As a seasoned travel writer, racking up countless miles in the air is part of the job. This year alone, I’ve journeyed over 77,000 miles, jet-setting to diverse destinations from the vibrant streets of Vietnam and the stunning landscapes of Cape Town to the tropical allure of Hawaii, not to mention quick trips to iconic cities like Paris and Rome, and the remote beauty of Greenland. Through all these travels, I’ve learned that comfort during transit is paramount.
Spending so much time in airports and on planes has led me to perfect my signature Travel Outfit. This isn’t just any airport attire; it’s a carefully curated combination designed for long travel days, adaptable to any destination. My tried-and-true formula revolves around relaxed yet stylish clothing staples, from supportive footwear to the ideal tee and a sophisticated bomber jacket. Below, I’m sharing my essential pieces that ensure I consistently look and feel my best, no matter the journey.
My Must-Have Comfortable Airport Staples:
Comfortable Shoes
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Stylish and comfortable water-resistant wool sneakers in gray, perfect travel shoes for airport and diverse weather conditions.
Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles
Comfortable shoes with ample support are the absolute foundation of any successful travel outfit. I tend to alternate between a few different sneaker styles, but regardless of the pair, they are always sneakers. Sneakers are ideal because I can easily navigate bustling airports and comfortably wear socks, which is essential if you need to remove your shoes at security checkpoints. Recently, a podiatrist recommended Allbirds for their exceptional lightweight feel and cushioning. I’ve become a particular fan of Allbirds’ Wool Runner Mizzles. Their water-resistant nature makes them incredibly practical, ready to handle any weather conditions or terrain I might encounter upon arrival at my destination. For days when I need a versatile white sneaker option, my stylish Vejas are another go-to. And for ultimate convenience through airport security, Kiziks are unbeatable; they provide the support of a sneaker but slip on and off effortlessly without laces.
Similar styles I love:
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Comfortable and supportive Hoka Clifton 9 running shoes in white and blue, ideal for walking and travel.
Hoka Clifton 9 sneaker
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Retro-inspired New Balance 327 sneakers in gray and white, a stylish and comfortable travel footwear choice.
New Balance 327 sneaker
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Convenient Kiziks Irvine slip-on sneakers in gray, offering hands-free wear for easy airport navigation.
Kiziks Irvine Slip-on sneaker
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Classic and versatile Veja V-10 white leather sneakers, a stylish staple for any travel wardrobe.
Veja V-10 sneaker
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Modern and sporty Lululemon Cityverse sneakers in white, offering comfort and style for active travelers.
Lululemon Cityverse sneaker
$138 at Lululemon (women’s sizes)
$138 at Lululemon (men’s sizes)
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Sleek and eco-friendly Banana Republic Vegan Leather sneakers in white, combining style and sustainability for travel.
Banana Republic Vegan Leather sneakers
Put-Together Pants
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Stylish and wrinkle-resistant Aday Turn It Up black pants, perfect for travel and transitioning to evening wear.
Aday Turn It Up Pants
A fundamental piece in my comfortable airport outfit arsenal is a pair of basic black pants. Black serves as a versatile neutral base that complements almost anything and expertly hides any stains or wrinkles that can accumulate during long travel days. My ultimate travel pants are the Aday Turn It Up pants, and for good reason. They offer pajama-level comfort while being tailored enough to look refined for dinner upon arrival. Crucially, they are wrinkle-resistant, a massive advantage after hours spent sitting on a plane. For a similar aesthetic, Banana Republic’s stretchy Ponte pant is another excellent choice, easily dressed up or down. Everlane’s Easy pant provides a comparable relaxed yet polished look as well. While I used to be firmly against wearing sweatpants or athleisure to the airport (perhaps call me old-fashioned!), some exceptionally well-designed, sleek joggers have changed my mind. They’ve now earned a place in my rotation, especially for long-haul flights. Cozy Earth CityScape sweatpants and the incredibly soft Vuori Performance joggers are prime examples, both pairing wonderfully with a bomber jacket.
Similar styles I love:
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Lightweight and comfortable Baleaf women’s joggers in black, ideal for travel and casual wear.
Baleaf Lightweight women’s joggers
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Relaxed and versatile Everlane The Easy Pant in black, suitable for comfortable travel and everyday style.
Everlane The Easy Pant
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Luxuriously soft and comfortable Cozy Earth CityScape sweatpants in gray, perfect for relaxing travel and loungewear.
Cozy Earth CityScape sweatpants
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Trendy and comfortable Daily Practice by Anthropologie Base Jump Parachute Pants in khaki, offering a stylish travel option.
Daily Practice by Anthropologie Base Jump Parachute Pants
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Comfortable and versatile Vuori Performance Jogger in black, a stylish choice for active travel and beyond.
Vuori Performance Jogger
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Flattering and comfortable Banana Republic Crop Flare Everywhere Ponte Pant in black, a versatile travel wardrobe staple.
Banana Republic Crop Flare Everywhere Ponte Pant
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Lightweight and airy Spanx AirEssentials wide leg pants in black, offering ultimate comfort for travel.
Spanx AirEssentials wide leg pants
The Perfect Tee
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Versatile Madewell Supima Rib Tee in white, a wardrobe essential for travel and layering.
Madewell Supima Rib Tee
Perhaps the most indispensable and versatile item in my entire wardrobe is a plain white tee. I’m particularly fond of the flattering fit of this Madewell tee. It’s incredibly adaptable, working seamlessly with everything in my suitcase. Whether layered under a blazer, bomber jacket, or worn on its own with jeans, joggers, or skirts, it effortlessly transitions from casual to more polished looks. As a bonus, it doubles as an excellent base layer for open-front cardigans and button-down shirts. Another standout tee I’ve discovered is the Aday Made It T-shirt. This one is wrinkle-free, offers a comfortable stretch, and even provides UV protection, making it an exceptional choice for travel.
