What to Wear on a Long Haul Flight (My Outfit Formula)

If you’ve ever wondered what to wear on a long haul flight and ended up miserable in the wrong pants at hour five, you’re not alone. I’ve taken enough long international flights to know that what you wear genuinely matters. The wrong outfit leaves you stiff, cold, and counting down the minutes. The right one means you actually sleep, move comfortably through the cabin, and land feeling like a human being. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve landed on a simple formula that works every time.

In this post I’m sharing my exact long haul flight outfit formula and favorite picks for every piece. Whether you’re facing a long plane ride cross-country or a long distance flight overseas, the right clothing choice makes all the difference in your air travel experience. Affiliate links are included.

My Long Haul Flight Outfit Formula

My go-to long-haul flight outfit is pretty simple. This is one time when comfort is a priority, but that doesn’t mean you have to look frumpy. You can leave the pajama pants packed away and still survive a long flight in economy wearing comfortable clothes.

Think of this formula as building blocks. How you choose to swap out blocks can be made based on your needs and favorite peices.

• Comfortable Pants
• Shirt with Cardigan or Hoodie
• Blanket Scarf or Travel Blanket
• Compression Socks
• Slip-On Shoes

My current favorite go-to long flight outfit is Eddie Bauer Departure Joggers, a white 32 Degrees bra tank, with a Aviator Nation hoodie or black Athleta cardigan. But my Athleta Brooklyn Mid Rise Wide Leg Pants are quickly becoming my new favorite travel pants for shorter flights even though they’re wide-leg which I typically avoid for long flights.

Best Pants to Wear on a Long Haul Flight

Pants are the most important decision you’ll make for a long haul flight outfit. You need something that feels good sitting for 8, 12, or 14+ hours, moves with you when you get up to stretch, and ideally can do double duty on your trip. Here’s what to look for and what I personally wear.

What to Look for in Long Flight Pants

• Soft, stretchy, or quick-drying fabric — avoid stiff denim
• Elastic or soft waistband — a tight waistband after hours of sitting is miserable
• Fitted or tapered leg — wide legs drag on airplane bathroom floors (ick!)
• Dark colors — practical for long travel days
• Wrinkle-resistant and quick dry fabric if you plan to wear them again on arrival

A quick note on jeans: I will never wear jeans on a long haul flight. They’re restrictive, slow to dry if you have a spill, and the hardware (buttons, rivets) can be uncomfortable for hours. If jeans are non-negotiable for you, choose a relaxed fit with minimal metal hardware and make sure they’re genuinely comfortable when sitting for extended periods.

I’ll also say that lately I’ve been wearing a pair of wide leg pants for my airplane outfit, especially when it’s a shorter flight. But, when I go to the bathroom, I have to pull/fold up the bottom of my pants legs so they don’t hang and touch the bathroom floors when I use the restroom.

Leggings for Long Flights

I love to wear solid black leggings for long flights. I can bend and move in them easily and many come with side pockets for storing my phone. They can be paired with some cute tops and/or cardigans and look more stylish than sweatpants while still staying comfortable. My absolute favorite pair of leggings for travel are these:

• Aerie Pocket Leggings — my go to leggings! A great everyday option which my daughter got me hooked on. They have a wide waistband, and we haven’t had issues with see-through (although we only have them in black)
• Lululemon Align — buttery soft, comes in a pocket version, higher waistband
• Vuori AllTheFeels™ Leggings — extremely soft and flexible, though minimal pocket
• Spanx Booth Boost Side Pocket Leggings — if you want compression and lift on your travel day, they’re 7/8 length so you get a little airflow at the ankle if you get warm
• Girlfriend Collective — size-inclusive, sustainable option and they’re squat-proof!
• Unbound Merino transit sweatpants — for thermoregulating, odor-resistant travel in merino wool

Travel Joggers and Pants

If leggings aren’t your thing, a good pair of travel pants or joggers is the next best option. Look for soft, quick-drying fabrics with elastic or soft waistbands. My top picks:

