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Let’s face it, when you’re about to embark on a six-hour intercontinental flight and your body is filled with anxiety at the thought of possible delays, missed connections, and lost luggage, dressing in style might be the best way to go. Don’t worry about the things that matter. Given the near-impossible feat of sleeping upright on an airplane and enduring a snoring chair, we felt compelled to prioritize comfort on long-haul flights.
While layered tracksuits are the (favorite) way to go, homewear options are also plentiful these days. For overnight stays or long haul flights, we recommend fine jerseys to keep your hands cloudy soft, compression fabrics to prevent swelling, and buttery cashmere travel blankets to wrap yourself in. Here is a list of 18 brands by category that offer clothing and accessories to help you decide what to wear on a long flight with ease and comfort:
Travelers whose legs, ankles and feet swell during long flights should definitely opt for compression stockings and leggings. The idea is that the polyester and spandex material is comfortable enough to hold muscles in place and improve blood flow, yet stretchy enough to ease discomfort. Popular fitness brand Outdoor Voices offers textured compression leggings with the perfect fit, as well as softer styles like the FreeForm Leggings. Hoodies and sweatshirts from the CloudKnit brand are also well known for their softness.
The basic black Lululemon leggings (and optional fanny pack) are an all-time favorite. But don’t overlook the brand’s tops: pieces like this Modal Spacer Training Half-Zip have a sporty look but are more comfortable than long-sleeved compression shirts; one reviewer called them “the softest, best fitting I’ve ever had.” while another reviewer said it was their favorite Lululemon sweater. Wear it on the plane, after a hike, gym class, or after an outdoor run.
Huckberry offers men’s essentials designed for the active traveller, including soft yoga joggers and waterproof workwear-style trousers so you can easily transition from flying to biking or heading to the beach to stretch. The brand’s best-selling section is filled with pieces to wear on air and re-wear on vacation, such as the 72 Hours merino wool T-shirt and 365 trousers. On the Huckberry website, you’ll also find travel and outdoor products from brands such as Patagonia, Barbour, Marine Layer and Saturdays NYC.
You’ve probably already heard Vuori (the brand is an active podcast sponsor of many hit shows like Smartless and Crime Junkie) offer premium apparel inspired by California’s active coastal lifestyle and hope to bring new sports to such up-and-coming categories. , as a whole. I admit, this is one of the softest pieces I have ever worn, which certainly sets it apart from more traditional sportswear brands like Nike or Adidas. Try sweatpants, shorts and a very soft Vuori T-shirt for a look that feels like pajamas but looks decent enough in an airport lounge.
For those who love uniforms, the Cuyana French terry suits, available in camel, sage and brick red, represent a step up from classic tracksuits without sacrificing comfort. Pair the skinny sweatpants with a soft sweatshirt with pleats at the back or a short sleeve sweatshirt.
If it suits Oprah, we vote. The Cozy Earth bamboo joggers were officially voted the media mogul’s “favorite piece” of 2020, and after trying them on, we can see why. Made from a premium blend of viscose, bamboo, acrylic and spandex, the fabric is super smooth and cool to the touch, making you feel like you’re wrapped in your favorite sheet. Stretch jersey slouchy tees and extra soft bamboo sweatshirts are also in demand.
Any doctor will tell you that sitting in the same position for too long is bad: it restricts circulation, causes swelling, and increases the risk of blood clots. Moving around the salon helps keep your circulation going, as does the right clothing. Pajama brand Lunya has released an all-in-one restoration amenity kit that includes a basic tank top, long-sleeved T-shirt, leggings, sleep mask and socks (a fan is former city guide director Corina Quinn). The set comes neatly packaged in a highly functional mesh laundry bag, and each item is made from a breathable Pima cotton blend that promises to help increase blood flow and oxygen levels, ultimately improving circulation.
Launched in 2022, Friend + Folk is a women-owned, gender- and body-agnostic brand produced in downtown Los Angeles at Bomme Studio, a CFDA-approved ethical and sustainable manufacturing company. These pieces are made in small batches to reduce waste and are very comfortable – Joon joggers are my favorite, but for a more classic sweatpants try the Harbor silhouette. Other in-flight essentials include a long-sleeve Witter T-shirt and a classic Crosby hoodie.
