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Selecting the right outfit for travel often feels as complicated as packing for the entire adventure. The critical part for me is knowing I will be comfortable for 24 hours. While I am not typically actually in transit for a full day, we know delays do happen, the possibility of being rerouted exists, and inconvenient changes will be better managed if I’m not distracted by being uncomfortable from a poor wardrobing decision.
Here are my major considerations when selecting a travel outfit:
Comfort: Wearing comfortable clothing helps you stay relaxed and reduces discomfort during the journey. Breathable fabrics, shapes that don’t create pressure on the body, and soft materials that facilitate either rest/sleep on an overnight flight or productivity on a daytime journey are key.
Practicality: The right outfit should be practical for the mode of transportation more than for your destination and activities. If you’re walking through airports or train stations, sandals and high heels are nonsense. Even if you’re heading to a tropical destination, you may need an extra layer on the 11 hour flight to the palm trees.
Adaptability: Travel can be unpredictable, with changes in weather or unexpected delays. Choosing versatile clothing that can adapt to different situations helps you stay prepared and comfortable. Usually, I am focused on ensuring I can keep myself warm enough, but plenty of stories exist about hot planes stuck on runways or airports with less than impressive air conditioning systems, so consideration must be given to both sides of temperature regulation.
Packing Efficiency: Wearing a well-chosen travel outfit can help you pack more efficiently. For instance, wearing bulky items like jackets or boots can save space in your luggage. The Vionic Winny sneakers I love are a bit heavy and large due to my height and shoe size, so it’s a bonus to have them on my feet instead of in my bag. I pack my raincoat in my cabin bag, as well, to save space in my roller and provide a backup layer in case I spill something on my top or wrap or just need more protection against the in-flight air blowers.
Safety: In some places, dressing appropriately can also be a matter of safety and cultural respect. Wearing suitable clothing can help you blend in and avoid drawing unwanted attention. Additionally, if something were to happen on the flight, you’re better prepared to exit in a closed-toe, lace-up shoe that provides support and protects your entire foot. Also, that liquid on the lavatory floor isn’t water, so I’m not sure why you’d risk a toe sliding off a sandal and touching that.
Health: The right outfit can also impact your health. For example, wearing breathable fabrics can prevent overheating, while compression socks can improve circulation during long flights. Compression socks make an enormous difference for me in how I feel after a long day of travel by encouraging the body to move fluids around instead of letting it pool in the lower legs and feet as they dangle off your chair.
Convenience: Consider the practical aspects of your outfit, such as ease of removing shoes at security checkpoints, having pockets for essential items, and wearing clothes that don’t wrinkle easily. I wear a belt because I like knowing my pants are staying in the appropriate position; I know others prefer to skip this for passing through security.
Presentation: Wearing an outfit that looks neat and presentable can make a good impression. Why people fly in full flannel pajamas, I will never understand, especially post ‘rona. There are so many comfortable but polished options for clothing following the giant shift to work from home careers.
With all of that in the Venn diagram of outfit selection, here’s what I’m wearing on my next flight:
The Underlayer
What we were closest to our skin is more important than we acknowledge on a regular basis. Fabrics can encourage airflow and happy skin or breed bacteria and discomfort in the name of fashion. I have moody skin, so the breathable bamboo viscose that makes up the majority of the fabric used in the Boody Classic Bikini Underwear and the Boody Seamless Wireless Lightly Padded Sports Bra works well for me.
I like knowing that if something happens with my pants, my butt is (literally!!) still covered. The breathable, mostly natural fabric promotes airflow, keeping the lady microbiome healthier than the nonsense polyester options commonly available. Polyester is a known endocrine disruptor. No need to have that against some of your most delicate tissues. Sidenote: if you’re struggling to conceive and your husband wears polyester underwear, head over to PubMed and and read this article PMID: 1623716.
