What 34 Stylish People Wear to the Airport
“Flying is generally an undignified experience, but my philosophy is part practicality, part vanity.”
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CommentThere’s very little dignity to flying these days, and it isn’t always all that tempting to dress for the occasion. But when I reached out to more than 30 people with particular and exacting taste to see what they’ve been wearing to the airport lately, most told me that they were donning at least a pair of loosejeans, as opposed to sweats oryoga pants. Some were going several steps further by wearing voluminous skirts or sweeping vintage fur coats. Almost everybody said that wearing nice (or nice-ish) clothes makes being in transit more pleasant for all, and that actually, there’s a way to balance comfort and elegance when you’re running to the gate or trying to sleep through a red-eye in coach. More advice (and some authentic in-flight ’fit pics) below.
Zoe Dubno, author ofHappiness and Love: A Novel
“Here I am in the Burberry boutique of Heathrow Airport, wearing a typical traveling outfit: Harley-Davidson motorcycle boots that are easy to slip on and off but can accommodate really thick socks for cold plane toesies, white cotton-terry pants that are comfortable but don’t look like sweatpants (I will not wear sweatpants or leggings in public! And I don’t want to see other people in them either! It is too intimate!), and a little vintage French corduroy work coat that my boyfriend bought in high school but no longer fits him and has lots of pockets. You can see my ancient Kipling backpack behind me. I did not buy this Burberry bag because it was a million dollars, but it would really pull together the ensemble nicely.”
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Garrett Oliver, brewmaster, Brooklyn Brewery
“I take eight to ten international trips a year, so you can be sure I have a routine. The Transportation secretary’s laughable directives aside, the modern brewmaster doesn’t want to look like a slob anywhere. This is what I’m wearing on my flight to Krakow tomorrow: Commander sweater by Belstaff (warm and versatile and subtly implies that folks probably ought to be nice to you), baggy trouser by Knickerbocker New York (you can say what you want about sweatpants, but these say ‘travel tactical,’ not ‘jogging’), and a herringbone lined wool cap by Kai D. Utility that keeps icy-air nozzle blasts off my dome. The kitchen shoes by Mise are as comfortable as slippers. And by the way, unless you’re in business class (and maybe even then), don’t eat the breakfast. Two Walker’s Shortbread Cookies will fuel your entire morning without weighing you down. Also, always carry your own cloth napkin. It weighs nothing, and it’s a little piece of civilization that’s nice to have with you in uncivilized places.”
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Tyler McGillivary, fashion designer
“My parents always dressed up to go to the airport. My grandpa and my dad would both wear full suits to travel, and if my brother or I surfaced the idea of plane pajamas, we’d be met with a response along the lines of, ‘You want people to see you looking likethat?’Now that I fly without them, I’ve landed somewhere in the middle. The feeling lingers that it’s wrong to wear sweats on a flight, but I definitely try to dress comfortably. I typically wear some version of the above outfit: baggy pants that go with anything and everything (in this case, Paolina Russo jeans), a vintage T-shirt for layering since I’m never the right temperature on the plane, comfy shoes I can slide on and off, and a sweatshirt tucked into my tote. I travel for work a good amount and typically have to go somewhere the second I get off the plane, so I need to look somewhat presentable without wholly sacrificing the ability to fall asleep sitting up.”
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Merie Subryan, design consultant
“My airport outfit is really just an upgraded version of what I wear to walk my dog: a sweater always, something cozy on the bottom, and enough layers for whatever dramatic airport AC I’m about to face. I’d wear house slippers if I could, but there’s always that tiny, morbid voice asking, ‘If you died today, is this what you’d want to be found in?’ So I keep things comforting but still put-together — this time a sweater skirt, a crewneck knit, a scarf, and Salewa sneakers. I also stick to lighter outerwear — the minute you’re dragging a big coat around, the whole look collapses.”