Lou & Grey, now sold through Loft, has the entire Signaturesoft collection dedicated to soft, comfortable clothing. While we love their tracksuits (especially the ones with fun patterns, like this plaid suit), there are plenty of other things to wear on the plane if you prefer a more form-fitting look, from wide leg trousers to one-piece trousers.
100% Mongolian cashmere Naadam is made from the finest goat hair and is so soft it feels like a luxurious blanket to wear in public and on transcontinental flights. The inherent benefits of cashmere include high breathability, wrinkle and odor resistance. The brand’s custom sweaters and hoodies provide comfort without looking sloppy.
Noah Kaufman, former editor of Traveler magazine, called Ibex clothing “the most beautiful and comfortable clothing I have ever worn.” Made from Ibex’s signature odor-repellent merino wool fabric, these garments are naturally heat-regulating (meaning you can wear them year-round) and smooth on the skin (no itchiness). At home, he wears a pair of ultra-soft sweatpants and says they will complement any long-haul uniform.
If there’s a brand that lets us wear “real clothes” on planes, it’s Universal Standard. Available in sizes 00 to 40, their mission is to create clothes that fit the look and feel of everyone, and they do it with fabrics such as premium Peruvian cotton, soft Italian merino wool and French crepe with satin. back. This roomy Kate Twill jumpsuit can be easily worn throughout the day without being tight. It features buttons on the front for easy dressing. As for jeans, before you shake your head, know that the brand’s styles are stretchy for genuine lightness and comfort – check out the ComfortDenim collection for the best pieces to wear on an airplane. If jeans don’t fit (to be fair), try Moro Pocket Ponte pants or Iris linen pullovers for a looser waistband.
Everlane’s penchant for solid colors (and the occasional stripes) and classic silhouettes produces a host of travel essentials. The Stroopwafel Cashmere Turtleneck and Dream Trousers are our readers’ favorites, but we also recommend the seamless leggings, comfortable, stretchy wide-leg sweatpants and half-zips in felted merino wool, perfect for long-haul flights.
Free People are known for their colorful boho clothing, so of course they make trousers, coats and work suits that are comfortable enough to wear on an airplane. The Studio to Street and FP Movement collections are full of layered pieces and loose pants to wear after a workout, yet they’re as versatile as leggings or yoga pants. For night flights, we like the Day Tripper package. If you’re looking for a versatile jacket that can be worn on chilly planes and chilly autumn nights, the loose-fitting Dolman quilted jersey remains popular and comes in a variety of colorways.
Aday’s versatility and multi-dimensionality ensure that each of its products performs more than one function, the result of working with engineers to find technically advanced fabrics that wick moisture, regulate warmth, wrinkle-free, UV-resistant, and more. In short, Aday products are exactly what you want to wear on a long flight. This high-tech wraparound silk top not only does all of the above, but can be worn in a variety of ways. Also made from technical silk, this spaghetti strap vest is perfect for layering (plus it comes with adjustable straps). do not wrinkle.
California-based brand Buck Mason makes a plethora of wardrobe essentials, including some of our favorite basic t-shirts, as well as a huge selection of padded t-shirts, flannels and buttons for a classy flight. Also noteworthy are cashmere cotton sweaters and hats from the Seafarer collection. Traveler Associate Business Editor Meagan Kenny prefers to travel in comfortable sweatpants and crew-neck tees for a classic yet upscale look.
When Alex Mill first launched its line over a decade ago, the brand’s mission was to make the perfect shirt. They have since expanded on the idea of renovating timeless pieces that can be worn over and over again. We offer pajama rompers here, including the cashmere romper below, which is reminiscent of your favorite ripped sweater, and the short-sleeved linen romper with deep front pockets (perfect for carrying your passport around while you travel through the airport). .
Jenny Kane’s pieces embody a laid-back Californian cool aesthetic. Her designs are solid, often in soothing neutral tones. You’ll find cozy yet structured essentials like these merino wool and cashmere blend culottes and trendy Cocoon sweater, as well as cozy accessories like cashmere socks and oversized throws.
Condé Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Nothing published by Condé Nast Traveler is intended to replace medical advice and you should not take any action without consulting a healthcare professional.
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Post time: Jul-07-2023