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Have you ever sat through a long flight and felt like your clothes were working against you? Maybe your jeans felt too tight, your sweater too itchy, or your shoes too stiff. Suddenly, what you wear can turn into the biggest factor that decides whether you land fresh and relaxed—or tired and cranky. That’s why “what to wear on a long flight” isn’t just a random travel question, it’s a survival skill for frequent flyers (or even first-timers).
When you’re up in the air for hours, comfort is king. But that doesn’t mean you have to look sloppy. With the right outfit, you can find the perfect balance between feeling cozy and looking stylish.
In this guide, we’ll go through the best tips on how to dress for long-haul flights, what clothes to choose, and even give you outfit ideas so you’ll look put together the moment you step off the plane.
Tips on What to Wear for a Long Flight
Here are the golden rules for dressing smartly on your next long-haul journey:
1. Go for Layers
If you’ve ever flown before, you know airplane cabins have a mind of their own. Sometimes the AC blasts so cold you feel like you’re in a freezer, and other times it feels warm and stuffy. That’s why layers are your best friend.
2. Stick to Breathable Fabrics
When you’re sitting for 10+ hours, your skin needs to breathe. Fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or modal are perfect as they’re soft, absorb sweat, and won’t trap heat. On the flip side, materials like thick denim, polyester blends, or rough wool can make you feel sweaty, itchy, or restricted.
3. Pick Stretchy Bottoms
This is not the time to show off those tight, stiff trousers or skinny jeans. Long flights mean hours of sitting, sometimes in awkward positions, so you want bottoms that move with you. Leggings, joggers, or relaxed wide-legged pants are ideal for you as they stretch when you shift around and don’t dig into your waist.
4. Choose Slip-On Shoes
Security lines and swollen feet—two reasons slip-on shoes are the MVP of air travel. You’ll breeze through airport checks without fumbling with laces, and once on board, you can slip them off easily for more comfort.
Sneakers, loafers, or comfy slides all work great. Just make sure they’re cushioned enough in case you need to walk long distances in the airport. And here’s a bonus: pair your shoes with compression socks. They’ll keep blood circulating, reduce swelling, and help prevent that “heavy legs” feeling after a long flight.
5. Don’t Forget Accessories
Accessories can actually make your flight way more comfortable. Several accessories you can try:
- Scarf or pashmina: A large scarf doubles as a blanket or pillow when the cabin gets chilly. Pick a neutral color so it matches any outfit.
- Hat or cap: Perfect for covering messy, flat “airplane hair” when you land. A baseball cap or soft beanie does the job.
- Compression socks: These deserve another shout-out. They help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and make you feel more refreshed when you step off the plane.
Types of Clothes for a Long Flight
Let’s break it down into categories so you know exactly what to pack (and wear) for that long-haul journey.
1. Loungewear Sets
Loungewear sets are the ultimate go-to for long flights. They combine comfort and style effortlessly, making you feel like you’re wearing pajamas while looking perfectly put together.
The best part in styling loungewear is that they never look sloppy—they give you that polished airport chic vibe. Diana Intimates loungewear sets are a fantastic choice because they’re buttery-soft, breathable, and tailored to fit in a flattering way.
You can sleep in them mid-flight and walk straight into a café afterward without needing a wardrobe change.
If you’re looking for the perfect option, the Everyday Loose Comfy Modal Tencel Long Set from Diana Intimates is highly recommended. It’s designed with long flights in mind, offering:
- Light, exceptionally soft comfort with good moisture management.
- Breathable and temperature-regulating fabric.
- A loose silhouette with long sleeves for maximum coziness.
- An adjustable waistband with satin ribbon for a customized fit that minimizes irritation.
- Side pockets for convenience, perfect for keeping your phone or boarding pass close at hand.
This set truly balances comfort and style, making it a must-have for your travel wardrobe. Plus, loungewear mix-and-match is super easy too—you can pair different tops and bottoms to create multiple looks from just a few pieces.
