This is a guide about what to wear on a plane for women.
This website contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them at no extra cost to you. This website is reader-supported and by using these links you help support my work and I truly appreciate it!
Thank you for your support!
I heard a story on a Brazilian podcast a little while ago that inspired me to write a guide for those travelling for the first time. A woman boards her first ever long haul flight wearing skin-tight jeans and stiletto heels. Her boyfriend had told her off for it, but she wanted to look nice; she was going to Italy, after all. How was she supposed to know?
I think about her every time I see someone click-clacking through departures in uncomfortable shoes, because I’ve been there. When I first moved abroad, my mom practically scolded me for wearing jeans and a t-shirt to the airport. Apparently I wasn’t dressed up enough. Times have changed, thankfully, but I still see people making the same avoidable mistakes.
Here’s the thing: flying is genuinely exciting until you’re three hours in and quietly regretting every single clothing choice you made that morning. Too tight, too heavy, too many layers you can’t take off or shoes you can’t slip back on because your feet have swollen. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Whether you’re dressing for a quick European hop or a 12-hour overnight, this guide covers exactly what to wear on a plane; for every season, every trip type and every body. And yes, what absolutely not to wear. I’ve made most of these mistakes so you don’t have to.
| ✈️ QUICK GUIDE: WHAT TO WEAR ON A PLANE Bottoms: Stretchy leggings, joggers or relaxed cotton trousers Top: Breathable base layer + hoodie or soft cardigan Shoes: Slip-on trainers or loafers with cushioned soles Socks: Compression socks for anything over 3 hours Bag: Structured crossbody or backpack with compartments Extras: Scarf/wrap, glasses over contacts, minimal jewellery Avoid: Skinny jeans, heels, jumpsuits, complicated outfits, strong perfume Amazon picks: compression socks | packing cubes |
Want to save this for your next flight? I’ve put everything into a free printable checklist; pop your email in below and I’ll send it straight to you.
What to Wear on a Plane: The Basics
Comfortable, breathable fabrics
Planes are stuffy, temperature-unpredictable and cramped, so comfort is genuinely non-negotiable here. Stretchy leggings, joggers or relaxed-fit cotton trousers are your best friends. A soft oversized t-shirt or long-sleeve top rounds out the base.
If you have access to a UNIQLO, their AIRism and Ultra Light Down ranges are genuinely excellent for travel!
Skip: Skinny jeans, stiff trousers or anything with a restrictive waistband. They cut off circulation on long flights and you’ll be miserable by hour two. Itchy wool, flowy wide-leg trousers that drag on airport floors, jumpsuits (bathroom logistics alone should put you off) and underwired bras all fall in the same category: leave them for your destination (although I’d leave underwired bra in Y2K).
Layers, layers, layers
Cabin temperature can swing wildly: one minute you’re sweating on the tarmac, the next you’re reaching for everything in your carry-on because the air con has been cranked to arctic. A breathable base layer, a soft jumper or hoodie and a lightweight jacket you can stuff under the seat or use as a pillow is the formula that works every time.
I personally swear by a big comfy hoodie for any flight. It doubles as a blanket, a pillow and something to hide under when you’re trying to sleep.
Skip: Complicated layering systems with lots of buttons, zips or accessories. They slow down security and are deeply annoying if you’re trying to get comfortable and nap.
Slip-on shoes
You might be asked to take your shoes off at security (I keep mine on unless I’m asked to take them off which is rarely). However, you may want to take them off mid-flight. Your feet will probably swell on anything longer than three hours. Slip-on trainers, loafers or comfy flats deal with all three problems at once.
For long haul, go for slip-on trainers with a cushioned sole, they give your feet room to swell without becoming unwearable. I’ve got a pair of Adidas really similar to these ones that I LOVE for flying! They’re so comfortable and really easy to slip on and off. (my exact ones have sold out so I can’t link them but they’re like these ones, just special edition Farm Rio)
Skip: High heels, brand-new shoes you haven’t broken in and anything tight around the ankle. And getting a fresh ankle tattoo right before a long haul flight? Please don’t. (Yes, this is from experience. Both, actually! Travelling ONLY in a new pair of Dr Martens AND getting a fresh ankle tattoo a few hours before an 11-hr flight).
