Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

What do you wear on a long flight?

48 replies

StrawberryCheese · 02/03/2014 16:53

Looking for some tips! I have a 15 hour flight to cope with next month. I've done long flights before but always end up uncomfortable and cold and looking like a complete mess by the end of it. For once, I would like to walk through the arrivals gate looking like a respectable human being.

OP posts:
nancy75 · 02/03/2014 16:54

when we go to Australia i take a tracksuit for on the plane and get changed before we get off

MarshaBrady · 02/03/2014 16:56

We just did 1 hour, 4 hours wait, 3 x 7 hour legs with 4 hour delay. I looked no where near human when we touched down.

But I wore skinnies, ankle boots and an old cashmere jumper I don't care that much about.

juneau · 02/03/2014 16:59

Comfortable, stretchy trousers (not jeans or anything that's tight around the waist), layers on top (vest, cotton long-sleeved top, jumper and cotton pashmina - just a cheap, cotton one, and slip-on, comfortable shoes. It's also a good idea to take a spare set of undies and a clean shirt, just in case of lost luggage, delays or spillages en route.

Earlybird · 02/03/2014 17:02

jeans or cords (not too tight/restricting), smart long sleeved t-shirt, jacket, scarf/pashmina
knit trousers, long sleeved t-shirt, jacket

Take a pair of socks to keep your feet warm on the flight, and remember to wear shoes you can easily take off / put on.

BumWad · 02/03/2014 17:11

Leggings, tunic, scarf, cardy/jumper fleece thing, nice thick socks (shoes come off as soon as I get on a plane).

Apatite1 · 02/03/2014 17:12

Agree with above, easy slip on shoes most important! I take things for comfort: large shawl, socks, books on kindle, toothbrush and paste and cream, small perfume spray (v drying that air) snacks etc.

EduCated · 02/03/2014 17:15

Leggings, and usually a dress I got from H&M, it's a really soft jersey wrap dress that is ridiculously comfortable whilst still looking quite nice. I've actually worn the dss to work a few times, it's plain black and quite respectable Grin And a big soft cardigan to top it off. I try not to take a coa, but then my big flights have always been somewhere warm!

And my MN scarf that doubles up as a blanket/pillow/just generally gets warped around myself. On a 24 hour flight I took clean underwear and leggings, and didn't feel too disgusting when I got there.

And slipper socks in my bag for on the plain.

EduCated · 02/03/2014 17:18

This dress in fact!

nilbyname · 02/03/2014 17:20

I always pack a clean top to change into after long haul. I also have my hair down, freshly washed, then when we land I can sweep it up into a pony tail.

I wear-
jeggings, or harem pants
Converse or nike air
Vest, l/sleeve top
Slouch blazer
Cashmere pashmina
In bag I will have
Very thin but warm jumper to layer on
Slouch socks
Cleansing wipes, good moisturizer and hand cream, ear plugs and eye mask, lip balm, some make up.
Clean l/sleeve top

As soon as I can I take all my make up off, and moisturise. Then when we land I put a bit of make up on and try and fix my hair.

charitygirl · 02/03/2014 17:34

Harems/sports luxey type trousers, then a vest, topped by long sleeve tee, topped by lightweight jacket and big cottony scarf (to deal with the 4 seasons in one plane trip phenomenon). Trainers.

Whatever I wear I look like a paper bag by the time we land.

CMOTDibbler · 02/03/2014 17:39

I do a lot of long haul, and wear either leggings, jersey tunic, long cardi and scarf with some sort of easy shoes or jersey maxi skirt, long sleeve t and cardi.

This is also the only time I use panty liners as it feels less like wearing the same knickers for 24 hours of sitting.

No make up (or take it all off before getting on the plane), hair tied back in a low ponytail.

StrawberryCheese · 02/03/2014 18:05

Thanks everybody!

I will be adding a few things to my holiday shopping list. I might try a pair of harems on, see how ridiculous I look, as they do look comfy.

OP posts:
dottyaboutstripes · 02/03/2014 18:50

I wore skinnies on a 10 hour flight last week and had horrendous tummy ache. Just wear what's comfy. People seriously don't give a toss what you look like

lurkingaround · 02/03/2014 19:12

I wear harems, yes I look daft, but I am seriously comfortable, a tee, and another layer, (cardi, jumper etc). I also wear those flight socks which are not v comfy but I have come across too many DVTs not to. My ankles are slimmer at the end of the journey than at the start! And I usually bring a change of clothing, v light stuff.

Like dotty says, I don't think anyone gives a toss what you look like so dress for comfort.

JasmineL · 02/03/2014 21:43

I would say dress smart casual, but layer up loads. At least that way you can stay warm.

geordiepidge · 02/03/2014 23:57

Another hareems wearer here, I have two pairs of printed ones from the current Next range. Super-comfy and not too baggy. High necked, short sleeved tshirt with a thin but warm merino cardigan on top. Big but thin scarf with high wool content for warmth. On my feet I wear slip on plimsolls and as soon as I'm in my seat I put on my flight socks. In my bag I take an extra pair of normal socks in case it's cold, plus a spare pair of knickers and a full change of (light) clothes suitable for whatever I'm doing the first day there, just in case my bag is delayed (voice of experience).

BlameItOnTheBogey · 03/03/2014 00:31

I have cracked this. The answer is that you buy one of these from Isabella Oliver (I have one in ink not the orange one here) and wear it with a long tee and leggings and ballet flats. Feels like wearing pjs and actually looks presentable.

singaporeswing · 03/03/2014 06:15

Cashmere skinny sweatpants
Long vest top
Comfiest bra and big pants!
Plaid or denim shirt
Pashmina
Flip flops

I normally take a big tote bag (Michael Kors etc) and shove in passport etc, big thick socks, knickers and spare top & toothbrush, iPad, Kindle etc.

If you want to watch the in-flight TV, it's best getting on of those two-pronged adaptors and using your own headphones. I hate the free foam ones.

truelymadlysleepy · 03/03/2014 06:26

Definitely flight socks and yes to your own headphones with adaptor.
Eye drops & a ton of moisturiser. Floss.

winklewoman · 03/03/2014 06:30

How do you get a 'ton' of moisturiser through security? Small tube yes, 10ml or less, but a 'ton'?

Nojustalurker · 03/03/2014 06:41

You can take several 100ml containers
www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/overview

vvviola · 03/03/2014 06:41

I used to work with a very high profile person. She was usually photographed getting on and getting off the plane. So if I'm travelling long-ish haul without the kids or for work (with kids I'm just aiming to get there in one piece), I always follow her example:

Wearing whatever I want to look 'nice' in getting on plane (helps if it isn't easily wrinkled). Minute seatbelt signs go off I change into loose tracksuit, comfy socks and slippers, take off make up and try to sleep as much as possible.

An hour before arrival, change back, do make up and hair, drink lots of water.

DolomitesDonkey · 03/03/2014 06:42

Limit is 100ml, non?

I couldn't remove my make-up. Slightly squiffy, stressed, tired 40 year old bare-faced under fluorescent lights? People would be opening the emergency exits to leap.

winklewoman · 03/03/2014 06:52

Yes, Dolomites, I meant 10cls which is the same as 100mls.

DolomitesDonkey · 03/03/2014 07:06

You can't go around flashing your advanced chemistry credentials this time of the morning!Wink Seems a lot of moisturiser to me anyway.