5 Things You Should Always Wear on a Plane 

Dressing for a flight isn’t just about looking put together — it’s about staying comfortable and prepared from takeoff to landing. With fluctuating cabin temperatures, long hours of sitting, and a potential dash through the airport to make a tight connection, the right airplane outfit can make all the difference. Here are the go-to pieces that will keep you comfortable, functional, and stylish throughout the entire journey.

Scarf or Shawl

A shawl or wide scarf is one of the most versatile pieces you can pack for travel. When the airplane’s air conditioning is at full blast, it doubles as a cozy layer or lightweight blanket. Once you’re on the ground, it’s a handy way to quickly adjust to chilly evening temperatures (or to cover your shoulders or head when entering places of worship). 

A splurge-worthy option is J.Crew’s oversized cashmere wrap, which is fashionable, warm, and functional. For a more budget-friendly option, this Amazon open-front cape stays put on your shoulders and adds style while keeping you warm and comfortable. While both options can be unisex, men might prefer to pack something like this fleece hoodie from Vuori, which provides similar functionality.

Stretchy, Flowy Pants

Sitting upright on a plane for hours with limited chances to move isn’t ideal for our bodies. Inactivity and gravity pull fluids into the legs, ankles, and feet, and lower cabin pressure (plus salty airplane snacks) can cause dehydration and fluid retention. The result: mid-flight swelling. 

To keep swelling at bay, opt for loose, flowy, or stretchy pants. Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, merino wool, and bamboo work well, as do synthetic blends with spandex. Elastic waistbands that don’t dig into your stomach — such as those on joggers or leggings — are ideal.

For men, this brushed bamboo set from Cozy Earth or these classic heavyweight Champion sweatpants are both great options. If you prefer a more polished look that transitions from plane to restaurant, stretchy women’s silk palazzo pants from sustainable clothing brand Quince or this linen pair from Amazon are reliable favorites.

Closed-Toe Shoes

Travelers often complain that airplane cabins are rarely kept at a consistently comfortable temperature, so even if you’re headed to the tropics, leave the flip-flops in your suitcase. (Not to mention, they can be unsafe in an emergency evacuation.) Instead of sandals, opt for breathable, closed-toe shoes, such as tennis shoes, sneakers, or other footwear that you can slip on and off easily. Try to avoid bulky lace-up boots, which can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods, are difficult to take on and off, and can even lead to delays at the TSA checkpoint.

Veja sneakers for men, women, and children are a classic white sneaker made from organic cotton and recycled materials. Blundstones are another option — durable and versatile, these stylish boots slip on and off easily and can take you effortlessly from the plane to the mountains to the dinner table. They’re also fairly heavy, so wearing them instead of packing them can be a smart move if you’re trying to save space.

Compression Socks

Pair your closed-toe shoes with a pair of compression socks to help combat swelling, promote circulation on long-haul flights, and reduce the risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Bombas offers a range of colorful, affordable styles, and buying a pair means someone experiencing homelessness gets a pair under the company’s “one-purchased = one-donated” model. For a bamboo option, try a pair from Trtl, the company behind the bestselling travel pillows. Their bamboo composition makes them naturally odor-resistant and moisture-wicking.

Simple Jewelry

This last one may not apply to everyone, but if you’re planning on bringing jewelry on your trip, it’s usually easier to wear smaller pieces rather than pack them. Delicate pieces such as small hoops, studs, thin rings, or simple necklaces are low-maintenance and far less likely to get tangled or lost when they’re on you instead of tucked away in your bag.

Plus, small jewelry made of metals like gold, platinum, and sterling silver rarely sets off TSA metal detectors. It’s an easy way to add a touch of polish to even the most relaxed travel outfit while keeping your personal items safe and stress-free. Atolela makes fashionable, waterproof, sweatproof jewelry that you never have to take off, including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, perfect for breezing through the TSA checkpoint.

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