Compression socks
Not glamorous, not Instagrammable, but absolutely worth it. Compression socks improve circulation and reduce swelling on flights longer than three hours and the difference is genuinely noticeable. You can find decent ones on Amazon for well under £20 like these ones.
Skip: Bare ankles if you’re prone to swelling or cold and flip-flops full stop. They leave your feet freezing and offer zero support when walking through a giant airport.
A functional bag
Your personal item should be organised, not just roomy. A structured backpack or crossbody with multiple compartments means you can actually find your passport, snacks or headphones without emptying the whole thing onto your tray table.
Skip: Tiny handbags that barely fit your essentials and enormous totes that collapse into chaos. Bags without closures like totes and open shoppers are a travel nightmare. You’ll spend the entire flight convinced something has fallen out. You don’t need that anxiety at 35,000 feet.
READ MORE: Essential Carry On Packing List: What I Actually Pack + Tips
Minimal jewellery and light makeup
Stud earrings or a simple necklace. That’s the jewellery brief for flying. Anything chunky or dangly will dig in when you sleep, set off security or just get in the way.
For makeup: plane air is incredibly drying, so a hydrating mist or a good moisturiser will serve you far better than a full face. If you want to do a quick refresh before landing, pack the basics in your carry-on. As a general courtesy to everyone around you, skip strong perfumes 😂.
A scarf or wrap
Possibly the most versatile travel accessory you own. It works as a blanket, a pillow, a layer when the air con hits and a way to look slightly more put-together when you land. Never get on a long flight without one. Airline blankets aren’t always available and when they are, they’re often scratchy and thin.
What NOT to Wear on a Plane
- Skinny jeans or stiff denim: circulation issues, hard to sleep in, no give when you’re bloated from cabin pressure
- Heels of any height: your feet will swell, full stop
- Jumpsuits or bodysuits: the bathroom situation alone makes these inadvisable
- Underwired bras: uncomfortable for hours of sitting (or anytime at all tbh!); opt for a soft bralette or wireless option
- Strong perfume or aftershave: you’re in an enclosed space with a lot of people for hours
- Complicated jewellery: possible security delays and sleep discomfort
- Brand-new shoes: untested footwear plus foot swelling is a recipe for blisters (speaking from personal experience 🤡)
- Heavy, bulky coats: unless you’re wearing it purely for warmth en route to a cold destination
What to Wear on a Long Haul Flight
Long haul is a different game entirely. Anything over six hours and you’re essentially optimising for sleep, swelling and the inevitable moment when you deeply regret not bringing an extra layer.
The formula: your most comfortable, non-restrictive base layer, compression socks (non-negotiable at this length), a hoodie or soft zip-up, slip-on shoes and a scarf or travel wrap. You can add a small travel pillow (personally, I’m not a fan but lots of people are) and a sleep mask and you’re set.
A few things worth flagging specifically for long haul:
- Waistbands matter more than you think. Anything with a button or stiff waistband becomes genuinely uncomfortable after hour four. Elasticated everything.
- Natural fabrics breathe better on very long flights; cotton and bamboo blends over synthetics where possible.
- Layers you can actually remove one-handed are underrated.
What to wear on a long haul flight in winter
A thermal or merino wool base layer underneath your usual outfit adds significant warmth without taking up much space. A lightweight puffer that compresses into its own pocket is ideal and it can go in the overhead locker or stuff into your bag when you land. Merino wool socks are genuinely excellent for cold flights; they’re warm, they breathe and they’re not scratchy.
READ MORE: What to Pack for Europe in Winter: The Ultimate Packing List for Every Climate
What to wear on a plane when travelling to a hot country
The temptation here is to basically arrive in your holiday outfit, but resist it. The plane will be cold regardless of where you land and arriving sweaty and overdressed is its own kind of miserable. Pack your holiday clothes in your carry-on or check them in and travel in your usual comfortable layers. A light linen shirt works well as a top layer here; it breathes, packs small and feels appropriately summery without being impractical at altitude.
What to Wear on a Plane in Summer
Summer flights present a specific dilemma: the airport is boiling, the plane is freezing and your destination is roasting. The answer is still layers, but lighter ones.
- Bottoms: Loose linen or cotton trousers, or light joggers. Shorts are fine for very short flights but you’ll be cold on anything longer.
- Top: A breathable, light-coloured t-shirt as your base; dark colours absorb heat in the airport and on the tarmac.
