that little bit lighter.
We've found the perfect airport outfit with this dress. Lightweight jersey in a bold red hue, this dress can be worn for the plane with a light cardigan over the top, then repurposed as an evening outfit on your trip, plus it makes you really easy to spot at the airport for friends or family.
Jersey t-shirt dresses make fantastic plane outfit partners. For the flight out, team with a pair of stretchy leggings for added comfort, before removing your leggings on landing, making you sunny weather-ready in an instant. We love this one's simplicity.
This khaki green dress features a flattering tie-waist detail, making it one of the best dresses to hide a tummy. It also comes in several other colourways, from a bold crimson red to a smart navy.
5. Slip on shoes & trainers
When it comes to shoes to wear on a plane, there are several factors to consider. Days at an airport can be extremely long, with lots of walking, whether that's around duty-free or racing through never-ending corridors to make final boarding, so comfort is of utmost importance. In addition to this, you may need to remove your shoes for airport security, so choosing something with an easy fastening or shoes that slip on and off can save time and energy too.
A white trainer will add versatility to your holiday wardrobe. Pairable with basically anything, these Veja trainers offer relaxed glamour to any outfit. Loved by fashion editors, celebrities, and royals, they're sustainable too.
If you're looking for a closed-toe shoe that is not a trainer, Birkenstock clogs in suede are a great alternative, as they'll slide on and off easily for security. You can also wear them on your trip around the hotel instead of packing your best slippers for women.
One of the best and most comfortable sandals on the market, the Birkenstock Arizona has been around for years. A shoe that won't go out of fashion can be worn for day or evening, and even lazing around the pool.
6. Large totes or Backpacks
Roomy totes and backpacks with multiple compartments are an obvious choice for travelling. Backpacks offer hands-free capabilities, and you'll still be able to roll your luggage along and have your essentials close at hand. If you prefer, however, to keep your items where you have eyes on them, large tote bags are a strong bag option when it comes to what to wear on a plane.
You'll want to check your individual airline's policy for carry-on luggage, as some only let you take one piece of hand luggage of a specific size, and this needs to be factored into your decision-making. As with shoes, try to choose a bag that can be used during your stay, it might mean that your carry-on luggage is a tote that doubles up as a beach bag, and in the long run, it lightens your packing.
Woven totes are a major trend this summer, and this brown leather variation is both luxurious and practical, with more than enough room for your in-flight essentials, it's the ultimate holiday accessory.
Using the brand's signature water repellent fabric, this tote bag is ideal for a carry-on, beach bag holdall. The water repellent fabric makes it hardworking against pool or sea splashes, while the secure zip and two ways to hold make it versatile and secure.
Crossbody bags are great for remaining hands-free when travelling, and this Uniqlo nylon bag has produced one of the biggest trends in recent years, with multiple colourways of this design already selling out. Ideal for keeping items close.
FAQs
What's the best outfit to wear on a plane?
The best outfit to wear on a plane will vary from person to person, but there are a few cardinal rules to follow. For example, comfort should be a number one priority next to style, because there is nothing worse than boarding a plane in tight or restrictive clothing. The ideal outfit combines breathable layers and loose silhouettes. Start with a base such as a cotton t-shirt or a poplin button-down shirt and build your outfit around it. Lightweight blazers or cardigans are ideal for layering up, and in terms of trousers, opt for jersey joggers, elasticated waist jeans, or loose denim silhouettes.
While you want a comfortable airport outfit that will transition to the plane, don't forget to consider the temperature at your final destination. Whether you're heading to warmer or cooler climes, layering is key to help you adapt. You may also want to pack a change of clothes to slip into at the other end.
What colour is best to wear on a plane?
Of course none of us plan to spill anything on ourselves on a plane journey, but with turbulence and sometimes cramped seating, accidents happen, while there is no hard and fast rule, if you want to err on the side of caution, darker colours are a good choice for plane journeys as they are better at hiding spills and stains.
Should I get changed at the airport for the plane
If you're wondering about the difference between comfortable airport outfits and what to wear on a plane, the truth is, there is little separating the two. However, if you're heading to the airport straight from the office, or you're flying with friends or colleagues and want to feel a little more polished at the start of your trip. you may want to have a separate, more athleisure style outfit, such as leggings and a sweatshirt, packed to slip into once you're on the plane itself, wearing a jeans and blazer combo for the airport.
This will come down entirely to personal choice, and some people want to travel as minimally as possible, wearing one outfit from the airport to the flight. However, if you have a particularly long day of travel before you take off, you may want two outfits, so you can freshen up
