Best Travel Clothes for Comfortable Long Flights

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Although there is a certain allure to celebrity airport fashion, the days of dressing like a star when flying are long gone. Savvy private jet travellers know that comfort goes hand in hand with a pleasurable flight experience – and a large part of on-board comfort is determined by what you wear. Putting together a travel-friendly outfit does not mean you have to sacrifice style.

If you need guidance on what to wear on long flights or on a private jet charter, we invite you to read on. Our practical tips on picking the best travel clothes for long-distance flights will enable you to combine style with comfort effortlessly.

CHOOSE LOOSE FITTING CLOTHES

In 2010, Lady Gaga boarded a transatlantic flight wearing Alexander McQueen “armadillo shoes” and a tight outfit of black and yellow tape. During the flight, the pop star began to experience symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, a potentially dangerous condition commonly caused by a combination of in-flight risk factors like dehydration, low cabin pressure and immobility. Luckily for Gaga, when noticing her legs had been swelling up during the flight, she knew something was wrong. Taking the cabin crew’s advice, she changed into something a little more comfortable.

Chances are your wardrobe is not quite as eccentric as that of Gaga, but if you do have a statement outfit or a pair of 12-inch-high heels lurking in your closet, it’s perhaps best to keep such apparel for an appropriate occasion.

The best travel clothes to wear when flying long distances or chartering a private jet on a long-distance flight are loose pieces that are less likely to incite an artery blockage. With the recent rise of loose and comfortable pants like genie or harem pants, and palazzo pants making a comeback, you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for comfort.

Other travel-friendly options include stretchable jeans woven with a small percentage of Spandex or loose boyfriend jeans. Not only will they keep you comfortable and relaxed until the plane touches the tarmac again, but they have the added benefit of not creasing.

GO FOR NATURAL, BREATHABLE FABRICS

Although hot, crowded check-in lines are not part of the private jet charter experience, travelling by plane does require hauling luggage and being in confined spaces, which can leave even the most seasoned traveller slightly flustered. Moving between the airport and the air-conditioned plane involves different environments each with its own climate (not to mention the destination’s climate).

For this reason, the type of fabric you wear when travelling by plane can make a significant difference to your overall experience. Due to the constant temperature fluctuations when travelling it’s advisable to wear natural fabrics that are breathable. Garments made from cotton or linen make for the best travel clothes, as they will provide sufficient ventilation to keep you dry and comfortable.

LAYER IT UP

To be fully prepared for the multitude of temperature changes throughout your journey, we recommend dressing in layers that can be peeled off or added as needed.

There is a basic formula to the perfect travel outfit. Basically, you only need four items:

• A loose, soft top, button-down shirt or t-shirt
• A warm, long cardigan, pullover or neutral jacket
• A scarf or pashmina (that can double up as a blanket)
• Loose or stretchable pants or jeans

To enhance mobility during your flight, we recommend avoiding stiff textures like leather.

PICK THE RIGHT SHOES

To complete your travel look you need the right pair of shoes. Flying involves quite a bit of walking and being on your feet, so it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes that won’t slow down your airport stride.

The value of a good pair of sneakers cannot be overstated. Celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon and Rihanna regularly swap their red carpet heels for comfortable kicks when enjoying their off-duty time. Even Prince William and Kate Middleton have been spotted wearing sneakers cheering on participants of a marathon clad.

Aside from giving the wearer the opportunity to make a fashion statement, sneakers are extremely comfortable and therefore ideal for private jet travel.

Another great option would be slip-on shoes such as loafers or pumps. These provide much-needed comfort and their easy-on, easy-off nature makes them perfect for easing through security.

Although nothing is off-limits when travelling by private jet, think twice before wearing sandals or flip-flops. Aside from being a potential safety hazard during flight emergencies, open shoes expose your feet to the chilly flow of air inside the cabin, which could make for a less than ideal flight experience.

COMPRESSION SOCKS

We’ve already mentioned the potential danger to deep vein thrombosis. If you are going to be wearing socks, it’s a good idea to opt for compression socks, especially if you are travelling on a long-distance flight where you will have to remain seated for long periods.

Compression socks are designed to help improve blood circulation and to prevent legs from becoming red, swollen and heavy due to constrained movement. There are plenty of fashionable compression sock designs to choose from, so they won’t hamper your style.

PACK AN EXTRA OUTFIT

Since it’s much easier to change outfits when you fly private than commercial, many private jet travellers have an outfit for the plane and one to change into when exiting the plane. The luxury of arriving at your destination well rested – even after a long flight – means that you can get straight to where you need to be. So it’s great to be prepared and be able to dress for whatever the occasion brings.