Whether it’s a long haul or short haul flight, traveling can be stressful enough. Worrying about booking, making sure you get to the airport at an appropriate time to get through the (usually) overwhelming security lines, making sure you have your boarding passes – it can all be a mess. On top of all of that, most of us aren’t flying in first class so we’re stuffed in this giant tin can in the sky getting bloated from lack of circulation and suffocating from the cabin pressure. The LAST thing you want to do is pick an airport outfit.
Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE traveling, what I don’t love are planes.
They’re germy, stuffy, usually smelly, and by the time you step foot on land again you’re more than tired and in need of a long hot bath. So you do your best to bring everything with you to make your flight as comfortable as possible. This don’t just include what’s in your carry on – this also includes what you wear.
Now one simple search for “airport attire” will lead you to thousands of glamour shots of people in leather leggings, dresses, skirts, heels, etc. While this might be all fine and dandy for them, I doubt they were as comfortable flying unless they were wealthy enough to be on a 1) private jet – 2) first class and/or – 3) TSA pre-check where they weren’t involved in the horrendous crowded lines that form where you have to basically strip yourself of everything to go through a scanner.
Now personally I always choose comfort over style. My husband might say otherwise but I like to think I do. My airport attire consists of the following and each piece serves a purpose.
1) Zip-Up Sweater
There are two reasons I prefer a zip up over a pullover. One being that if it’s hot but the AC’s on full blast in the airport or airplane, you can just throw it over your shoulders. The second reason being, it’s easier to remove. Whether you’re in line at security and you have to take it off, or whether you’re in the middle seat of an airplane, you can easily remove it instead of fussing to pull something over your head and accidentally elbowing the person next to you.
2) Loose T-Shirt
As I mentioned, you tend to get a little swollen on airplanes. It might be from the lack of circulation, the cabin pressure, or all of the above. The last thing you want is to feel restricted in a skin-tight shirt. Loose T-shirts give you room to breath and give your body the space to expand without constricting.
3) Leggings
This is a personal choice for me, Sweatpants are totally fine as a replacement too. I just find it easier to move in leggings and the fabric is usually thinner so it gives them more breathability. In any case, you’ll never find me in jeans on a flight. As comfort is our goal, jeans – no matter how stretchy – won’t give you the mobility you’d want.
4) Slip – On Shoes
I know some people think sandals, sneakers, and boots are fine for a flight, but slip-on shoes are actually my lifesaver, especially in the security line. Socks aren’t pictured but they’re a requirement too. During the security check, they make you take off your shoes and put them in the bin, during that time you’re walking on the floor where you see millions of people doing the same, it’s actually quite disgusting. Slip-ons make it easy to just take off, go through the line, and put right back on without any hold up. The same things goes while on the flight. You can chose to take your shoes off without having to reach down and unlace, as well as slip them right back on when you have to walk around.
5) Scarf
In my opinion, an oversized scarf is a total requirement, even when you’re traveling to somewhere with warm weather. On flights, they have air pumping from all over and it can actually get pretty cold. It can also double as a pillow, even if you already have a travel pillow like I do. It doesn’t hurt to have one with you.
6) Oversized Tote Bag
I don’t know how some people travel with a tiny cross-body bag but for me oversized totes are the way to go. You can carry all of your In-Flight Essentials with you and it can get tucked right under the seat in front of you so you don’t have to keep going into the overhead bin and annoying other passengers the entire time.
There you have it – my go to travel outfit.
Don’t believe me? Here’s a picture from my snapchat before leaving to Albania.
It’s not as glamorous as the pictures you may have seen but it’s practical, it’s easy, and it’s comfortable. Plus, if it really means that much to you to look supermodel ready right after a flight, you can always pack a second outfit and change in the restroom after boarding.
Let me know what you guys like to wear on flights and what your one must have item is. 🙂
