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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

Post Image

  • 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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  3. Recommendations: Get personalized style and size suggestions—like which Lululemon pant will suit your leg length, or if Everlane’s chinos match your waist‑to‑hip ratio.

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Why it matters for travelers:

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✅ Explore Tellar:

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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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