Similar styles I love:
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Sporty and breathable Vuori Energy Tee in white, ideal for active travel and comfortable layering.
Vuori Energy Tee
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Classic and comfortable Everlane Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee in white, a sustainable and versatile travel top.
Everlane Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee
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High-performance Aday Made It T-shirt in white, wrinkle-resistant and offering UV protection for travel.
Aday Made It T-shirt
Classic and affordable Banana Republic Timeless T-Shirt in gray, a comfortable and stylish travel basic.
Banana Republic Timeless T-Shirt
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Versatile Banana Republic ribbed scoop-neck tank top in white, perfect for layering in a travel outfit.
Banana Republic ribbed scoop-neck tank
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Simple and breathable Artfish women’s Scoop-neck sleeveless shirt in white, ideal for warm weather travel or layering.
Artfish women’s Scoop-neck sleeveless shirt
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Relaxed and breathable Banana Republic linen-cotton t-shirt in white, perfect for comfortable travel in warmer climates.
Banana Republic linen-cotton t-shirt
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Elegant and versatile Banana Republic silky cotton button-down shirt in white, suitable for layering and polished travel looks.
Banana Republic silky cotton button-down shirt
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Stylish and casual J.Crew Wren Slim Western Chambray shirt in blue denim, a versatile layering piece for travel outfits.
J.Crew Wren Slim Western Chambray shirt
Sleek Bomber Jacket
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Stylish and comfortable Marine Layer men’s Rossland Dry Wax Bomber jacket in green, perfect for travel layering and weather protection.
Marine Layer men’s Rossland Dry Wax Bomber
I often gravitate towards men’s jackets for travel – they tend to be more comfortable and have that perfect oversized fit. A prime example is this bomber jacket, which I “borrowed” from my husband and have no plans to return! I love its roomy yet flattering silhouette. It’s lightweight enough to avoid bulk but still provides ample warmth against the often-chilly airplane AC. Plus, its water-repellent coating is a practical bonus. If you prefer a more traditional women’s style, you can’t go wrong with classic options like the oversized Lululemon bomber jacket or the sporty, water-repellent Athleta Jetset Bomber.
Similar styles I love:
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Lightweight and versatile Lululemon Lightweight Hem-cinch Bomber Jacket in black, a stylish and functional travel layer.
Lululemon Lightweight Hem-cinch Bomber Jacket
Sporty and water-repellent Athleta Jetset Bomber jacket in black, ideal for active travelers and varied weather conditions.
Athleta Jetset Bomber
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Trendy and versatile Alo Yoga Mixed Media Reinvention Jacket in black, a fashionable and comfortable travel outerwear option.
Alo Yoga Mixed Media Reinvention Jacket
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Affordable and classic Zeagoo women’s Classic Bomber Jacket in black, a budget-friendly option for a travel outfit.
Zeagoo women’s Classic Bomber Jacket
Trusty Luggage
Durable and stylish Away The Bigger Carry-on luggage in black, essential for efficient and stress-free travel.
Away The Bigger Carry-on
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Practical and chic Away Everywhere Tote in black nylon, the perfect personal item for organized travel.
Away Everywhere Tote
I can’t recall a flight in the past five years where I wasn’t accompanied by my Away Bigger Carry-On and Everywhere Tote. I’m a dedicated carry-on only traveler, always aiming to avoid checking bags if possible. These two bags make it incredibly easy. The Bigger Carry-On is surprisingly spacious, allowing me to pack for up to two weeks. It rolls smoothly through airports and is designed to meet the maximum carry-on size restrictions for most airlines’ overhead bins. Even on smaller regional planes, if it doesn’t fit overhead, gate checking is usually offered at no extra cost. I personally own the original hardside version, but Away recently released a Softside Bigger Carry-On for those who prefer that style. Complementing the carry-on perfectly is the Everywhere Tote, truly the best trusty personal item. It comfortably holds everything I need readily accessible, including my 13-inch laptop. I also appreciate the thoughtful design features, like the strap that slides over the carry-on handle for secure stacking, and the top zipper that ensures all contents stay put, especially when placed under the seat during the flight.
Similar styles I love:
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Minimalist and functional Monos Carry-on luggage in black, designed for efficient and stylish travel.
Monos Carry-on
Chic and practical Béis The Carry-On Roller in black, a stylish luggage option with thoughtful travel features.
Béis The Carry-On Roller
Lightweight and durable July Carry-On Light luggage in silver, perfect for travelers seeking efficient packing and portability.
July Carry-On Light
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Reliable and spacious Samsonite Freeform carry-on spinner in white, a practical and durable luggage choice for travel.
Samsonite Freeform carry-on spinner
Compression Socks
Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks
Supportive Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks in gray, essential for long flights to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks
After experiencing leg swelling and discomfort following a 13+ hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City to London earlier this year, I made a personal commitment to always wear compression socks on long flights. Comrad’s socks, with a compression level of 15-20 mmHg, are excellent for enhancing circulation and minimizing the pain and swelling that can often occur during extended air travel. They’ve proven to be incredibly effective for me so far.
Similar styles I love:
Comfortable and everyday Bombas Everyday Compression socks in gray and black stripes, perfect for daily wear and travel.
Bombas Everyday Compression socks
Affordable and colorful Charmking compression socks in assorted colors, a budget-friendly option for travel comfort.
Charmking compression socks
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Classic and reliable Hanes compression socks in white, a practical and widely available option for travel health.
Hanes compression socks
