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Long distance flight outfit

21 replies

Whodrankmytea · 10/10/2025 04:19

Looking for something comfortable but not too scruffy looking for a long distance flight leaving a cold UK and arriving somewhere hot. Also something for a shorter person (5ft) so don't suit wide legged trousers and ideally something in a petite or shorter length.

OP posts:
StellaShining · 10/10/2025 04:30

A pair of linen trousers with an elastic waist, a couple of tshirts (one to change into nearer the destination) and a light cardigan. Always pack a spare pair of underwear and socks. You’ll want slip on shoes on the flight, like sliders. Wear with socks on the flight and when you arrive at your destination you can take them off.

LadyGreyandlemoncurd · 10/10/2025 05:12

I’d go for trousers similar to this: https://www.johnlewis.com/accessorize-embroidered-crinkle-trousers-khaki/p113735894 (not necessarily these ones but light and floaty, draw string waist, non iron fabric). Comfy and
They can also be worn on holiday (especially if luggage gets lost). Whereas things like jogging bottoms or leggings are comfy but you probably won’t want to wear them if you’re somewhere hot or if you want to look a bit smarter.

Tops, I’d just wear a loose white or black cotton t-shirt (with a couple of spares in my hand luggage).

Definitely wear a cardigan over the top because planes can be freezing. And pack some warm socks in your hand luggage.

I’d wear trainers/tennis shoes because they’re usually my biggest/heaviest shoe that I’m taking. They are also the easiest for walking around the airport.

And I always have a massive lightweight cotton/linen scarf in my bag. I find airplanes are often cold but it’s also good rolled up as a pillow and can be used as a beach towel/picnic blanket/sarong etc once you get there (I have one similar to this: https://www.pippah.com/products/gerroa-cotton-turkish-scarf). I bought one on holiday years ago and it’s one of my favourite items.

I always try to choose something versatile to wear on the plane and pack a change of clothes (including top and lightweight trousers, underwear and swimsuit) in my hand luggage because I’ve had my luggage lost before, I’ve also had things spilled on me by other passengers so it’s nice to have a spare!

Accessorize Embroidered Crinkle Trousers, Khaki

Buy Accessorize Embroidered Crinkle Trousers, Khaki from our Women's Trousers & Leggings range at John Lewis & Partners. Free Delivery on orders over £50.

https://www.johnlewis.com/accessorize-embroidered-crinkle-trousers-khaki/p113735894

TheJoanCollins · 10/10/2025 08:09

I tend to wear elasticated linen trousers ( in petite), a vest with a built in bra, a linen shirt and lightweight jumper, big cashmere scarf and Skechers slip in trainers. The reason being, I bloat on long flights, so don’t want to wear anything that’s too tight. Layering helps with the fluctuating temperatures on the plane and the bra vest is comfortable, but still modest, even if you have a big bust.
This is the one I buy
https://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-ribbed-scoop-neck-bra-vest-top/p/clp60716207?color=WHITE#intid=pid_pg1pip14g4r1c1

M&S

Cotton Rich Ribbed Scoop Neck Bra Vest Top | M&S Collection | M&S

This soft, breathable ribbed vest top offers everyday comfort and support for your casual wardrobe. Cut to a regular fit with a flattering scoop neckline, it features a discreet integrated bra for added support. The textured ribbed finish gives this sl...

https://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-ribbed-scoop-neck-bra-vest-top/p/clp60716207?color=WHITE#intid=pid_pg1pip14g4r1c1

Zempy · 10/10/2025 08:13

I feel the cold easily, so I layer up.

Long sleeve cotton t shirt, cashmere sweater, linen trousers and socks. Plus a scarf and coat if it’s long haul.

TheJoanCollins · 10/10/2025 08:21

… size up with the bra vest. I’m a size 12-14 and wear the large.

