Traveling the world is an exciting endeavor, but long journeys, especially flights, can be taxing on your body. As someone who spends a significant amount of time in transit – racking up over 77,000 miles this year alone to destinations from Vietnam to Greenland – I’ve learned that Comfortable Travel Clothes are non-negotiable. Feeling good in what you wear during travel days can drastically improve your overall experience, allowing you to arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore, rather than stiff and uncomfortable.
Over years of globetrotting, I’ve refined my go-to travel uniform, a collection of relaxed yet stylish pieces that prioritize comfort without sacrificing looking put-together. This isn’t about sacrificing style for comfort; it’s about finding the sweet spot where both coexist. From supportive footwear to soft, versatile layers, these are the comfortable airport staples I swear by to make every journey, whether it’s a short hop or a long-haul flight, a pleasant one.
Essential Comfortable Travel Clothes: My Go-To Staples
Comfortable Shoes: The Foundation of Travel Comfort
Comfortable and supportive Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles sneakers in grey, perfect for airport travel
Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles
Comfortable and supportive shoes are paramount when it comes to comfortable travel clothes. They are the base upon which your entire travel outfit – and your travel day – is built. I always opt for sneakers when traveling. They are practical for navigating airport terminals, offering the support needed for long walks between gates. Plus, wearing socks with sneakers is a must for hygiene, especially if you need to remove your shoes at security checkpoints.
Recently, a podiatrist recommended Allbirds, praising their lightweight design and exceptional cushioning. The Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles have become a favorite of mine, particularly because they are water-resistant. This is incredibly practical as you never know what weather conditions or terrains you might encounter upon arrival.
For days when I want a crisp, clean look, my Vejas white sneakers are perfect as a versatile option. And for ultimate ease, especially through airport security, Kiziks are a game-changer. Their slip-on design provides sneaker-like support without the hassle of laces – ideal for quickly taking them on and off.
Similar Comfortable Sneaker Styles:
Hoka Clifton 9 sneaker
New Balance 327 sneaker
Kiziks Irvine Slip-on sneaker
Veja V-10 sneaker
Lululemon Cityverse sneaker
$138 at Lululemon (women’s sizes)
$138 at Lululemon (men’s sizes)
Banana Republic Vegan Leather sneakers
Put-Together Pants: Comfort Meets Style
Aday Turn It Up Pants
A reliable pair of black pants is a cornerstone of comfortable travel clothes. Black is a practical choice for travel as it’s versatile, hides stains, and tends to wrinkle less – a major plus after hours of sitting. My go-to travel pants are the Aday Turn It Up pants. They feel like pajamas thanks to their comfort level but are smartly tailored, ensuring you still look polished enough to head straight to dinner after landing. The wrinkle-resistant fabric is a game-changer for long travel days.
Similar options that offer both comfort and style include Banana Republic’s Ponte pants, known for their stretch and versatility, and Everlane’s Easy Pant, which lives up to its name. While I used to resist the idea of sweatpants or athleisure at the airport, the new wave of sleek joggers has converted me. Well-designed joggers, like Cozy Earth CityScape sweatpants and the incredibly soft Vuori Performance Jogger, have earned a spot in my long-haul flight rotation. Paired with a bomber jacket, they strike the perfect balance of comfort and presentability.
Similar Comfortable Pant Styles:
Baleaf Lightweight women’s joggers
Everlane The Easy Pant
Cozy Earth CityScape sweatpants
Daily Practice by Anthropologie Base Jump Parachute Pants
Vuori Performance Jogger
Banana Republic Crop Flare Everywhere Ponte Pant
Spanx AirEssentials wide leg pants
The Perfect Tee: Versatility is Key
Madewell Supima Rib Tee
A plain white tee is arguably the most versatile and essential item in any wardrobe, and especially crucial for comfortable travel clothes. I particularly love the flattering fit of the Madewell Supima Rib Tee. It’s incredibly adaptable, working with everything in my luggage. It can be worn under a blazer or bomber jacket, or on its own with jeans, joggers, or skirts. It’s easily dressed up or down, making it perfect for any travel scenario. As a bonus, it doubles as a great base layer for open-front cardigans and button-down shirts, maximizing its utility in your travel wardrobe. Another excellent tee I recommend is the Aday Made It T-shirt, known for being wrinkle-free, stretchy, and even offering UV protection – ideal for sunny destinations.
