What to wear to the airport for a long‑haul flight is about nailing comfort, functionality, and style.
Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025
1. The Essentials: Comfort Meets Convenience
🧥 Layer Smartly
Temperatures in airports and planes can swing drastically. A breathable base layer (like a soft cotton or moisture‑wicking tee) topped with a lightweight sweater or hoodie is ideal. Add a zip‑up cardigan or travel‑friendly blazer in your carry‑on—you'll appreciate the flexibility.
👖 Bottoms That Work
Skip stiff denim. Go for stretch joggers, tapered chinos, or soft tall-leisure pants. Look for fabrics with 3–5% elastane—they’re easy to move in and won’t restrict during long periods of sitting.
👟 Shoe Strategy
Stylish yet sensible is key. Slip-on sneakers or loafers strike the perfect balance—they’re easy to take off at checkpoints, warm your feet on chilly planes, and offer arch support for walking long terminals.
🧣 Accessories & Extras
A cozy scarf doubles as a blanket, eliminates airline neck pillows, and offers a polished look. Consider compression socks to improve circulation, and always pack a light carry‑on tote or travel backpack for essentials.
2. Fabric Focus: What to Choose—& Avoid
Merino Wool: Breathable, naturally odor‑resistant, regulates temperature. Ideal for long flights.
Modal / Bamboo: Soft, moisture‑wicking, sustainable. Comfortable for long hours.
Stretch Jersey: The go‑to for t‑shirts and joggers—affordable, functional, easy‑care.
Avoid: Rigid denim, heavy thick knits, synthetic fabrics that trap heat.
3. Style Tip #1: Neutral Palette = Easy Mix & Match
Sticking to black, navy, grey, olive, and beige pieces keeps your travel look sleek and versatile. It also allows you to recharge and adapt your outfit post-landing.
4. Brands That Deliver
➤ Lululemon
ABC or Commission pants: Known for a polished ‘pants-like’ look with stretch and breathability.
All Day Everyday Tee: Sleek, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle-resistant.
➤ Uniqlo
Ultra Light Down Jacket: Ideal for easily packable warmth.
AIRism Innerwear: Lightweight, keeps you cool and fresh.
➤ Everlane
Driftless Oversized Sweatshirt: Soft, relaxed, and ethically made.
The Uniform Chino: Stretchy, polished, and perfect for travel.
➤ Athleta (for women)
Elation Jogger: Sleek, athletic, breathable, with a comfort waistband.
Avenue Romper: A travel-ready all-in-one that’s cute yet comfy.
➤ Rothy’s
Washable flats or sneakers made from recycled materials—functional, machine-washable, zero-break-in time.
➤ Bombas
Compression-style socks with padding to reduce swelling, ideal for flights.
5. Airport Outfit Breakdown
Base-Layer Tee
Start with a fitted, moisture-wicking tee (e.g., Lululemon All Day Everyday Tee or Uniqlo AIRism Tee).
Bottoms
Opt for stretch chinos (Uniqlo, Everlane Uniform Chino) or technical joggers (Athleta Elation Jogger).
Mid-layer
Choose a hoodie or lightweight sweater that balances comfort and style (Everlane Driftless Sweatshirt).
Outer Layer
A packable down jacket (Uniqlo Ultra Light Down) or sleek bomber gives warmth without bulk.
Footwear
Wear easy slip-on shoes (Rothy’s flats, Allbirds sneakers, or loafers). Aim for structured comfort.
Accessories
A scarf doubles as warmth and accessory.
Compression socks like Bombas keep circulation strong.
A carry-on tote/backpack to hold water, book, laptop, plus in-flight essentials.
6. Practical Styling Tricks
Wrinkle Prevention: Roll clothes gently rather than folding tightly to reduce creasing. Knit fabrics bounce back.
Smart Monochrome: A tonal look—like navy joggers with a grey tee—looks sharp and tracks in magnets.
Layer Efficiently: Secure heavier items in your backpack. Collapsible jacket goes in the top to grab when boarding.
Security Ready: Footwear that’s easy to slip off is essential for smoother TSA/UK border transitions.
7. Health and Hygiene on Long Flights
Choose breathable fabrics that reduce sweating and microbe buildup.
Travel wipes, hand sanitizer, and petal bottles of disinfectant keep your immediate area clean.
Earbuds/headphones with active noise cancellation enhance comfort—and your outfit doesn’t have to suffer for it.
8. How to Refresh on Arrival
Bring a foldable brush or quick-dry hair towel.
Pack a small travel toiletries kit—think face mist, lip balm, deodorant.
Change into a compression essential before landing to feel more refreshed when you exit the terminal.
9. Men’s vs Women’s Styles—Universal Goals
Women might opt for leggings or jumpsuits; men often go for joggers or elastic-waist chinos. But the rule is the same: keep soft edges, pick stretchy textiles, and maintain a clean palette. Unisex options abound—merino wool tees, packable jackets, or compression socks are universal.
10. Final Travel Outfit Formula
Layer | Best Picks | Why it Works |
---|---|---|
Base Layer | Lululemon tee, Uniqlo AIRism tee | Moisture-control, wrinkle-free |
Mid Layer | Everlane sweatshirt, Uniqlo Merino crew | Soft, relaxed comfort |
Outer Layer | Uniqlo packable down, lightweight bomber | Warmth without bulk |
Bottoms | Chinos, joggers, high-stretch trousers | Flexible, smart, travel-friendly |
Footwear | Rothy’s flats, Allbirds, slip-on sneakers | Supportive, security- and airport-friendly |
Accessories | Scarf, compression socks, travel-sized kit | Practical foldables, health-conscious comfort |
This combo ensures you stay relaxed, put together, and adaptable—no matter where you're headed.
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✈️ In Summary
Dress smart for long flights: layered, stretchy, neutral, wrinkle-resistant.
Choose functional accessories like compression socks and smart bags.
Refresh quickly on arrival with a modest in-flight kit.
Level up your style by understanding what actually fits your body—through Tellar.co.uk.
Ready to fly comfortably and stylishly, every time? Explore Tellar to transform the way your wardrobe works for you—wherever you go.
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