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Ludwig Hurtado, writer and model
“I’m almost never trying to sleep on a flight. Airplanes are always a chance get work done with fewer distractions. But I’m six-foot-two (and a half), so comfort is still a huge priority. I’m almost always packing my go-to Prada Chelsea boots, which go with basically every outfit, and likely one pair of sneakers (for the club or an international Barry’s Bootcamp class). It just makes sense to wear the boots and pack the sneakers, because the boots take up way more space, and I also don’t want them to get smooshed in my very jam-packed luggage. I was rewarded for this recently when I discovered that the Delta One lounge in JFK has complimentary shoe polishing. I’m always in a pair of jeans (usually my black wide-leg Eckhaus Lattas, pictured here, which are still technically so-called ‘hard pants’ but are still quite loose and breathable), a plain black or white tee, and a classic black blouson.”
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Sophie Lou Jacobsen, designer
“I try to strike the balance between comfort and elegance. Everything about the airport, airplanes, and travel is such a horrible experience, so I try to look my best in order to feel human. That said, it still needs to be comfortable; I would never wear jeans on a long-haul flight. Within the limits of comfort, I will wear the biggest, most voluminous items of clothing I am taking with me in order to free up space in my luggage. Last winter, I desperately wanted to bring this long, heavy suede skirt with me back home for the holidays, and it would have taken up my entire suitcase. Turns out it was a perfect travel outfit. Kept me warm, wasn’t confining, and looked classy. Next to that, I alway travel with my Muji suitcase, and this lovely Sezane suede tote (which just so happened to perfectly match the skirt!).”
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Remy Solomon, writer and creator
“You will never catch me wearing leggings to the airport. Not because I don’t want to be comfortable (I do, God, I really do) but because I only travel in outfits that can go straight from the plane to a dinner/movie/other fun event. So this outfit is pretty typical of my airport wear: COS culottes with an elastic waistband and a J.Crew cashmere sweater, topped off with my boyfriend’s Coor jacket. And this will sound fake, but I swear I regularly travel in these Tabis from WoodchuckSato — a maker I have put so many friends onto — because they are very comfortable and a nice alternative to sneakers. At my side is my trusty 1017 Alyx 9sm backpack, which has been to more cities than I can count.”
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“I usually wear soft pants to the airport — either soft pants that look elevated or my favorite vintage Adidas track pants that can look elevated with the right shirt. There is nothing worse to me than being squished in an airport seat with a waistband or button that’s digging into my belly. Then, I either do an oversize button-down (this one is from Maya Shaw, and the buttons give it an extra pizazz), or I do a vintage tee layered with a zip-up Gap sweatshirt and/or an oversize button-down. I am always cold on planes, so I always have to bring an extra layer — whether that be a vintage denim jacket, an extra button-down, or a sweater. Lastly, nine times out of ten, I’m wearing my favorite Gardenheir hemp clogs because they’re so comfortable and so easy to take on and off.”
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Alex Tieghi-Walker, founder of the art galleryTiwa Select
“Generally, I travel wearing whatever — mostly on the casual side, though I don’t necessarily wear things for comfort ’cause I usually change into PJs on the plane anyway if the flight is long enough (like if I’m going back to the U.K. or something). I always fly in my chunky boots, and I always regret it ’cause it’s a whole process at security. Today, I’m wearing a thick Aran sweater, Madewell jeans, a Uniqlo puffer, and my old Barbour, which is useful to travel in because of all the pockets for passports, earbuds, snacks, etc. I’ve not been shy to travel in a Stetson if I’m going to a wedding or something and need a ‘look’ — I’ll bethatguy on the plane. I never take a suitcase with wheels, I’m too practical for that; it’s the Patagonia Black Hole Pack for me always.”
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Gia Kuan, creative consultant
“I took this bathroom selfie on my flight in my go-to gear. I definitely always wear full sweats, usually a color-coordinated set, or sometimes I wear a cap and sunglasses if I want to be incognito. I’ve been wearing this a lot lately: a Nike quarter-zip cropped sweater lined with fleece, Telfar ultrabaggy oversize sweatpants. I also wear Tekla cashmere socks, which feels like a luxury when I get cold feet. Or I’ll swap them for compression socks sometimes, too, since my feet swell up a bit.”