Similar Comfortable Tee Styles:
Vuori Energy Tee
Everlane Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee
Aday Made It T-shirt
Banana Republic Timeless T-Shirt
Banana Republic ribbed scoop-neck tank
Artfish women’s Scoop-neck sleeveless shirt
Banana Republic linen-cotton t-shirt
Banana Republic silky cotton button-down shirt
J.Crew Wren Slim Western Chambray shirt
Sleek Bomber Jacket: The Perfect Layer
Marine Layer men’s Rossland Dry Wax Bomber
For travel, I often prefer men’s jackets. They tend to be roomier, offering a more comfortable and slightly oversized fit which is perfect for layering. I actually “borrowed” this Marine Layer bomber jacket from my husband and have no plans to return it! It’s light yet warm enough to combat airplane AC, flattering despite its relaxed fit, and has a water-repellent finish – a practical feature for unpredictable travel conditions.
If you prefer a more traditionally feminine cut, there are fantastic women’s bomber jackets available. The oversized Lululemon bomber jacket is a great option, as is the Athleta Jetset Bomber, which is sporty and also water-repellent. A bomber jacket is a fantastic piece of comfortable travel clothes as it adds a layer of warmth and style without being bulky or restrictive.
Similar Comfortable Bomber Jacket Styles:
Lululemon Lightweight Hem-cinch Bomber Jacket
Athleta Jetset Bomber
Alo Yoga Mixed Media Reinvention Jacket
Zeagoo women’s Classic Bomber Jacket
Trusty Luggage: Easy Airport Navigation
Away The Bigger Carry-on
Away Everywhere Tote
While not clothing, reliable luggage is part of the overall comfort equation when traveling. For the past five years, my Away Bigger Carry-On and Everywhere Tote have been my steadfast travel companions. I am a firm believer in carry-on only travel, avoiding checked baggage whenever possible. These two bags make it easy to manage. The Bigger Carry-On is surprisingly spacious, holding up to two weeks of clothing, and rolls effortlessly through airports. It’s designed to be the largest size permissible for overhead bins on most airlines. For smaller regional planes, gate-checking is usually free and convenient. I have the original hardside version, but Away recently launched a Softside Bigger Carry-On for those who prefer a softer shell.
The Everywhere Tote is the ideal personal item to pair with the carry-on. It comfortably holds my 13-inch laptop and all other essentials I need at hand during a flight. I appreciate the thoughtful design features like the strap that slides over the carry-on handle for easy maneuvering and the top zipper that securely closes, keeping everything contained when placed under the seat.
Similar Luggage Styles:
Durable and lightweight Monos Carry-on luggage in black, a reliable and comfortable travel companion
Monos Carry-on
Béis The Carry-On Roller
July Carry-On Light
Samsonite Freeform carry-on spinner
Compression Socks: A Must-Have for Long Flights
Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks
Don’t underestimate the power of compression socks, especially for long-haul flights. After a particularly uncomfortable 13+ hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City to London where one of my legs became noticeably swollen, I made a promise to myself to always wear compression socks on extended flights. They are a game-changer for flight comfort and leg health.
Comrad’s Knee-High Compression Socks, with 15-20 mmHg of compression, are excellent for promoting healthy circulation. They significantly reduce the pain and swelling that can occur during long periods of sitting, such as on long flights. Since incorporating them into my travel uniform, they have truly worked wonders in keeping my legs feeling fresh and comfortable, even after the longest journeys. They are an essential component of comfortable travel clothes, ensuring your well-being during and after your flights.
Similar Comfortable Compression Sock Styles:
Bombas Everyday Compression socks
Charmking compression socks
Hanes compression socks
