Long haul flight - actual clothes I can get now

[ForeverTuesdayMorning]

Right, I'm heading to the other side of the world in 6 weeks and need to decide what to wear on the plane. It's taking up an inordinate amount of space in my brain. Can you help me with actual links to actual clothes I can buy now? Have a Pinterest board but it's full of stuff I can't actually get in the shops which is not helpful.

The spec:

• flying from UK winter to NZ summer (won't be massively hot)
  
• half way stop in Singapore but if we leave the airport it will only be to do that 2 hour transit bus tour thing
  
• reasonable upper end High Street budget (White Co, Hush etc)
  
• I'm 5'2, big boobs, size 12-14ish (damn, the summer got away from me)
  
• travelling economy with 2 kids
  
• I retain water like a camel in my lower legs and feet when I fly
  
  I'd like to look and feel vaguely presentable for the trip but would like to be super comfortable. Will need two outfits probably as last time we went DC1 threw up on me 45 mins into the journey.
  
  So if anyone is bored this weekend and fancies a bit of long haul flight outfit planning, please step this way
  
  

[QuestionableMouse]

Why do you need an outfit to fly in? Pick some comfy trousers or leggings, a couple of tops and maybe a scarf if you get cold on the plane.

[HorlicksBunny]

Oooh, I'm watching this thread. OP I'm also 5ft 2" and hoping to fly to East Asia at end of November. I'd like to hear some suggestions too.

Usually for long haul I've gone for a maxi dress and a cardigan. I can pop on flight socks and slip off my bra (in the loo) and scrunch in my economy seat and try to sleep, maxi dress hides all my sins.

[CountFosco]

I'd wear joggers, a light sweatshirt with a t-shirt or vest underneath and a big but thin scarf (I probably mean a pasmina but let's pretend it's a blanket scarf). The plane's air-con will be cold, take a throw-on thin summer dress for Singapore.

[imsorryiasked]

The White Company have some nice bits in their sale.

[ForeverTuesdayMorning]

Why do i need an outfit to fly in? Why do people need outfits to wear to weddings? To work? On dates? I don't want to look like a complete slob as I like to look half way presentable yet comfortable at the same time. Hope that clears that up.

I hadn't considered a maxi for Singapore. That could work. I couldn't sit for long periods in a dress or skirt though so would need trousers for the main bit. Would like to avoid wool as although it always starts off feeling soft, I find it gets scratchy after a while. Haven't travelled in cashmere before but imagine that would get ruined.

Sweatshirts are comfy but being short and busty I just look enormous in them.

Thanks for responses everyone!

[Kochicoo]

Long sleeved t-shirt,joggers (or other trousers you find comfortable) jersey/ponte blazer and scarf. Roll the blazer into your bag once you've boarded and have an extra cardigan to put on during flight. Take a spare (or even 2) short sleeved lighter t-shirt rolled in your hand luggage to change into once you've landed/in transit.

[QueenofLouisiana]

I’d look at jersey harem style trousers, vans/ superga type shoes, comfy t-shirt and a hoodie/ jacket/ cardi. A wide scarf to use as a wrap or rolled as a neck rest.
Trousers?
Definitely take spare everything, change in Singapore (the in transit hotel isn’t hugely expensive and makes a really good stopping point). There’s also a pool in the airport if you are there in the day time.

[LittleNoSleep]

Hush harems, vest and cardi over

[Tentomidnight]

Harems in black (Hush or Next), tshirt, converse and a cashmere v neck jumper or cardi for the airport/plane/aircon tour bus.
Spare socks to freshen up as needed.
Big tote bag.
Flip flops & sunglasses in bag.

[ForeverTuesdayMorning]

Thanks Kochikoo, a blazer is actually a good idea. Will have a look.

And harems seem universally suggested so I shall look into those. I like those navy ones Queen and they should be easy to style with a top etc.

That's tonight's browsing sorted

[LambChopsMcGee]

I'm just here to say thank you for making me think of the mockers. That's one of my favourite songs!

[slug]

I'm off to NZ over Christmas and will be wearing these on the plane

[LunaTheCat]

Ok I have done NZ -UK-NZ lots times. I am your woman!

• wear stretchy clothes - leggings, t shirts
  
• wear layers - singlet, t shirt with cardigan
  
• take a big scarf than you can wrap around yourself that is wool
  
• it can get hot and cold alternatively
  
• take several changes clothes and lots knickers to change because you can feel quite grotty.
  
• I always take several packets 2 cheap facecloth in each. Means I can go to bathroom and strip off and use one facecloth to wash myself down using real soap then the other to dry myself with - the one I dry myself with I use to wash myself the next time.
  