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Yolanda Edwards, founder ofYOLO Journal
“I always try to look put-together when I’m flying, but comfort is super important. I’m always going to be wearing some kind of pant with stretch in it, but they can’t look like leggings, because then they slip into the too-casual territory. I like the Lara kick-flare pants from Ann Mashburn, which, while stretchy, are thick enough to have some structure. In the summer, I’ll change these out for her lighter-fabric Faye pant. I always wear an oversize chambray shirt from Sézane, which looks good on its own under a coat or under a sweater, especially with the collar and cuffs peeking out. A T-shirt would be the most comfortable option, but it is just too casual for me. On top of that, I’ll wear an oversize sweater, and if my sweater doesn’t have a turtleneck, I’ll definitely have a scarf.”
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Ruby J. Thelot, design and media professor and founder of13101401 Inc.
“I like functional clothes for the plane. Clothes that don’t crease too much when sitting for a long time. In the picture, I’m wearing a simple white tee with cargo pants by Balenciaga, and I also have my trusted bags: the duffel by Rick Owens and the tote by Celine. That combination is my go-to. I loathe people in sweats at the airport. As soon as you step out of the house, have some respect for your fellow man and dress appropriately. I also always carry a cashmere blanket and hoodie, in case I get chilly.”
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Isabella Burley, creative consultant and founder ofClimax Books
“My airport outfits are normally quite unhinged (as I’m often coming straight from a shoot or some crazy work thing), but today, I’m actually a bit more put-together. My rules: Always wear a fabulous coat, flight socks, some good jewelry, and everything else should be slouchy and cosy. Mostly things I would sleep in. Today, this is Nike yoga pants and shearling-lined Birkenstocks, worn with a Phoebe Philo bag, Acne Studios leather trench and necklace, and a Sophie Bille Brahe ring. I’m also carrying my new Climax scarf in case I get cold on the plane. I always tie my hair in a plait, as the airport chairs make my hair so frizzy and knotted that I land looking insane if I don’t. I also only travel with hand luggage: a Rimowa Cabin trolley and a large L.L.Bean tote where I can chuck anything that doesn’t fit. Even if I’m away for two weeks, I’ll make hand luggage work.”
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L.L. Bean Hunter’s Tote Bag
Jocelyn Silver, writer
“Going to the airport is a constant battle between showing respect for your fellow man by rejecting slovenliness while simultaneously acknowledging that planes are gross and uncomfortable. As much as I would like to be like Don Draper and wear a suit on my flight to California, I do not do this and instead try to focus on layering, making sure that whatever garments will touch the plane seat are soft and easily washable, and wearing the heaviest things I’m packing. For my most recent trip, that was this leather and fur-trimmed vintage trench coat from O. La Roche. Wearing it to the airport made me feel very glamorous, like I was taking the Concorde. Underneath, I wore a sweatshirt that my friend Shannon painted with bleach over a soft long-sleeve shirt from Geel. Flying in jeans is controversial, but these Levi’s 501s are broken in nicely and feel very comfy. I tried to wear my heaviest boots, but they have wooden heels and that felt psychotic for the airport, so I panicked and threw on these Salomons that I’ve had forever.”
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Aimee France, baker
“I would say I have a travel uniform that varies depending on the season. An example would be a tank top, T-shirt, long-sleeve, heavy sweater, and jacket. For pants, it’s usually a pair of jeans or dressier sweatpants. I’m not really into the sweatsuit travel look; no disrespect, it’s just not for me. I have a cool pair of more fashionable sweatpant-adjacent pants from Sundae School. I’ll sometimes wear those because they’re comfortable but still look fashionable and put together. One thing I always wear when traveling is my compression socks, and I’ll pair those with my Merrell Moab 3 sneakers. I will admit that one time I wore this outfit with an additional layer of snow pants because I was traveling to Italy and I knew I was going to be skiing during that trip. Horrible decision; it was very uncomfortable and hot.”