• Eddie Bauer Departure Joggers — my current favorite, lightweight, easy to rinse and re-wear
• Athleta Brooklyn Jogger — similar fit with a gathered leg cuff, one of the most loved travel pants by women travelers
• Spanx AirEssentials Straight Leg Pants — scuba fabric, very soft and warm and a bit thicker feel, big issue is no pockets though
• Athleta Venice High Rise Jogger — have more structure than the Spanx but still super comfy with great pockets. Perfect if you’re going straight from the plane into your day
• ODODOS joggers (Amazon) — affordable scuba fabric joggers dupe with pockets that feel a bit like yoga pants
• Columbia pants — great if you want a versatile pant that works on city days and light hikes too
• prAna Kanab Pants — more structured, soft hiking-pant with great stretch and pockets
• Unbound Merino travel pants — wool pants, so they’re odor-resistant, can be worn with multiple outfits for lighter packing

Wide Leg Pants

I’ve already mentioned above that I don’t think wide leg pants are great for long flights due to them dragging on the floor. However, I have been known to wear them myself because they look so nice, especially on long legs. My favorite wide leg pants for travel are:

• Spanx AirEssentials Wide Leg — one of the most popular travel pants in the same dreamy soft fabric as the tapered version, just wide leg and loose
• Athleta Brooklyn Mid Rise Wide Leg Pants — lightweight, non-wrinkle, elastic waistband, can be worn for whole trip as nice thin pants
• prAna Koen Wide Leg Pants — the best compromise since you can cinch the hem at the ankle so they don’t drag. Soft pull-on waist, zip pockets, so comfortable

Best Tops for Long Haul Flights

Your base layer top matters more than most people think. You want something soft against your skin for a long period of time, and ideally something that doesn’t show every wrinkle or spill.

• Soft t-shirts — Banana Republic Timeless V-neck T-shirt is a current favorite for comfort and colors, also prAna and Target basics
• Graphic tees — a fun option, especially paired with a cardigan and leggings; Old Navy and Target have great options
• Built-in bra tanks — game-changer for comfort on long flights; Duluth Trading Built-In Bra Tank and SheBird both make great versions
• Merino wool tops — popular with frequent flyers becuase their odor-resistance and thermoregulating properties; SmartWool Active Ultralite and Unbound Merino are well-regarded options (note: merino texture doesn’t work for everyone — check the return policy if you’re sensitive to fabric textures)

One tip: white tops show stains and spills very visibly. If you’re traveling with kids or you’re a spill magnet, go with a darker color or a print. Or pack a backup or stain wipes in your carry-on bag.

Layering Is Non-Negotiable on Long Flights

Airplane cabin temperatures are unpredictable. You might board sweating and land frozen, or the opposite. A light jacket, cardigan, or hoodie isn’t optional on a long haul flight — it’s part of the formula. Breathable fabrics that trap warmth without being bulky are ideal here.

Cardigan or Hoodie

• Athleta Pranayama Wrap — long cardigan with pockets, good idea for longer flights that can pack away easily; this Amazon one is good too
• Aviator Nation Striped Hoodie — a splurge, but incredibly soft and cozy for overnight flights
• Spanx AirEssentials Half Zip – one of the most viral airplane travel pieces, its soft and cute and easy to pull on and off

Blanket Scarf or Travel Wrap

A blanket scarf is one of the smartest things you can bring on a long haul flight and can be used instead of a cardigan or hoodie. It works as an extra layer when you’re cold, a light blanket when you’re trying to sleep, and it makes your comfortable airport outfits look more put together. My absolute favorite is the zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf. Some travel scarves even have hidden pockets for your passport.

If you prefer a dedicated travel blanket, the Gravel travel blanket is soft and perfect for air travel with it’s storage pockets and neck snap. On longer international flights, airlines typically provide a blanket at your seat, but I’m never entirely sure how clean those are. Having your own is always a good call.

Best Shoes to Wear on a Long Flight

Shoe choice gets overlooked but it genuinely affects your comfort, especially on very long flights where feet tend to swell. Here’s what I always recommend.

Go for Slip-On Shoes

Slip-on shoes are the right call for long haul flights for two reasons: airport security is faster, and if your feet swell during the flight (very common), a slip-on accommodates that far better than a lace-up. My picks:

• Dr. Scholl’s slip-ons — comfortable shoes and affordable, run large so size down
• Vionic Pismo Sneakers — my current favorite slip-on (more like a pull-on) for travel days
• Vionic Uptown Loafer – if you’re looking for a nicer shoe perhaps for a business trip or to wear with other outfits
• Packable slippers — worth packing if you’re going carry-on only and wearing your bulkier shoes for the flight; you can slip these on at your seat and they work well in hotels, too

Shoes to Avoid

• Sandals and flip flops — not enough coverage or support for long flights; also think about airplane floors
• Tall boots — hard to get on and off and can feel constricting if feet or legs swell
• High heels — not the best for comfort and not good if there’s an emergency

One important note: keep your shoes on when you use the airplane bathroom, regardless of how comfortable your socks feel. The floor situation in airplane lavatories doesn’t bear thinking about.