My back doesn’t break out after being in this bra and in a plane seat for 12 hours. The removable thin pads offer coverage for modesty on planes that could arguably double as penguin enclosures. For the gorgeous caramel and chocolate skinned beauties, Boody offers a range of nude shades to complement your lighter colored shirts and sheer fabrics.
Top & Bottom
One of the best things to come out of New Orleans is the tasc Performance Nola II Long Sleeve Crew Neck T-Shirt. I love, love, love these. Do I wish they had a v-neck option? Yes. Until then, I will embrace this top in every color that makes sense, which for me is neutrals with the occasional pop off color. These shirts are HARDY; they last a long, long time. The fabric breathes. The crew neck and long sleeves means I keep a good majority of my skin from touching plane surfaces. They are super easy to maintain. I’ve had great success hand washing and air drying these in hotel rooms.
My go-to travel pants are the NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Denim Jeans in New Hayward. These (this color specifically) are 70% cotton; I wish they had zero polyester instead of 13%. Depending on the color/rinse/wash, I have noticed a shift in the materials or ratios. The rise is a nice middle ground, enough to keep me covered in the back when I sit, but not so high that long flights or trains become uncomfortable. These stretch well to move when I’m running between terminals and hold their shape over the course of multiple wears. Poshmark sellers often have these for half the price if you love consignment and recycling.
Cozy Warmth Removable Layer
Just look at this saturated but not dark color – glorious! This Dalle Piane Cashmere Stole in Light Blue is definitely a win. Cashmere, viscose, and wool; oh, my! This natural fabric combination is a dream. The color is heavenly, but there are so many color options if this one isn’t your jam, including a lighter Sky and darker Navy if you want to keep it in the blues. Blanket, wrap, stole, light blocker, dry throat protector, coughing neighbor sort of protection, call it what you want, it is versatile.
Socks & Shoes
Lately, I’ve been flying in the Sockwell Women’s Circulator Moderate Graduated Compression Sock in Navy. I wear them when I’m at work, as well. I’ve found the moderate compression helps the fluid in my legs move around as it should even when I’m sitting at my desk for long periods of time. They have a nice selection of colors to match different outfits and personalities.
The Vionic Women’s Winny Oxford Sneaker in White/Silver Leather is an elegant solution to support, comfort, and style. I have been wearing this elevated sneaker in White Snake for a few years and it remains a favorite. Athletic sneakers are great for the gym, but a polished, casual look calls for a more streamlined design in premium materials.
Belt & Watch
I’m loving this Johnston & Murphy Painted Edge Belt in Navy. While black and brown belts will get you through most wardrobing conundrums, this navy find is my favorite for, as I call them, “jean-colored jeans.” I like the consistency of the blue, and I’m often in a neutral or blue-hued top, so the line of color flows nicely. I love this belt because it’s real leather and the contrast stitching provides a little extra subtle personality.
This section probably isn’t for everyone, but if you do love a classic timepiece, I’d love to share some thoughts with you.
When writing this article and creating the graphic, I was firmly settled on the classic Seiko 5 with a blue dial. The Seiko 5 is classic and a popular choice for a watch enthusiast beginning her journey. This beautiful automatic SNXS77 in stainless steel is no doubt a timeless beauty.
However, the Amazon algorithm knows my love of Tissot, and this stunning PR 100 Powermatic 80 showed up in a stainless steel band with a blue mother of pearl dial that is nothing short of stunning … and here’s the kicker, as of this article’s publication on July 6, 2024, it is showing as 58% off normal price, making it less than $275. Wild.
This image is not representative of scale/true size. Please see watch details for case measurements.
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I feel this outfit has a polished look mixed with a comfortable feel and is likely to work in a variety of situations. Overall, the right travel outfit enhances your overall travel experience, making it more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable. I hope this helps as you plan for your next adventure. I’m excited to use this outfit on my next flight. If you know of a denim option that is polyester-free, drop it in the comments so we can all explore it.