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Dan Rosen, comedian and co-host of theMiddlebrowpodcast
“While I’m not a return-to-tradition, wear-a-tux-on-the-plane guy, I’m also a firm believer that you shouldn’t dress like you’re in your living room in public. It’s okay to be mildly uncomfortable in life. Shorts on a flight are criminal — you know this. I try to dress in a way that’s as anonymous as possible but gives me the most flexibility so that I don’t have to squirm around and elbow my rowmates in the jugular. Thick hoodie that feels like armor and can keep you cozy so you don’t have to unwrap a corny-ass blanket that doesn’t even cover your torso. My ‘sweatpants’ equivalent is to wear a gorpy-type climbing pant; these Gramicci pants also have huge pockets so I can stuff them with everything I may need for the flight and not have to fight with a tote bag for legroom. I usually wear sneakers that are easy to slip on and off without having to bend down and retie them, an impossible task on modern airplanes.”
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Geoff Snack,brand strategistand rare-book dealer
“I love being in airports and typically dress for utility. I want to be able to breeze through security like a pro and enjoy the in-between state of waiting for my flight. Comfort for me is definitely not sweatpants. I feel disgusting wearing them out of my house. I typically wear vintage 501s fromSorbara’sand an easy crewneck, usually my Lady White Co. mini-crewneck. I always wear loafers as I hate having to stop to tie my shoes after moving through security. Lately, it’s been Hereu loafers I picked up from Ven. Space.”
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Greta Rainbow, writer and editor
“I usually travel with a Patagonia Black Hole duffel (55L, whichwillfit in the overhead compartment no matter what they say), and so I wear my heaviest, bulkiest items to save space and not kill my back. This usually means my leather jacket, which has a bunch of pockets to stash my passport in, and a favorite sweater I’ll want to layer a lot on my trip — either an Agnès B cardigan or, in this case, a gray V-neck adorned with a fabric flower brooch I made for everyone’s Christmas presents a couple years ago. The pants have to be big, too. You’re robbing yourself of the ability to pack another statement top if you wear leggings on the plane. I’m for sure wearing boots, even though this means I can’t participate in the exciting new TSA update that lets you keep your shoes on, because the Guidi zipper is gonna trigger the alarm every time.”
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Emily Kirkpatrick, writer and creator of the newsletterI Heart Mess
“My only goal when traveling is to get from point A to point B in maximum ease and comfort while being perceived by as few people as humanly possible. This is not the moment for me to put on a fashion show. This is the moment where I figure out how to wear an outfit that is basically my pajamas without actually being my pajamas. I think a giant shirt, giant sweater, and this coat, which is essentially a bathrobe, accomplish that goal beautifully. It’s ’80s Emanuel Ungaro that I found at a thrift store in my hometown in New Hampshire probably a decade ago. Plus, my Pizzaslime sweatpants with the word ‘sadness’ printed down the leg I feel aptly summarizes what we are all experiencing during the holiday trudge through TSA.”
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Nico Lazaro, creator of the newsletterThe Bengal Stripe
“I don’t really have aseparate‘airport’ wardrobe — I usually just wear the clothes I’ll be living in at my destination. That means a casual shirt, jeans or chinos, and loafers that are easy to slip on and off, but I always add a sport coat. It’s hands down my favorite travel companion: I can stuff the pockets full, it somehow makes TSA friendlier, and if all else fails, it doubles as a pillow or blanket on the flight. I also wear sunglasses so I can sleep peacefully, and a hat because I tend to run cold. My ‘personal item’ usually carries my charger, ChapStick, toothpicks, headphones, and whatever book I’m currently reading. Here, it’s the Observer Collection Indy.”