• take deodorant and moisturise.
  
• don't buy clothes in New Zealand as they are horrendous for high St prices. Although NZ designers are cheaper than British designers. NZ designers I would recommend are Juliette Hogan and Kow Tow. Kow Tow are all made of and organic and ethically produced - the designer doesn't use zips as she can't find zipsthat are ethical enough!
  

-enjoy!

• sorry can't recommend what kids should be wearing but probably similar to you.. if you are travelling with Singapore Airlines they are wonderful with children.

[Diamonddealeroncemore]

This summer I flew from uk to Oz. I have really chunky calves. I decided to wear jersey harem trousers with tee shirt and a short jersey jacket that wouldn’t look creased if I slept in it. I took a big knitted pashmina in my hand luggage in case I was cold on the flight but I didn’t need it. In actual fact though as I was wearing flight stockings (previously had a dvt so they were a must) the harem trousers clung very unattractively so at the last minute I swapped them for wide leg linen trousers and they were very comfortable for the whole journey.

[rubybleu]

Leggings, tshirt, jumper & trainers. Pack a lightish dress & sandals for landing and thick socks for the plane.

No need to dress up for a flight, especially in economy. UK to NZ is basically a test of endurance where comfort should reign supreme.

You can pay for lounge access and have a shower mid-way in Singapore airport. I heartily recommend it. It’s the best shower you will ever have.

[ForeverTuesdayMorning]

You're so welcome LambChops!

Thanks all. I sort of know what to wear, it's just finding the actual garments.

Really don't know why I'm over thinking this. Probably won't care once I'm in the air. I would just dearly love to be one of those people who can walk off a long haul flight looking relatively clean and put together. Actually if I can get on the plane looking clean and put together, that's probably a start

[BringMeTea]

Second, third and fourth pp saying hush harems. I have done a lot of long haul and can't believe I used to travel in jeans! Harems, extra long vest (to avoid lower back chills when rolling around) and a hoody. Then a very big but easily foldable scarf to use as blanket in case it gets cold. The harems not only allow for ease of movement and comfort waist-wise but have cuffed ankles that are essential for wee-ridden 'plane loos.

[badlydrawncat]

I flew to S America earlier this year and bought a pair of Craghoppers NosiLife Clara Cigarette trousers. I wore them on the plane and they're amazing. They look smart - similar to good jeans but they're lighter and stretchier than leggings, they don't crease, have loads of pockets, wash and dry in a flash and are mozzie proof as an added bonus. I wore them with a jersey, long sleeved short tunic and took a merino wrap and a packable down jacket which was used as a travel pillow. It all worked well and was supremely comfortable. The travel trousers are available in a few different styles.

[BringMeTea]

Oh and if you have some, a pair of those unisex hotel slippers. I have these for use when going to said horrid loo. Who wants to shove some shoes on in middle of very long flight when feet have swollen? Regular flipflops also good but take up more space in hand luggage and I travel as light as possible. Enjoy!

[LouiseBrooks]

A tip an Aussie friend gave me years ago for such a long flight - panty liners.

[NC4now]

I flew from Manchester to Delhi last November, with a change in Dubai.
I wore harem pants, a vest top, denim jacket. I wore Ugg boots and a huge warm scarf at Manchester end and carried flip flops and a lighter scarf in my hand luggage for Dubai/Delhi.

[SummerRoberts]

Whatever you are most comfortable in. Nobody dresses up for flights nowadays. I travel long haul somewhat regularly and wear a comfy bralette, Victoria’s Secret yoga pants and a long line long sleeved tee, havaianas and take a cashmere wrap or jumper and cosy socks for on the plane.
You won’t thank yourself for wearing anything along the lines of jeans/dresses.

[Elvisola]

Hush harems, vest and hoodie. Hush harems are the best as lovely elasticated waistband that expands with you.

[GinandGingerBeer]

Definitely Hush hareems, vest or t shirt and a soft hoody, a scarf too in case the air con is chilly either in the airport or on the plane.
Take a lip salve and some Clinique moisturise surge (they often do the small one as a freebe when they have a promo) as your face and lips dry out on the plane.
A maxi dress rolled up in your hand luggage would be relatively easy to change in to. Stick it on over the vest top and whip the harems off.

[Shenanagins]

The last long haul flight I did there was a woman who boarded with a stretch jersey dress, black opaque, trainers and an oversized woollen jumper which appeared to be cashmere.

By the time we landed, the opaques and jumper were off and the trainers had been replaced with sandals. She looked effortlessly cool compared to everyone else.