12 Outfits to Wear on Your Next Long Flight, According to Frequent Flyers (2024)

The art of crafting anoutfit for a long flight is exactly that—an art. Obviously, comfort is priority number onesinceyou could be sitting for 10, maybe even 20 hours, depending on where you're headed. There's also utility to keep in mind. We love to travel with acrossbody bag orfanny pack for this exact reason—not to mention packing space and style. Sure, you could wear pajamas (preferably the fancy, feathered kind) to the airport, but with so many designers transitioning to a more comfort-driven aesthetic since the pandemic, there are plenty of fashion-approved alternatives that look elevated and are soft and flexible like your go-to sleepwear.

To ensure that your in-flight experience is on par with your destination, we found 12 outfits sure to have you looking and feeling fresh, despite the 10-plus-hour flight time,and we calledon two frequent flyersfor their tried-and-true tips.

You'll Need: RibbedTop + Matching Ribbed Pants + Fanny Pack

According to Nana Agyemang, the CEO ofEveryStylishGirl and a social media editorwho travels long-distance once a month, a comfortable set is amust for in-flight comfort. "Comfort is my top priority [when I fly], so I try to pick clothes that don't restrict me and give me freedom and space to move," Agyemang says.

Even more crucial, though, is a fanny pack, which Agyemang considers to be the ultimate travel companion: "They fit so much in them, and since mine is literally attached to my hip, it's easily accessible."

You'll Need: Oversize Sweatshirt +BaggySweatpants + Sport Sandals

"I try to wear anything without what I call 'pokies,' which are things that can poke you when you're sitting for long periods of time: buttons, snaps, too-tight waistbands, hooks, itchy tags, etc.," says Alyssa Coscarelli, an editor and stylist who traveled multiple times per month pre-pandemic.

You'll Need:Wool Coat + Sweatshirt + Wide-Leg Sweatpants

Let your top layer act as both your style enhancer and an extra carry-on, Coscarelli suggests. Accordingto her, apocket-rich coat lets you sneak in stuff that doesn't fit in your bag,and it doubles as an extra pillow. Win-win.

You'll Need: Plissé Top + Plissé Pants + Retro Sneakers

Agyemang is adamant about not wearing jeans or heels on long flights. "They're so restrictive and painful, in my opinion," she says. Try something like this plissé setonAmaka Hamelijnckpaired with retro New Balance sneakers—Agyemang's go-to brand—instead.

You'll Need: Crew-Neck Sweatshirt + Matching Joggers + Oversize Blazer

"Since I prioritize comfort over style with the outfit, I like to accessorize with a cute, trendier bag if I can," Coscarelli says. This red Coperni bagMegan Adelaide'swearingis a perfect example of this travel style hack playing out IRL.

You'll Need: Quilted Jacket + Leggings + Rain Boots

One big tip: Avoid clothing that bares too much skin. "Ialways feel better being covered up on planes," Coscarelli says. An easy outfit recipe for doing so is a quilted jacket that can double as a pillow, cozy leggings that aren't too constricting, and chunky rain boots that would otherwise take up a lot of space in your luggage.

You'll Need: Hooded Sweatshirt + Yoga Pants + Big Bag + Sporty Sunglasses

Crewneck sweatshirts are great and all, but according to Coscarelli, the real in-flight must-have is a sweatshirt with a hood: "Ialways need a hood—it doubles as an eye mask when you need to sleep on a long flight. Plus, it's just extra cozy."

You'll Need: Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress + Trench Coat + Sneakers

Don't be afraid to wear a dress on the plane. In fact, if that's more aligned with your style and comfort zone, you should wear one. If you do, though, pick something that's soft, stretchy, and void of any "pokies."

You'll Need: Wool Coat + Crewneck Sweater + Short-Sleeve T-Shirt + Baggy Jeans

Jeans aren't your travel-day enemy—tight, constricting jeans are. By opting for a baggier, more worn-in pair, all the aforementioned issues with denim go out the window.

You'll Need: Trench Coat + Claw Clip + Big Tote Bag

"The big claw clip is another travel staple for me," says Agyemang. "I hate having my hair in my face when I travel, and the clip just keeps everything intact. I feel like it actually maintains the volume in my hair when I travel. Therefore, by the time I arrive at my destination and take my hair down, it's stillfull with body and bounce." Added tip: Bring extras inyour XL tote bag in case the little prongs break off.

You'll Need:Fitted Turtleneck + Quilted Jacket + Track Pants

Since you never know whatthe in-flight temperature might be on your plane, layering can make or break your travel experience. Freezing for 13 hours sucks, but so does sweating the entire time. "I like to wear layers so that I'm bundled up when I need to be but can peel off the layers if it gets warm," Coscarelli says.

You'll Need: Oversize T-Shirt + Lightweight Khakis + Compression Socks + SportySneakers

"I'm addicted to compression socks," says Coscarelli, whonotes that they've helped her deal with discomfort, swelling, and bad circulation during long flights. *Buys compression socks.*

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.