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Shaad D’Souza, editor ofShaadmagazine
“I don’t like to look like a slob, but I’m also basically only ever flying long-haul because I’m from Australia and live in London. My solution is to wear all black — good because I’m often dropping food on myself on the plane because of the weird cutlery — and try to choose outfits that are loose but still slightly structured. The single best item I wear on the plane is a Lady White Co. quilted crewneck that they don’t make anymore, which is devastating. I like wearing Our Legacy jeans on flights, usually the dark-gray Third Cut, because they’re as soft as jeans can be before being too thin or not jeans.”
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Thessaly La Force, writer
“Flying is generally an undignified experience, but my philosophy is part practicality, part vanity. I like to look good, and I like to wear something I can wear again. Recently, on a trip to Rome, I wore my favorite Agolde’s Low Curve Jean, my Attersee Julian sweater over a Mayle Papa shirt, and my Margaux Marlowe loafers with silk Comme Si socks (for long-haul flights, I’ll switch to compression socks on the plane). I also never go anywhere without my Hunting Season Hobo, which can fit my laptop, a book, a sleep mask, snacks, my water bottle, and more! I’m scared of losing my jewelry, so I usually just pack what I want to bring in my Chan Luu jewelry roll-up, which I keep close.”
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Hunting Season The Hobo
Juliana Salazar, creative director
“I’d rather be put-together in the airport than comfy, but I have an airport formula that I think achieves both. My base is always a white Still Here T-shirt and some iteration of a white pant. If I’m on a red-eye or it’s winter, then I’m likely wearing $12 Ecosmart Hanes sweatpants. I size up, and they’re the perfect comfy, slouchy, but not sloppy bottom. If it’s summer and I want to go full 100 percent cotton, Gil Rodriguez Lou Pants are it. The layers and shoes, I think, are the most important to feeling put-together. You always need a piece of outerwear — it feels like protection — and I always bring a cardigan because there is nothing worse than being cold on a plane.”
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Laura Jung, creator of the newsletterDigestifs
“Looking like shit at the airport really affects my mood, and I don’t like that! If I’m going to wear sweatpants, they have to be cute with some structure and shape to them, like these Madhappy ones. I like to layer because you experience extreme temperatures when traveling. I also like wearing comfy loafers or slides because they elevate an otherwise laid-back outfit. And a giant bag that is basically another carry-on. The one thing that is an absolute nonnegotiable for me, though, especially for long-haul flights, is socks. I like to wear cashmere or wool socks to the airport and then change into Bombas compression socks once on the plane.”
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Monica Mendal, writer, editor, and brand consultant
“My travel uniform is built around two uncompromising staples. The first is my 440ME viscose-knit wide-leg pant. They’re sleek, comfortable, and wrinkle-resistant, ensuring I arrive looking as composed as when I left. The second is my White + Warren cashmere travel wrap, which works as both a scarf and blanket on the plane. This time, I topped the ’fit with a white tee from Gap and 440ME’s cashmere-silk oversize knit shirt. My cropped wool jacket from Kassl Editions is folded over my Paravel weekender (RIP, Paravel) and my 15-year-old Rimowacarry-on.”
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Ira Madison III, writer
“One thing about me is I’m gonna check a bag, because a backpack is all I ever want to carry in the airport. I usually carry this Lo & Sons one. I stick with fitted track pants and matching sneakers — in color, because I prefer Adidas sweats and Air Force Ones. I cycle through various concert hoodies for warmth (this one is Tame Impala) and a baseball cap (because I always forget to shave). There’s always a book and a reusablebottle of water, of course.”
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Marlowe Granados, author ofHappy Hourand the forthcomingPetty Intrigues
“One of my musts on a plane are Issey Miyake Pleats Please pants. I don’t own sweatpants, so these are usually the closest comfort-wise. They’re so easy and I hate feeling restricted, especially on a longer flight. I usually wear a button-down shirt like this Hai one untucked and I’ll have an Agnès B snap cardigan slung on my shoulders. I’ll wear whatever footwear is going to take the most space in my luggage, and this goes for my jacket or coat as well. I like to land somewhere in a passably stylish fashion. If it’s a short flight, sometimes I’ll have plans on arrival … I’d hate to be in a jam if (God forbid) my luggage got lost.”