Lobelia123 · 10/10/2025 08:55

I like to travel in a long loose shift dress. Three quarter length or to the floor, with easy slip on and off shoes. Loose, so doesnt constrict when you sit down. long so doesnt ride up when you sleep, flattering to your shape and comfortable. Can also be as elegant as you can manage while travelling....and obviously very easy to layer up or down with denim jacket, soft cardigan or shawl etc

TheChosenTwo · 10/10/2025 08:59

I always travel in leggings, a vest and then if it’s chilly here a couple more layers on top. Definitely an oversized sweatshirt.
How long are you realistically in the heat at the other end before you get changed? I always end up in an air conditioned airport and then in air conditioned transport, immediately into air conditioned accommodation - a few minutes transitioning between each where I may be outside and fine in leggings and a vest.
I hate the cold and really feel it, very rarely feel too hot so it works for me and is, most importantly, comfortable for travel.

MarshaMarshaMarsha · 10/10/2025 22:49

Black cuffed joggers, black drapey tshirt (can take a lighter coloured one to change into) and a slouchy cardigan. I have one similar to this that is comfy to travel in. www.debenhams.com/product/izabel-london-open-front-hooded-longline-cardigan_p-c550fe03-7a63-4c85-be21-f11da2cfd78a?colour=Black

Lotusflow · 11/10/2025 10:31

Elastic waist linen trousers with a t shirt and cashmere jumper to wear on the flight.

AlanJohnsonsBeemer · 11/10/2025 10:36

I also wear thin, black cuffed joggers, vest with built in bra and long cardigan, my favourite socks and trainers with Birkenstocks in my carry on. The sandals are for putting on over socks for toilet visits on the plane (glam 😂) and then wearing when I disembark in the heat.

Kelvinator1 · 11/10/2025 17:30

The key here is the cuffed joggers. Otherwise you have to roll up the hems/tuck into socks every time you visit the loo

Isometimeswonder · 11/10/2025 17:35

Kelvinator1 · 11/10/2025 17:30

The key here is the cuffed joggers. Otherwise you have to roll up the hems/tuck into socks every time you visit the loo

I came here to say that.
You do NOT want trousers getting on the toilet floor!
Side note... I saw someone using a airplane toilet BAREFOOT! Grim

Isometimeswonder · 11/10/2025 17:35

I came here to say that.
You do NOT want trousers getting on the toilet floor!
Side note... I saw someone using a airplane toilet BAREFOOT! Grim

CountryQueen · 11/10/2025 18:11

Flight socks.

ilovesushi · 11/10/2025 18:21

A cashmere or merino wool sweater with a t-shirt underneath and a pair of nice light weight joggers with ankle cuffs (so they don't drag on the floor). Some pretty jewellery. I travelled like this for work and my case went astray so I ended up having to wear my travel clothes the next day before I could get to the shops. After the initial horror, I actually felt fairly put together - ish.

caringcarer · 11/10/2025 18:22

I like harem pants with elasticated waist and T shirt that is a bit too big. A cardigan if it might be chilly.

crumpet · 11/10/2025 18:27

i have really comfortable stretchy wide leg jeans that I wear. I don’t like anything too light or floaty as I get cold

Whodrankmytea · 15/10/2025 05:45

Thanks for the suggestions. Love those tops @TheJoanCollins and have ordered in black and white. I have some linen mix trousers I can wear I think. So many of you have mentioned a cashmere jumper/cardigan which I think I now need - any suggestions where to buy from?

OP posts:
Elektra1 · 15/10/2025 06:01

Sweaty Betty joggers with one of their sand wash sweaters makes a very comfy but nice looking long haul flight outfit

DysonLover1 · 15/10/2025 06:14

Smart look at the airport, jeans, shirt, blazer, trainers with thick soles for lots of walking in the airport. I fly business so generally change into lounge wear in the lounge before boarding - Sweaty Betty joggers, long sleeved T shirt, & a sweatshirt. Key is to layer up on top as one minute planes can be freezing to boiling the next. Big scarf / pashmina too in your carry on.

Twilightstarbright · 15/10/2025 12:34

I wear an empire line maxi dress with leggings underneath and a cardigan and cotton sarong/scarf. Landing in hot country I shed the cardi, scarf and leggings. Bloat friendly too.

uniqlo do packaway puffer coats that are brilliant for winter sun holidays.

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