Planning what to wear for air travel can be tricky! You want to be comfortable enough for a long flight, but still look put-together when you arrive at your destination. Over the years, I've experimented with countless outfits, and I've learned a few key things about choosing the perfect travel attire. This guide shares my personal experiences and tips for creating comfortable and stylish air travel outfits for women.
I used to think that any comfortable outfit would work for flying. I was so wrong! I once wore a pair of super wide-legged pants to the airport, and let me tell you, it was a disaster. The bottoms dragged on the floor everywhere, especially in the bathroom. Airports are not known for their cleanliness, and the thought of all that grime clinging to my pants was just…ick. That's when I realized that some clothes, no matter how comfy, just aren't practical for air travel.
Another time, I opted for a light pink sweatsuit because it looked so cozy. Big mistake! It stained so easily, and every little speck of dirt seemed to jump right onto it. Traveling with a kid through a busy airport meant that my outfit was covered in who-knows-what by the time we landed.
I also fell victim to the "travel set" trend. I bought a cheap set online, thinking it would be the perfect solution. While it was okay, the quality wasn't great, and it didn't really make me feel confident or stylish. I realized I needed to find a balance between comfort, practicality, and personal style.
After many trials and errors, I've developed a formula for creating the perfect air travel outfit. It's all about choosing the right fabrics, styles, and accessories.
Based on my experiences, I now avoid wide-legged pants like the plague when traveling. The risk of them dragging on the floor is just too high. Instead, I opt for leggings or straight-leg pants that don't touch the ground. I've found that leggings are incredibly comfortable and versatile, especially those made from breathable fabrics. Alternatively, I've discovered the Outdoor Voices pants with zippered side pockets. I feel so much better knowing that my phone and passport are secure and easily accessible.
Airports and airplanes can be notoriously unpredictable when it comes to temperature. One minute you're sweating, and the next you're shivering. That's why layering is key. I usually start with a comfortable t-shirt or a lightweight blouse. Then, I add a sweater or cardigan for warmth. A zip-up jacket is also a great option because it's easy to take on and off.
This might seem obvious, but comfortable shoes are an absolute must. You'll be doing a lot of walking in the airport, so leave the heels at home. I prefer sneakers or comfortable flats. Make sure your shoes are easy to slip on and off, especially when going through security.
I don't always wear a matching set, but I do have what I call my "chat noir" outfit for travel. It's essentially a combination of pieces that I know work well together and make me feel confident and comfortable. This could be a pair of black leggings, a black t-shirt, a gray cardigan, and white sneakers. The key is to choose pieces that are versatile and easy to mix and match.
The fabric of your travel outfit can make a big difference in your comfort level. I prefer breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or modal. Avoid fabrics that wrinkle easily, like rayon, unless you want to arrive at your destination looking like you just rolled out of bed.
Sometimes, my travels aren't for leisure. I have business trips that require a more professional look. In those cases, I've discovered the importance of finding comfortable yet stylish business attire. I recently came across Gracequeens, and I'm impressed with their selection of professional wear. It's important to find outfits that allow for movement and don't feel restrictive after hours of sitting. In fact, I am considering buying a business suit from them.