Compression Socks: Why You Should Wear Them

Compression socks help prevent blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by improving blood flow in your lower legs during long periods of sitting. On a long haul flight, especially an international overnight, they’re worth wearing even if you’re young and healthy. I have a fellow travel writer friend who got a DVT from flying and it really brought the issue to my attention.

• Bombas and Comrad — the most popular and highly rated options in the travel community; these are 15-20 mmHg compression which is the most useful but can be harder to pull on
• Dr. Scholl’s compression socks — a less restrictive option if you find the higher compression uncomfortable
• Cozy socks layered on top — if you run cold or have poor circulation, pack a pair of warm socks in your carry-on to wear over your compression socks through the flight

What to Wear on an Overnight or International Long Haul Flight

Overnight flights and ultra-long international routes need you to prioritize a few parts of your travel outfits formula. If you’re trying to sleep and land feeling somewhat human, prioritize these:

• Layers — I’ve been on flights where the cabin temps drop noticeably on overnight flights and you need your blanket scarf or travel blanket, and others have been extremely warm and I was glad I had a short sleeve tee under my zip up layer.
• Your softest, most forgiving pants — joggers or soft leggings over anything structured, avoid zippers and buttons
• An eye mask — one of the essentials for sleeping on a long flight, a good eye mask makes a real difference
• Slip-on shoes you can easily remove once seated — your feet will thank you on a 12+ hour flight
• Merino wool base layer if you own one — thermoregulating and odor-resistant if you’re landing and going straight into your trip
• Consider jet lag when you dress — if you’re trying to sleep on the flight to adjust to a new timezone, your outfit should be one you can sleep in
• Moisturizers — while not really part of a travel uniform, airplane air is very dry, so consider packing face and hand moisturizer, under eye masks (if you like), as well as lip balm. And remember a water bottle so you’ll drink water on your flight at your seat!

Best Fabrics for Long Haul Flight Outfits

The fabric your clothes are made from matters as much as the cut. Here’s a quick guide to what works and what doesn’t on long flights:

• Merino wool — thermoregulating, naturally odor-resistant, great for overnight flights and multi-day wear; can feel scratchy for some people so try before committing
• Breathable synthetic blends (like scuba or ponte fabric) — soft, wrinkle-resistant, and forgiving; what most travel-specific brands use
• Cotton — comfortable but absorbs moisture and can feel clammy; fine for shorter flights or as a base layer
• Bamboo — soft and breathable, increasingly popular in travel clothing
• Avoid: stiff denim, anything with a rigid waistband, non-stretch fabrics, silk (pretty but cold and slippery)

Long Haul Flight Outfit Ideas

Need a little inspiration? Here are a few complete outfit combinations that follow the formula and actually work:

The Classic Comfortable: Eddie Bauer Departure Joggers + soft cotton tee + Aviator Nation hoodie + slip-on sneakers + compression socks + Athleta Pranayama Wrap cardigan

The Elevated Traveler: Spanx AirEssentials Straight or Wide Leg Pants + Banana Republic V-neck + Spanx Half-Zip + Vionic slip-on loafers + compression socks

The Overnight Flight: Black leggings + merino wool base layer + half-zip sweatshirt + foldable slippers at seat + compression socks + Zestt blanket scarf

The Carry-On Only: prAna Kanab Pants (wear on flight and days of the trip) + graphic tee + light jacket + your bulkiest shoes for the flight + foldable slippers to change into at seat

Ready to Pack Your Carry-On?

Now that your outfit is sorted, let’s make sure your carry-on is too. I always pack a little bag of go-to comfort items for the flight and then have them easily accessible at my feet.

You’re going to want to pack things like:

• gum
• hand sanitizer
• lip balm
• disinfecting wipes
• eye drops
• ibuprofen
• headphones
• charging cables
• reading material
• downloaded movies/shows
• eye mask
• + more listed on my packing list

And if you’re planning an Alaska cruise, I’ve got a dedicated Alaska cruise packing list that covers everything you’ll need for that specific trip.

Hopefully, now you’re ready to relax on your next flight. Picking the perfect long-haul flight outfit will help you survive your next long flight so that you can start enjoying your destination!

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