Stylish And Comfy Airport Outfits | What To Wear On A Plane & What NOT To Wear!

You know the feeling. You’re standing at your closet the night before a trip, holding up one thing after another, trying to find something that is actually comfortable for a long travel day but still cute enough that you feel like yourself when you land. It is so much harder than it should be.

Maybe you’ve worn the jeans that felt fine at home and miserable by hour three. Or the shoes you regretted the second you had to speed walk to your gate. Or maybe you skip the comfy stuff completely because you don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed. I get it, and you are not doing anything wrong. You just need a simple formula to lean on.

That is exactly what I’m giving you today. After traveling full time and living out of a carry-on since 2021, I’ve got my comfy airport outfits down to a handful of easy pieces that feel like pajamas and still look pulled together when you walk off the plane.

So whether you live in leggings and sneakers or you’ve been eyeing one of those cozy matching sets everyone is wearing, this one is for you.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

✅ My exact formula for comfy airport outfits, built from the bottom up

✅ When a matching set is worth wearing, and when to skip it based on your trip

✅ What to never wear on a plane, learned the hard way

Ready? Let’s get into some cute AND comfy airport outfits!

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Estimated reading time: 23 minutes

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The best comfy airport outfits start with one soft, stretchy bottom, one easy top, one layer you can take on and off, and slip on sneakers. My go to is leggings or joggers, a cotton tee, a long cardigan and white sneakers. A matching travel set works too when you want a one and done look you can pull on and walk out the door.

What To Wear On A Plane: My Comfy Airport Outfits Formula ✈️

Here’s the thing I wish someone had told me years ago. You don’t need to hunt down the one perfect travel outfit. You need a repeatable formula. Once you have a few simple categories that always work together, getting dressed for a flight stops being a whole decision. You stop standing there overthinking it and start reaching for pieces you already know will feel good and look good for hours.

That’s what this is. Five easy categories that mix and match with each other, so any combination you pull works. A comfortable bottom, an easy top, a layer for when the cabin gets cold, a bag that keeps your hands free, and shoes you can walk and sprint and slip off at security in.

Here’s the formula at a glance, then I’ll walk you through how to choose each piece so it actually earns its spot. Save this image so you always remember how easy getting dressed for a long travel day can be ⬇️

1️⃣ Comfy Pants, Leggings or Joggers:

This is the piece that can make or break your whole flight, so it is worth getting right. You will be sitting in it for hours, so you want something soft and stretchy with a waistband you completely forget you are wearing. Anything stiff, or with a hard button that presses into you the second you buckle your seatbelt, will have you squirming by hour three.

I reach for joggers almost every time. They look more pulled together than sweatpants, they move with you, and a cuffed ankle stays put instead of dragging on the ground.

The one thing I skip on a travel day is a long hem that drags. In a tiny airplane bathroom a floor length hem ends up exactly where you do not want it, and that is a regret you only need once. If you’re going to do wide legs, make them cropped!

My Top 3 Comfy Pants:

• Albion Fit Destination Joggers. My travel pair. Soft, wrinkle resistant, and polished enough to wear straight to dinner.
• Athleta Brooklyn or Venice Pant. A slim ankle pant that reads more like trousers than sweats.
• Vuori Performance Joggers. Buttery soft, and the ones half the airport seems to be wearing for good reason.

⚠️ For a more elevated travel day, I’ve been loving these Ponte pants from Quince. Yes, they are wide leg, but they are cropped and so comfortable. I’ll explain more on why I sometimes reach for different pants in a bit.

Leggings are another easy bottom. They are perfect for a travel day, and they pull double duty as your workout pants and hotel loungewear once you land. Just pick a thick pair that is not see through when you bend down for your bag.

Quince makes great leggings for under $45 and you can get them with pockets or without. If you like keeping your phone and passport close at the gate, go for the one with pockets.

2️⃣ Comfortable T-Shirts Or Tank Tops

Keep your top simple and let it do the quiet work of going with everything else. The best travel tees are breathable, hold their shape after hours of sitting, and do not wrinkle into a mess in your bag. White, striped, and black are the three that pull their weight, because they go with every bottom and every layer you packed.

A tee on its own is plenty, but do not sleep on a good tank. It is perfect on a warm flight, and it layers under a cardigan you can peel off the second the cabin heats up. That little bit of flexibility is what keeps you comfortable when the temperature swings.

If you like more coverage while you are sitting for hours, size up or reach for a relaxed, slightly longer cut so nothing rides up when you move.

