What to Wear on a Plane

Men and women wearing comfortable travel outfits while standing in an airport terminal with carry-on luggage.
Travelers dressed in comfortable, layered outfits ideal for flying and airport travel.

Flying can involve long hours of sitting, changing cabin temperatures, and plenty of walking through airports. Knowing what to wear on a plane helps you stay comfortable, relaxed, and presentable from takeoff to landing. The best airplane outfits balance comfort, flexibility, and practical style.

This guide explains what to wear on a plane for short and long flights, with dedicated sections for men and women.


Key Factors to Consider When Dressing for a Flight

Airplane cabins aren’t designed for comfort alone, so your outfit should adapt to multiple conditions.

When choosing what to wear on a plane, keep these factors in mind:

  • Temperature changes between airports and cabins
  • Long periods of sitting
  • Easy movement through security
  • Comfort for walking and standing

Layering and breathable fabrics are essential for most flights.


Best Fabrics to Wear on a Plane

Fabric choice plays a major role in how comfortable you feel during a flight.

Travel-friendly fabrics include:

  • Soft cotton blends
  • Jersey knit
  • Modal or bamboo fabrics
  • Stretch denim or travel pants
  • Lightweight performance fabrics

Avoid stiff materials, thick denim, or anything that restricts movement.


What Women Should Wear on a Plane

Flat lay of women’s travel outfits featuring comfortable layers, casual tops, joggers, dresses, sneakers, and travel accessories.
A curated flat lay of women’s travel outfits designed for comfort, layering, and long flights.

Women’s airplane outfits should focus on flexibility and comfort without feeling sloppy.

Comfortable Plane Outfit Ideas for Women

Great options include:

  • Leggings or stretch pants
  • Loose joggers or soft trousers
  • Breathable tops or long-sleeve tees
  • Lightweight sweaters or cardigans
  • Casual dresses paired with layers

Choose pieces that won’t dig in or wrinkle excessively during long flights.

Shoes and Accessories for Women

Footwear and accessories should support comfort and convenience.

Recommended choices:

  • Slip-on sneakers
  • Loafers or flats
  • Comfortable sandals for short flights

Accessories to consider:

  • Crossbody bags for easy access
  • Scarves that double as light blankets
  • Minimal jewelry for security checks

What Men Should Wear on a Plane

Flat lay of men’s travel outfits featuring casual layers, joggers, button-down shirts, sneakers, and travel accessories.
A curated flat lay of men’s travel outfits designed for comfort, layering, and long flights.

Men’s airplane outfits should feel relaxed while still looking put together.

Comfortable Plane Outfit Ideas for Men

Good choices include:

  • Joggers or stretch chinos
  • Soft jeans with stretch
  • T-shirts or lightweight polos
  • Hoodies or zip-up jackets
  • Breathable button-down shirts

Stick to neutral colors that mix and match easily.

Shoes and Accessories for Men

Footwear should be easy to remove and comfortable for walking.

Best options include:

  • Slip-on sneakers
  • Lightweight trainers
  • Casual loafers

Accessories should stay minimal:

  • Simple watches
  • Small backpacks or carry-ons
  • Lightweight jackets or hoodies

Layering Tips for Airplane Travel

Layering helps you adapt to unpredictable cabin temperatures.

Smart layering pieces include:

  • Lightweight jackets
  • Zip-up hoodies
  • Oversized scarves
  • Thin sweaters

Avoid bulky coats that are hard to store during the flight.


What Not to Wear on a Plane

Some clothing choices can make flying uncomfortable.

Avoid:

  • Tight or restrictive clothing
  • Heavy jewelry
  • High heels or stiff shoes
  • Clothing with metal-heavy details
  • Strong fragrances

Comfort should always take priority over style while flying.


Final Thoughts on Plane Travel Outfits

Knowing what to wear on a plane helps make travel more enjoyable and less stressful. The right outfit keeps you comfortable, prepared for temperature changes, and ready to move easily through airports.

By choosing breathable fabrics, flexible layers, and comfortable shoes, you can arrive feeling refreshed and ready for your destination.