What Should You Really Wear on an Airplane?

Traveling can be exciting (and exhausting), but the right outfit can make all the difference. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first long-haul journey, choosing the right OOTD for your flight can enhance comfort, making your travel days much more enjoyable. From the soothing comfort of compression socks, to the relaxed fit of stretchy pants, we've curated a list of six must-have travel outfit essentials that will take your comfort to the next level. Get packing. 

Compression Socks

Even if you have TSA PreCheck and don't plan to remove your shoes, we suggest everyone wear socks on the plane. We all want to be as comfortable as possible, and as nice as it feels to slide off your socks and shoes, airplane floors are filled with germs and you risk picking up bacteria or fungi if you walk barefoot. (It's also a hazard in the event of an emergency.)

To go one step further, experts recommend that travelers on long-distance trips invest in a pair of compression socks. They'll act as a barrier between your feet and the dirtier parts of the plane, help improve circulation on long flights, and ward off blood clots. (The likelihood of developing a dangerous blood clot is generally low, but certain conditions can increase your risk.) Compression socks also can help to relieve the achy, restless feeling in your legs and feet from hours of sitting, and may even keep in-flight bloating and swelling at bay. 

Shop the trend: 

• Charmking Compression Socks
• Bombas Women's Everyday Compression Socks
• Iseasoo 4 Pairs Compression Socks

Slip-On Shoes

Now that we all agree that wearing socks on a plane is essential, it feels like a safe space to talk about shoes that easily slip on and off. Slip-on shoes make going through security a breeze, ensuring you're not stressing out and holding up the line while trying to get those new cowboy boots off. Slip-ons also allow you to quickly and discreetly remove your shoes and wiggle your toes (with your socks on!) during your flight.

Shop the trend: 

• Kizik Women's Athens
• SeaVees Hawthorne Slip On Original
• Sketchers GO WALK 7 - Amina

Foldable Slippers

If wearing even your most comfortable shoes on a long-haul flight is your idea of a nightmare, invest in a pair of foldable slippers. These slippers can fit easily into your carry-on and provide hours of comfort for years to come. Be sure to purchase slippers with a carrying pouch to protect the rest of your carry-on items from the dirt on the floor when you're ready to pop the slippers back into your bag. 

Shop the trend: 

• Silky Toes Women’s Velvet Foldable Ballet Flats
• Snoozies Skinnies Slipper Socks & Travel Pouch
• Hang Accessories Foldable Travel Slippers Palm Tree

Stretchy Pants

Comfort is key when it's time to travel, and there's nothing comfier than stretchy pants. Whether you're partial to leggings, sweatpants, or pajama pants, you'll want clothes that move and stretch as you try to twist and turn yourself into a comfortable position. We love a pair of flowy linen-blend pants — they're breathable enough to keep you cool in warm temperatures but sturdy enough to keep the chill off your legs on the plane. 

Shop the trend: 

• By Anthropologie Linen Pull-On Pants
• A New Day Women's High-Rise Wide Leg Linen Pull-On Pants
• L.L. Bean Women's Premium Washable Linen Pull-On Pants

Flowy Maxi Dress 

Even the stretchiest pants won't feel comfortable if you're partial to dresses. We love that dresses help you look put together with little effort. A good travel dress is one that is comfortable and practical. A flowing maxi dress will leave plenty of room to get comfortable during your travels and provide enough coverage to regulate your temperature in several climates. Bonus points for flowy maxi dresses that have pockets!

Shop the trend: 

• Damson Madder Dakota Bow Dress
• Hill House Home The Marguerite Nap Dress
• Boden Alexa Maxi Shirt Dress

Cardigan

Whether you're traveling to warm beaches or snowy mountains, chances are good you'll experience multiple climates during your trip. Layers allow you to add or remove warmth as temperatures shift. Feeling a chill on the plane? Get cozy in a lovely, warm cardigan. Once you land at your balmy destination, you can wrap it around your waist or shoulders to keep it handy for the remainder of your travel day, always prepared for any weather changes. 

Shop the trend: 

• Quince 100% Organic Cotton Fisherman Boxy Cropped Cardigan
• Jenni Kayne Cotton Cocoon Cardigan
• Sézane Kylie Cardigan