My Go To Travel Tops:

• A classic white or black tee. The scoop neck I reach for, and it goes with every single bottom.
• A striped tee. Adds a little something without looking like you tried.
• A soft tank. My pick for a warm flight or for layering under a cardigan.
• A merino tee from Unbound Merino. Best for longer trips. It resists odor and regulates temperature, so you can re wear it more than once.
• Pact and Spanx tanks. Soft organic cotton from one, buttery stretch from the other.

3️⃣ Layers + Pashmina

Always travel with an extra layer. Airports and planes are wildly unpredictable when it comes to temperature, and I run cold, so for me a layer is non negotiable. You want something you can throw on and peel off without thinking, so you can adjust the second the cabin shifts.

The layer you travel with depends on your trip.

My Go To Layers:

• A denim jacket. Structure without the heat, and it goes with everything.
• A long cardigan. The cozy one. Basically a blanket you are allowed to wear.
• A cashmere vest. Warmth on your core without sleeves you will roast in, and it packs down small.
• A pashmina. The multitasker. A scarf, a wrap, or an airplane blanket, and it folds down to nothing.

And if your trip calls for a trench or a warm coat, plan to wear it on the plane. A coat eats up half your carry-on, so the move is to wear your bulkiest layer through the airport and pack the lighter ones.

4️⃣ Sneakers Or Very Comfortable Shoes

I am almost always in sneakers, and they are the easiest travel shoe for a reason. You want something you can slip off fast at security and walk, or even sprint, to a gate in without a second thought. Just do not debut brand new shoes on a travel day. Break them in first, or your feet will hold a grudge by baggage claim.

Sandals work too, especially if you are headed somewhere warm. Just pack a pair of socks for the plane. The cabin gets cold, and bare feet on an airplane floor, or in the security line, are not it.

My Go To Travel Shoes:

• White sneakers. My pair. Comfy, and not too crazy expensive. (more options from Nordstrom here)
• Flats or loafers. They slip on easily and dress a travel outfit up a little.
• Comfy sandals (Birkenstocks are GREAT). For warm trips, with a pair of socks tucked in your bag. Your feet are likely to get cold on the flight.

5️⃣ Crossbody Bag With Zipper (Or Preferred Personal Item)

I travel with three things: my carry-on, a backpack, and a crossbody bag. Yes, that is technically three bags. But the trick is I leave room inside the backpack so the crossbody tucks right in when I am not using it.

Why bother? Because digging through a backpack in a busy airport is a pain, and I like my hands free for my coffee, and my suitcase. A crossbody keeps the things you grab most right on you, and the zipper keeps it all secure in a crowd. That part matters more than people think.

I also do not travel with a giant tote or some random personal item I cannot use once I land. My backpack earns its spot because it becomes my day bag at the destination. That is the whole rule: every bag you bring should still be useful after you step off the plane.

My Go To Bags:

• A crossbody bag with a zipper. The one I carry. It holds my passport, phone, and the essentials, hands free. (the one in the photo is this one)
• A backpack. My personal item, and it becomes my day bag once I land. My exact one is old and sold out. But Quince has beautiful, high quality options!
• My carry-on. The 20 inch I am obsessed with, and it always gets compliments. I’ve traveled with the same one for 3+ years now.

⭐️ Optional: Dresses Or Skirts (Midi Or Maxi)

I recommend longer skirts or dresses because, well, you don’t want your bare legs touching those airplane seats. A midi gives you coverage and still feels easy.

I held off on flying in a midi skirt for years, and when I finally tried it, it was kind of by accident. But I quickly discovered how comfortable it was.

If you are a dress person, you can absolutely fly in one and stay comfy. Just bring a layer if you get cold, and only pack it if you will actually wear it again during your trip.

My Go To Travel Dresses And Skirts:

• A flowy midi or maxi dress. Look for a soft, drapey or stretchy fabric and a relaxed fit. Nothing tight or restrictive, so you can move and sit comfortably for hours.
• A Spanx Air Essentials dress. Stretchy, wrinkle resistant, and it goes from the plane to dinner. (Quince has an almost identical version for less than half the price, check out if it’s in-stock here)
• A midi skirt with some give. Same idea: a fabric that moves with you and an easy cut that does not pinch when you sit.

⚠️ Important: I do not do this on flights longer than 4 or 5 hours. A dress or skirt is great for a quick hop, but on a longer flight pants win for the bathroom and for staying cozy while you sit.

And if a jumpsuit feels like the obvious one piece move, hold that thought. It is not a great travel choice, and I get into why a little further down 😉

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👉🏻 A travel document pouch.