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Julia Khan Anselmo, founder ofFeisty Feast
“When traveling, whether by train or plane, I try and wear something extravagant that feels good on the body and is effortless. For example, this Julia Heuer dress.”
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Emily Wilson, writer of food newsletterThe Angel
“For me, comfort is key when flying, and so is wearing something I can wash soon after I land, because planes are gross. I won’t wear anything that needs dry cleaning, but I’m also not going full zhlub. Almost always, I fly in my softest jeans (Maryam Nassir Zadeh Levi’s), a T-shirt, a Skims hoodie, and whatever pair of shoes I least want to pack, usually boots.”
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Dylan Rose Rheingold, painter
“Any time I’m traveling or on the go, I like to prioritize three things: comfort, layering, and simplicity. A chic little recipe that always does the trick. I’m consistently a carry-on-only girlie, so I tend to wear travel clothing pieces that can include some sort of accessory or basic layer that can be worn again if need be on my trip. Here, I’m wearing Salomons, a Weatherproof Vintage cashmere sweater layered on top of a Gap cotton basic short-sleeve, Adidas track pants, and a pink skinny scarf I thrifted in Stockholm that reminded me of Lizzie McGuire.”
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Maura Brannigan, writer, editor, and brand consultant
“I am, for better or worse, in the category of travelers who does one’s best at looking presentable at the airport. (That’s courtesy of my Chicago-native parents and their extreme insistence during childhood that we may, one day, see Michael Jordan on a plane.) Regardless of season, I like to show up in Levi’s Low Loose jeans, loafers, a sweater, and a baseball cap; the jeans and loafers to look decent, the hat to hide my greasy plane face. In the case of the latter: A very chic beauty editor once told me to always wear SPF on planes because UVA rays get through plane windows and are intensified at high altitudes. The more you know! The giant Levain bag pictured here is an obvious necessity, as well.”
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Rob Franklin, author ofGreat Black Hope
“At risk of outing my own carbon footprint, I’ll just say that I took quite a few flights this year while on book tour. And through trial and error, I’ve come to the view that track pants, a sweatshirt, and a trench are the magical trio for air travel. In this, I look sufficiently put-together from curb to gate while still basically wearing pajamas; I can comfortably sprint through the terminal if I’m running late (I always am) and, once on the place, can use the trench as a cozy blanket while I try to sleep (I never can). Track pants, a sweatshirt, and a trench (this one’s vintage that I got at Brooklyn Flea) will bring you peace!”
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Jen Olson, brand marketing specialist
“I usually dress casually when flying while still trying to look somewhat put-together. No cozies for me unless I have an overnight flight, in which I change into a more comfortable outfit right before getting on the plane (can’t sleep in jeans!). A plain white Hanes tee with a cashmere V-neck or cable knit is my go-to, tied around my neck until I board the frigid plane. Hat, check; slip-on shoes, check; extra-large tote, check.”
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Hanes Women’s Perfect-T
Biz Sherbert, writer of the newsletterAmerican Style
“The best airport outfit is bootcut or flared jeans, boots, a shirt you like, and a stylish coat. I would never wear sweatpants to the airport, and while I’ve worn cotton yoga pants, I find that loungewear takes on a disempowering quality in this context. You’re in a liminal public environment that can be stressful and uncomfortable, and I think a way to deal with that is to dress with a view toward dignity over extreme comfort. My friend Ch’lita, another frequent flier, once remarked on how good it feels to walk through the airport with just a purse. It’s true! You can fit a surprising amount of stuff in the right purse if you just try. I’m on a plane right now, and my shapeless leather Isabel Marant somehow has everything in it that I’d usually put in my much larger L.L.Bean tote, which is stowed above my seat full of Christmas presents.”
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