We all know that travel takes a ton of preparation. The booking, the packing, the dinner reservations. With all the fuss about what to do, see and wear at your destination, it’s easy to forget about the details of actually getting there. But the planes, trains and automobiles portion is a huge part of the trip, so you want to make sure you’re ready for it.
Putting together the right travel outfit is key to ensuring that you endure the stressors of the journey with ease. Here are the most sensible and comfortable things to wear on your next trip, plus some tips for smart travel dressing.
The Perfect Outfit to Wear While Traveling
What you wear when you travel will depend on the weather at every stage of the trip, including your departure, your arrival and the journey itself, but the following suggestions will work well as long as you’re not traveling anywhere with extreme weather. Note: When packing for your trip, make sure to set aside your travel outfit so you don’t have to go rifling through your luggage to find it on the day of departure.
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Base Layers – Every sensibly planned outfit starts with comfy base layers. After all, this is the layer that sits the closest to your skin, so it plays a big role in keeping you at the ideal temperature while managing sweat and odors.
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Underwear. Start with a pair of breathable, seamless underwear to set the stage for a discomfort-free day. Skip anything that’s fussy or binding (ladies: no underwire!) and opt for materials that are breathable and moisture-wicking.
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Top. On top, wear a comfortable T-shirt or tank top that’s soft and helps regulate temperature without adding bulk. Material matters here too. We recommend wearing V-necks made from cotton and polyester since the cotton is ultra-soft and breathable. The poly helps the shirt retain its shape and color so you can wear it throughout your trip without it looking sloppy.
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Socks. You don’t want to be stuck on a cold plane without a pair of warm socks to keep you toasty, so put some thought into this component. You want to choose cotton blend socks that keep your feet cool and dry while mitigating moisture.
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- Mid Layers– The mid layer is the layer of clothing that goes over your underwear but beneath your coat or jacket. This layer is a crucial component for traveling because it lets you choose your temperature. Rock it beneath your coat if you’re chilly on your flight –– say, if you’re sitting by an emergency exit, where it tends to be colder –– or take it off if you get hot trekking through the airport.
- Top. On top of your tank top or T-shirt, wear a lightweight yet warm top that you can easily take on and off. Comfort is key, too. A soft zip-up hoodie or crewneck pullover will do the trick.
- Bottoms. Chances are, you’ll be doing a lot of sitting and walking on your voyage, whether you’re getting there via air, land or sea. That means you want to avoid anything that feels stiff or binding like jeans. Choose a pair of nice leggings or joggers to stay comfortable without looking sloppy. – The top layer is clutch if you tend to get cold when you fly or if you’re traveling to or from somewhere chilly. But you don’t want to risk clogging up valuable suitcase or carry-on space with a bulky coat if you get warm, so keep volume in mind when choosing this layer.
- Top Layers
- Jacket. Of course, the thickness and style of your jacket will depend on how cold it is where you’re headed. In general, though, choose a jacket that’s warm but slim and lightweight to save space.
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Scarf. One of our best tips for fall and winter travel is to rock a blanket scarf on your journey. Not only will it help dress up your look and add style, but it will also serve as a blanket or pillow if needed.
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Tips for Choosing the Right Travel Outfit
Choosing what to wear when you travel is an art rather than a science, and your preferences and style will influence what you choose. With that said, there are some steadfast rules to keep in mind when picking out your on-the-go outfit.
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No Fuss: Go for Comfort – Above all else, wear what’s comfortable. There’s nothing worse than sitting on a long-haul flight with pants that dig into the waist or shoes that rub against the ankle. Make sure you choose soft, breathable, flexible fabrics that help regulate temperature. One great tip is to wear your outfit beforehand for a full day while you run errands or work. If it isn’t comfortable then, it won’t be on a long trip.
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No Muss: Keep It Versatile – Versatility is critical when you’re working with limited suitcase space and don’t have access to your full wardrobe while in flight. Wear clothes that you can also rock throughout your trip and keep it easy with adaptable pieces like neutral crew neck tees that go with everything. Layering is also important to help ensure that you’re comfortable no matter what the journey throws your way.
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No Mess: Go Wrinkle-Free – If you like to take off your middle layer mid-flight or drive, be sure to choose a fabric that’ll rebound fast if you have to stuff it in your backpack or carry-on. You also want to make sure to wear and pack clothes that are stain-resistant and easy to clean in the event of an unexpected spill. Always make sure to pack your stain remover pen in your carry-on just in case!
Safe, Comfy Travels
Whether you dread the voyage or can’t wait to get to the airport, what you wear on your trip can help enhance the experience from start to finish. Take your time coordinating an outfit that’s comfortable, versatile and wearable once you arrive to make the journey as enjoyable as possible.