👉🏻 I travel with this 20 inch carry-on bag and I’ve been OBSESSED for the last 3 years. 🤩 This suitcase always gets me compliments.

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🧳 Not sure what to actually pack for your trip?

Packing should be easy, but somehow it always turns into a struggle. Too much? Not enough? The wrong pieces? If you have ever second guessed your suitcase, I have a super quick way to check if you are on the right track.

Just answer 2 easy questions about your trip and I’ll send you a customized packing list, so the rest of your bag is as sorted as your travel day outfit.

Answer them here ⬇️

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⚠️ Should You Travel in Athleisure? Here’s How To Decide:

Athleisure is everywhere right now. Every travel reel, every airport photo, every “what I wore on my flight” is a matching set, a cozy half zip and buttery leggings. And I get it, the appeal is very real.

But here is the question nobody actually answers: should you be traveling in athleisure?

Just because it is everywhere does not mean it is right for every trip or every traveler. I have done it both ways, and the truth is, it depends. Here is how I think about it.

✅ A set or athleisure makes sense if…

• It is a shorter trip and your suitcase has room to breathe
• You are already packing light and the pieces fit without a fight
• Comfort is your top priority and you feel like yourself in these pieces
• Long flights or multiple connections are involved. Your body will thank you

❌ It might backfire if…

• You are going on a longer trip and every inch of your carry-on counts
• You tend to overpack, so a bulky set is just more to squeeze in between destinations
• You only feel pulled together in regular clothes. Travel days are part of the trip too
• You will not wear the set with anything else in your suitcase

The easiest way to decide? Look at how long your trip is. That one thing tells you how full your bag will be and how much repacking you are in for.

Trip length	What I wear
Short trip	Wear the set. This is when I fly in my Spanx Air Essentials set.
About a week	Skip the full set. Comfy athletic pants, a t-shirt, and a cardigan or denim jacket.
Longer than a week	Leave the set home. Take your travel day outfits out of your final packing list.

✈️ My Go To Travel Sets:

• A Spanx Air Essentials set. The fabric is buttery soft but holds its shape, so you land looking polished instead of rumpled. The top and bottom already match, which means zero outfit decisions at 5am.
• A Sexy Modest set. Full coverage, so no tugging your top down or adjusting while you sit for hours. Soft enough to sleep in on a red eye, and still pulled together when you walk off the plane.
• Vuori is also INSANELY soft & stylish!
• A DIY set from Quince. They do not sell sets, but you can build your own.
  • Browse here for different fabrics and styles and DIY.
  • If traveling somewhere in the winter: Grab a cashmere sweater and matching cashmere joggers in the same color. Cashmere is warm, packs down to almost nothing, and you can split the two pieces and wear them apart the rest of the trip.

⬇️ Here’s a quick little cheat sheet I put together for you to remember. It will really help you pack light! ⬇️

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What not to wear on a plane: learn from my mistakes!

Before we get to more comfy airport outfits, let’s talk about what I try not to wear on a travel day, and why.

None of this is written in stone. It is just what has not worked for me after years of full time travel. You might feel completely differently, and that is okay. I have happily flown in comfy jeans more times than I can count.

So take what helps and leave the rest. The goal is not following rules, it is dressing with a little intention so your travel day feels easier.

❌ Heels. Heels and travel days are a tough combo for me. They are never comfier than a pair of sneakers or slip on sandals, and if you end up sprinting for a gate, you will be glad you skipped them.

❌ Jumpsuits. Have you ever tried using the bathroom in a jumpsuit in a tiny airplane lavatory? Not fun. I love a jumpsuit, but on most flights mine stays in the suitcase.

❌ No socks. Walking barefoot through security is just not for me. If you are in sandals or slip ons, tuck a pair of socks in your bag for the security line. Your feet will thank you.

❌ Belts or too much jewelry. Security is already a lot. Peeling off a belt, stacked bracelets, rings and layered necklaces while juggling your laptop and toiletries slows everything down. Keep it simple and save the accessories for after you land.

❌ Tall boots or hard to remove shoes. Over the knee boots are cute, but they are slow to get on and off at security. Unless they will not fit in your suitcase, which is fair for a cold trip, go for shoes you can slip on and off.

❌ Too many layers. Layers are great, but a whole stack of them can backfire. If you overheat midair, all those sweaters and jackets need somewhere to go. Unless you have room to stash them, keep it to a cardigan, denim jacket or pashmina you can pull off fast.

