Airport outfits: what to wear on a plane

Some people treat the airport like a catwalk. Others roll out of bed and fly in pyjamas. The best travel outfit sits somewhere in between: comfortable enough for hours in a seat, practical enough to get through security without a fuss, and put-together enough that you can walk straight from arrivals to dinner.

This guide gives you the rules that make an outfit work for flying, outfit ideas for every kind of trip, and the mistakes that make a flight more uncomfortable than it needs to be.

What to wear to the airport: the golden rules

Comfort comes first

But that doesn't mean pyjamas. Look for soft, stretchy fabrics that still look intentional: knitwear, joggers in a nicer fabric or a matching set all hit the sweet spot of perfect comfort and style.

Layers are your best friend

Terminals tend to be warm, cabins are often chilly, and your destination could be either, so a T-shirt, a jumper and a light jacket will see you through almost anything. Keep everything on the loose side, too. You'll be sitting for hours and your body swells slightly at altitude, which is why skinny jeans and tight waistbands that feel fine at check-in can feel terrible three hours later.

Fabric matters more than you might think

Cotton, linen and merino wool let your skin breathe, while many synthetics trap heat and leave you sweaty before you've even boarded. Finally, dress for where you're going. Off to the beach? Wear something that works when you land and bring a layer for the plane. Heading somewhere cold? Wear your bulkiest coat and boots so they don't eat up space in your bag.

Dress to get through security faster

The right outfit can also save you time, and a bit of stress, in the security queue. Shoes are a good place to start: most airports don't ask you to take them off, but chunky boots and shoes with metal parts can set off the scanner, so trainers or slip-ons are the safest choice. The same goes for belts. A big metal buckle usually has to come off, so trousers with an elastic or drawstring waist, or a belt with a plastic buckle, make life easier.

Go easy on jewellery as well, since watches, chunky bracelets and lots of rings can trigger the metal detector. Wear one or two pieces and pop the rest in your hand luggage before you join the queue, along with the coins, keys, phone and lip balm that would otherwise end up in the tray. And because coats and jackets nearly always go through the scanner separately, it helps to wear one you can slip off quickly, without lots of fiddly buttons or buckles.

What usually comes off at security

Rules vary by airport, but these are the items most likely to end up in the tray. Boots, high heels and shoes with metal buckles or shanks often have to come off, and so do belts with metal buckles. Coats, jackets and blazers almost always go through separately, and you may be asked to remove a hat or cap too. Watches, chunky bracelets and big metal jewellery are best taken off before you reach the front, along with everything in your pockets.

Airport outfit ideas for every trip

A tip for creases: knitwear, jersey and merino barely crease, while linen and pure cotton shirts wrinkle quickly. If you need to look sharp on arrival, choose your fabric with that in mind.

What to wear on a long-haul flight

On a flight of six hours or more, comfort stops being a nice-to-have. The biggest thing to plan for is swelling: sitting still for hours can make your feet and ankles puff up, so wear shoes you can loosen and avoid anything tight around your waist, calves or ankles. Compression socks are worth considering, as they help blood flow in your legs, which can reduce swelling and the risk of blood clots. If you have a medical condition or a history of clots, check with your doctor first.

Bring a warm layer you can sleep in, such as a large scarf, wrap or hoodie, which can double as a blanket or pillow. On an overnight flight, it's also worth packing a T-shirt, underwear and socks in your hand luggage, so you can freshen up before landing. And stick to soft fabrics without scratchy seams: anything that digs in will bother you far more in hour nine than in hour one.

Crossing several time zones? Our guide to beating jet lag has tips for the days after you land.

What not to wear on a plane

Some clothes are simply better left at home. Skinny jeans and tight waistbands might be comfortable for an hour, but they're painful for a whole flight. High heels are hard to walk in at a big airport, a pain to take off and put back on at security, awkward on the stairs to the plane and a risk in an emergency evacuation. On long flights, shorts and very short skirts aren't ideal either, because cabin seats get cold and you'll want your legs covered.

Lace-up boots are slow to take off if security asks and hard to loosen when your feet swell, while studded jackets, metal belts and heavy jewellery will all slow you down at the scanner. Go easy on the perfume, since you'll be sitting very close to strangers for hours and some people are sensitive to scents. And leave any clothes with offensive slogans at home: airlines can refuse to let you board if they consider your outfit offensive.

Accessories that earn their place

A few accessories really earn their place. A large scarf or wrap is a blanket, a pillow, and a crossbody bag keeps your passport, phone and boarding pass on you while leaving your hands free. Sunglasses help with the bright terminal lights after a night flight (and hide tired eyes), while a cap or hat is handy for a nap and for bad hair after landing. Wear it rather than pack it, so it doesn't get crushed.

Planning to nap on board? Our guide on how to sleep on a plane covers eye masks, travel pillows and the best seats for a rest.

Outfit sorted. What about your flight?

You can plan the perfect airport look, but you can't plan for a delay. If you arrive at your destination more than 3 hours late or your flight is cancelled, you could claim up to £520 per passenger under UK261.

That's where Flight Delayed UK comes in: we check your eligibility, handle the paperwork and deal with the airline for you, on a no win, no fee basis.