What to Wear for Travel: Men's Airport Outfit Ideas

Whether you're jet-setting off on a family holiday you've been planning for months, an adventurous solo trip or travelling for business, the outfit you wear can greatly impact your flying experience.

When it comes to your airport outfit, you want to wear something that makes you feel good and look good. Here, we'll be sharing our top tips for what to wear when travelling to help inspire your next airport look.

1. Keep it Stylish and Comfortable for Short-Haul Flights

For short-haul flights, which are typically classed as flights that are 5 hours or under, you have the luxury of opting more for style over comfort. Although still keeping it somewhat comfortable will make the flight more enjoyable. We recommend sticking to the basics. A casual short-sleeve t-shirt made from breathable fabric, such as our unique micro modal blend, reacts to your body temperature to help you stay cool or warm. 

A pair of sumptuous sweatpants ensure premium comfort combined with modern style. These will prevent you from feeling too stiff while sitting for a slightly longer short-haul flight. Plus, not forgetting the travel time from the airport to where you're staying, sweatpants are the way to go. If you want to dress smarter, a pair of linen trousers or chinos will still be lightweight and comfortable. 

A stylish pair of trainers or boots will work well for short-haul flights.

2. Feel your Best in Lounge Wear for Long-Haul Flights

Long-haul or international flights that are over 5 hours long call for loungewear. Comfort should be your main priority. Sitting down for a long period of time can be difficult, so you want to wear loose-fitting clothing with stretch. But that doesn't mean you can't look sophisticated and well-travelled. 

Loungewear sets offer head-to-toe luxurious comfort. A matching sweatpant and hoodie set over a soft t-shirt will maintain a smart casual and unrestricted look. If it's an overnight flight, you'll want to wear something you can comfortably sleep in.

Your legs, feet and ankles can become swollen after flying for several hours due to the air pressure, so avoid tight-fitting clothing for long flights and choose shoes such as trainers or running shoes that are spongy and have plenty of room.

3. Dress to Impress for Business Flights

Wearing smart and stylish clothes is essential if you're flying for a business trip and need to look your best on the other side. A long sleeve button-down or a polo shirt made from comfortable and breathable fabric will offer a business-like appeal to your airport outfit. If it gets cold on the plane or you need to dress it up when you arrive, add a smart jacket or blazer over the top.

Choose a pair of dark-coloured chinos or tailored trousers for a relaxed yet smart fit. Avoid wearing jeans or shorts as these won't be appropriate for business trips, even if they're dark-coloured. 

For shorter trips wearing a smart pair of shoes such as leather loafers or boots will maintain a professional look and feel. On long-haul flights, you can wear dark-coloured trainers or slip-on suede loafers to stay as comfortable as possible.

4. Keep it Cool and Casual for Tropical Holiday Destinations

If you're flying to a tropical paradise holiday destination, you'll want to dress for the warmer climate. A short-sleeved t-shirt, polo shirt or a cool and casual lightweight linen shirt are all excellent choices and offer an effortless summer style. 

A pair of chinos or linen trousers will allow you to stay cool in the warmer temperature as you step off the plane while also being stylish. You could also wear a casual pair of soft and breathable linen shorts - a staple for leisure and perfect for warm weather style.

Boat shoes or trainers are ideal for holiday flights, providing both comfort and holiday-ready style.

5. Minimise Accessories

The last thing you want on a flight, whether it's long or short, is to be burdened with accessories. So keep it minimal. A stylish belt and a watch for shorter flights will help enhance your look in a subtle way. For longer flights, a smart leather backpack filled with all your flight essentials, from a book or a tablet to skincare and amenities, will be the most beneficial accessory. If you're on an overnight flight and struggle to sleep, a luxury eye mask crafted from fine silk or pure cashmere will ensure a good few hours of sleep wherever you are.

Be the best-dressed, most-comfortable and most-rested person on your next flight with our frequent flyer luxury loungewear edit.