❌ White pants. White pants on a travel day make me a little nervous. Between airport seats, tray tables and surprise spills, they are a lot to keep clean. Of course, you can wear them if you love them, just go in knowing the odds.

❌ Super short shorts or mini skirts. Bare legs on an airplane seat are not my favorite, since those seats see a lot of use. A little more coverage just feels better for a long day of sitting.

❌ Pants that do not stretch. Stiff, rigid pants can feel fine at your closet and very different three hours into a flight. Look for a bit of give in the fabric so you stay comfortable the whole way.

❌ Wide leg pants. Comfortable and cute, but tricky in a tiny bathroom, since the widest part is the hem and it can brush a floor that is not exactly clean. If you love a wide leg, go for a cropped pair so the hem clears the floor, or be ready to roll them up every time (totally valid, I have done it). Otherwise mine stay in the suitcase.

❌ Bodysuits. Unless you can unbutton it. Made this mistake recently. Thankfully it was a short flight and I was able to unbutton it without affecting my outfit. But skip them if you can.

🎯 Also read: If you have a long travel day coming up, here are my best survival tips.

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✈️ Quick Recap: Everything for your comfy airport outfits!

• Comfy joggers. A soft straight or skinny leg is the easiest bottom to fly in.
• Leggings. Double as workout pants and hotel pajamas.
• A classic tee. White, striped or black goes with everything.
• A long cardigan or denim jacket. Your take on, take off layer.
• White sneakers. My pair 95% of the time, easy on and off at security.
• A midi dress or skirt. For dress people who still want comfort.
• Spanx Air Essentials set. The polished one and done set for almost any flight.
• A Sexy Modest set. Full coverage and soft enough to sleep in on a red eye.
• A pashmina. Extra layer and in flight blanket in one.
• My Level 8 carry-on. The suitcase that always gets compliments.

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And there you have it. The exact comfy airport outfits I have figured out over years of full time travel.

Dressing for travel should not be a guessing game. With the right pieces you will breeze through security, stay cozy on the plane, and step off looking and feeling great. No more outfit regrets, bathroom mishaps, or wishing you had worn something else.

So next time you pack, remember: comfort is the whole point, a layer is your best friend, you can wear a set or a simple top and bottom, and if you love wide leg pants, just keep them cropped. 😉

Now tell me, what is your go to airport outfit? Drop a comment and let’s swap travel style tips.

Thanks for reading!

XO,

Aimara

PS: want the rest of your bag this easy? Answer 2 quick questions here and I’ll send you a customized packing list for your trip.

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About the author:

Hi, I’m Aimara, the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until I moved to Chicago at 27, where two years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about maximizing every piece I own.

I have spent years perfecting what I wear on a plane and the rest of my travel wardrobe, and on this blog I share all my looks, even when I don’t have the best photos. My goal is to help you maximize every piece in your closet and travel with a lot less.

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Comfy airport outfits FAQ

What should I wear on a plane to be comfortable?

The most comfortable travel clothes are a soft stretchy bottom like leggings or joggers, an easy tee, a layer you can take on and off, and slip on sneakers. That combo handles temperature swings and security lines without any fuss.

Are matching sets good for the airport?

Yes, a soft matching set is one of the easiest travel day outfit choices because it already coordinates. I love the Spanx Air Essentials set for a polished look and Vuori. Just make sure you will also wear it at your destination so it earns its space.

What shoes are best for flying?

Slip on sneakers or comfy flats. You want something easy to remove at security and comfortable enough to run to a gate. I wear my white sneakers almost every travel day. If you choose sandals, pack socks for the security line and the plane.

What should I avoid wearing on a flight?

Skip heels, jumpsuits, lots of jewelry, white denim and very short hems. They make security slower, the bathroom harder, or leave your bare legs on the seat. When you plan your airport outfit ideas, comfort and easy bathroom access win every time.

How do I stay warm on a cold flight?

Bring one good layer you can put on and take off, like a long cardigan, denim jacket or a pashmina that doubles as a blanket. I run cold, so I never fly without one. It is the simplest way to handle the unpredictable airplane temperature.

Can I wear leggings on a plane?

Absolutely. Leggings are some of my favorite comfortable travel clothes because they stretch, they are warm, and they double as workout pants and hotel pajamas. Pair them with a longer tee or tunic if you want more coverage.

What should I pack vs wear on travel day?

Wear your bulkiest comfortable pieces and your heaviest shoes to save suitcase space, and only fly in a set if you will use it again on the trip. Everything else, including anything you would not actually wear at your destination, stays home or in the bag.

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