What to Wear When You Fly
No matter what kind of trip you’re going on, flying is usually stressful. Running around airports with bags, shuffling through security, and then sitting in an airplane for hours are bound to leave you feeling uncomfortable at some point. It only takes one long-haul flight for someone to understand that what you wear while traveling and flying is extremely important. Wearing the right clothes can play a huge role in whether your flight will be enjoyable or excruciating. If you have a long flight coming up or even a quick trip, make sure you’re fully prepared for it by having the following articles of clothing with you. This will ensure that your travels are comfortable and smooth.
Shawl Wrap
A shawl wrap or oversized fashion scarf is one of the most important things to bring on board. We all know that airplane cabins or highly air-conditioned airports can get really cold. A shawl wrap won’t just keep you warm as an extra layer but will make you look effortlessly sophisticated. Large scarves and shawl wraps are also great because they can also double as a blanket to wrap yourself up in when the air gets a bit too cold, which it definitely will. Something like a sherpa-lined shawl wrap, a cashmere shawl sweater, an alpaca throw-over poncho, or a blanket scarf is guaranteed to keep you warm and comfortable while you try to squeeze in a nap on the plane.
Sunglasses
This one is easy to overlook since many of us are so focused on finding clothes that we will be comfortable in, but sunglasses can be a big player when it comes to comfortable travel. When you’re at very high altitude and can’t close the window shade, your eyes might feel scorched by the super-strong sunlight. Keep your eyes protected from the sun that comes through the plane windows by donning a pair of oversized black sunglasses. The cherry on top is that you’re going to be fabulous in them.
Slip-On Footwear or Moccasin Slippers
Although walking through the airport in a pair of slippers might not be the best idea, having them in your carry-on all ready to slip onto your feet once you’re in the air is a great idea that you’ll thank us for. Let’s face it, there’s really nothing comfortable about being in a cramped airplane seat for hours at a time, so why not make yourself as comfortable as possible? Kick-off your boots and have a luxurious pair of slippers waiting for you instead. Slip into a pair of shearling fur-lined moccasin slippers or suede leather slip-on slippers, and your flight will be all the better for it. Either way, keep your feet as comfortable as possible for your flight, so you don’t have to worry about feeling cramped or squeezed while in the air.
A Travel Kit
Although a travel kit isn’t technically something you wear (although it's something you can throw over your shoulder), it's arguably the most important thing to take on a plane. It will contain all your “survival” gear necessary to enjoy a comfortable flight. Use a travel kit as your carry-on and load it up with everything you need to keep yourself hydrated, nourished, and entertained. When packing your travel kit, remember to include skincare essentials, such as makeup wipes, moisturizer, and lip balm.
Your skin will get very dry in the air, especially if you will be flying for hours. Also, include a refillable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated throughout the flight. As far as sleeping gear goes, pack an inflatable neck pillow, some earplugs, and an eye mask. If airplane food doesn’t appeal to you, pack snacks like trail mix, dried fruit, and little chocolates in your travel kit. Make sure you also have things like a toothbrush and toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and your favorite lipstick to help you freshen up right before landing. If you’re required to wear a mask while flying, be sure to pack a women’s face mask that is comfortable while in the air.
A Loose-Fitting Top
Save the form-fitting tops or tight and restrictive clothing for another time. When you're traveling, clothing is all about comfort, and a loose-fitting top is your friend. Wear a loose, short-sleeved shirt or camisole with an oversized sweater for good measure. Something like a button-up cardigan or women's cashmere sweater both work nicely for long-haul travel. Keep in mind that you should wear something you can sleep comfortably in, especially if you're taking an overnight flight.
Your Comfiest Bottoms
You can indeed be both chic and super comfy at the same time, and there is no better time to be both than on a long-haul flight. The last thing you want is to be stuck on a 14-hour flight in a pair of bottoms that have a scratchy material or fit too tightly—and in turn, make your time in the air miserable. The good news is loungewear has become super fashionable, meaning your favorite sweatpants are the stylish and comfiest bottoms to wear while flying. Comfort is of the essence when you’re going to be sitting for many hours at a time, especially for overnight flights. Bottoms like women’s lounge pants, joggers, leggings, and comfy jeans are all great choices for when flying.
Comfy, Fuzzy Socks
The air gets cold when you’re at 30,000 feet. Instead of wearing uncomfortable shoes the whole time, you can opt to keep your feet warm and cozy in a pair of fuzzy socks. It will feel so much better than wearing big bulky boots or sandals. Pack some fluffy and fuzzy socks in your bag to slip on over your regular socks so you can be sure your feet feel great and stay cozy.
Finally, don’t forget to pack your backpack the things you need to keep yourself entertained, such as a book or notebook, magazine, e-reader, and headphones. Especially on long flights, make use of the time to catch up on some emails, watch your favorite series, read a book, or listen to a great podcast. Either way, you want to be prepared to fly comfortably with all these comfy and stylish tips on what to wear while flying.