2. Leggings
Leggings are every traveler’s best friend when it comes to comfort and practicality. They’re lightweight, take up little space in your luggage, and stretch to move with your body during hours of sitting.
Unlike stiff jeans, they won’t dig into your waist or restrict your movement. Diana Intimates leggings are perfect because they offer the ideal balance between comfort and style, hugging your body gently without being restrictive.
For the ultimate choice, the Tummy Control Leggings from Diana Intimates are highly recommended for long flights. They’re designed to keep you comfortable while providing gentle support, so you feel confident and at ease even after hours of sitting.
These leggings offer a flattering fit, smooth silhouette, and just the right amount of stretch—making them not only practical for travel but also stylish enough to wear right after you land.
3. Oversized Sweaters and Hoodies
There’s nothing cozier on a long flight than an oversized sweater or hoodie. It feels like a wearable blanket, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to nap at 30,000 feet.
Oversized pieces are also perfect for layering over a tank or T-shirt, and they can even double as a makeshift pillow. For example, a cream oversized hoodie paired with black biker shorts and a lightweight denim jacket creates a relaxed yet stylish look.
For extra comfort and style, the Sculpting Line Comfort Biker Shorts from Diana Intimates are a great option. They’re designed with a smooth, sculpting fit that hugs your body without restricting movement, making them ideal for sitting comfortably during a flight.
4. Relaxed Pants or Joggers
Joggers or relaxed pants hit the sweet spot between the comfort of leggings and the polished look of jeans. They’re roomy enough to sit comfortably for hours but structured enough to look stylish.
An adjustable drawstring waist is especially handy during flights, so you can loosen or tighten them as needed. To build an outfit, try our Everyday Loose Comfy Modal Tencel Long Pants with a fitted white tank top, layered with a black bomber jacket for warmth.
5. Breathable Tops
When it comes to tops, breathable fabrics are your best bet. Cotton T-shirts, soft tank tops, and lightweight blouses are perfect because they don’t trap heat and are comfortable for layering.
Avoid tops that are too tight, itchy, or overly detailed with buttons and zippers that can dig in when sitting for long hours. One of our top recommendations is the Easywear Modal Tencel Printed Top. Designed in a loose silhouette, it delivers everlasting comfort with every wear.
It’s versatile enough to wear on casual days or dressed up for a chic look, making it an effortless choice you’ll keep reaching for again and again.
6. Outerwear
Outerwear is the finishing touch to any travel outfit—it adds style and practicality in one piece. A lightweight jacket, cardigan, or trench coat keeps you warm when the cabin temperature drops, and outerwear with big pockets is especially convenient for storing your boarding pass, phone, or headphones.
For instance, you can wear High Waisted Breathable Black Leggings with a grey oversized hoodie, then top it with a light khaki trench coat. Pair the outfit with slip-on loafers and carry a large tote bag with a travel pillow clipped on the handle for maximum functionality.
Ready for Your Long Flight?
At the end of the day, figuring out what to wear on a long flight comes down to one simple rule: comfort without compromising style. The key is choosing pieces that let you move freely, breathe easily, and still feel confident from takeoff to landing.
If you’re ready to elevate your travel wardrobe, check out the premium lingerie, loungewear, and sleepwear collections from Diana Intimates. Every piece is crafted with high-quality materials and has undergone a strict quality control process to maximize comfort for every woman. Because you deserve to look chic, feel amazing, and travel in style. Order yours today!
FAQs
Can I wear jeans on a long flight?
You can, but it’s not the best idea. Jeans are often stiff and can cut into your waist when sitting for hours. If you love denim, opt for jeggings or stretchy jeans instead.
Are leggings appropriate to wear on a plane?
Absolutely! Leggings are one of the best choices for long flights because they’re stretchy, comfortable, and easy to style. Diana Intimates leggings are especially great since they balance comfort with a flattering fit.
What should I avoid wearing on a long flight?
Skip anything too tight (like bodycon dresses), rough fabrics, or high heels. You’ll regret them after the first two hours.