- Layer: A light cotton cardigan or a thin zip-up hoodie that you can tie around your waist or stuff in your bag.
- Shoes: Breathable trainers or slip-on loafers; sandals leave your feet cold on the plane and unsupported on long airport walks.
- Extras: A light scarf or thin wrap does the same job as always: blanket, layer, neck pillow.
The most common summer flight mistake is dressing for the destination rather than the journey. You’ll be grateful for that extra layer.
Can You Wear Contacts on a Plane?
Technically yes, but your optometrist would probably prefer you didn’t and there’s a good reason for it. Cabin air is extremely dry, which causes contact lenses to dry out and become uncomfortable much faster than usual. On long haul flights especially, this can lead to irritation, redness and in some cases a higher risk of eye infection. Not to mention you might want to sleep and you really shouldn’t sleep in contacts…
The sensible option is to switch to glasses for the flight and pack your contacts (and lens solution) in your carry-on to put in when you land. If you absolutely have to wear contacts, use rewetting drops regularly throughout the flight, avoid sleeping in them and take them out as soon as you can.
How to Make a Long Haul Flight More Comfortable
A few extras that make a real difference:
- Compression socks: already mentioned but worth repeating; your legs will thank you
- A portable power bank: essential for long hauls where USB ports don’t always work
- A wireless headphone adaptor: to connect your AirPods or wireless headphones to the in-flight entertainment system
- A refillable water bottle: cabin air is dehydrating; drink more than you think you need to
- A small travel pillow for those who like it: the inflatable or compressible kind that actually fits in your bag
- Moisturiser and a hydrating mist: your skin will thank you; reapply throughout the flight
- An eye mask and earplugs: even if you don’t sleep, they help
And honestly? Move around. Get up, stretch, walk to the back of the plane occasionally. No outfit, however well considered, compensates for sitting rigid for ten hours.
Don’t forget to get the free printable checklist so you can use it anytime you travel!
Pop your email in below and I’ll send it straight to you.
FAQ: What to Wear on a Plane
The ideal long haul outfit for women is stretchy, non-restrictive trousers or leggings, a breathable base layer, a soft hoodie or cardigan and slip-on shoes. Add compression socks, a scarf and minimal jewellery. Prioritise comfort over style as you’ll be in it for hours.
You can, but stiff or skinny jeans aren’t ideal for flights longer than a couple of hours. If you want to wear denim, opt for soft stretch jeans with an elasticated waistband. Anything that constricts your waist or legs will become uncomfortable quickly, especially as cabin pressure causes mild bloating.
Slip-on trainers or loafers with cushioned soles. They’re easy to remove at security, accommodate foot swelling and are comfortable for long walks through airports. Avoid new shoes, heels, ankle boots with tight zips and flip-flops.
Yes, especially on flights over three hours. Compression socks improve circulation and reduce swelling. They’re particularly useful if you’re prone to puffy ankles, have a long connecting journey ahead or are sitting in economy for many hours.
I mean, you can wear what you want! But it’s definitely not recommended. Jumpsuits make every bathroom trip significantly more complicated and they’re difficult to layer or remove if the cabin temperature changes. A two-piece outfit is a much easier choice for travel.
Light, breathable layers. A cotton or linen top, loose trousers or light joggers and a thin cardigan or zip-up hoodie you can remove. The plane will be cold regardless of the season, so don’t dress purely for the destination. You’ll be shivering within the hour.
It’s obviously not illegal, but it’s considered poor etiquette. You’re in a small enclosed space with hundreds of people for hours and strong fragrances can trigger headaches or nausea in fellow passengers. Better to skip it or apply very lightly before you leave the house.
READ MORE: Packing Checklist for Europe: Essential Items For The Best Eurotrip
Final Thoughts
Your plane outfit doesn’t need to be perfect, it needs to be practical. The people who step off long haul flights looking relatively human are almost always the ones who prioritised comfort, brought a proper layer and remembered their compression socks. The people who look like they regret every decision? Usually in jeans and heels.
Pack your gorgeous outfit in your carry-on. Wear the joggers on the plane. You’ll be glad you did.
Read next:
| 📌 YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE → Essential Carry-On Packing List → Packing for Europe: What I Actually Pack → Day Trips from London by Train |
This was a post about what to wear on a plane.
