What to wear on a long flight: comfort rules that work

What should you wear on a long flight? Comfort and layers. You will sit for hours in a cabin that can feel cold, then warm, then cold again.

The rule

Dress in three easy layers: a soft top, a warm layer and a scarf or wrap. Add loose trousers, and shoes you can slip off.

Worked example for a 10-hour flight: leggings or loose trousers, a soft tee, a zip fleece, a big scarf, and thick socks with slip-on shoes.

Why it works

Cabin temperature varies, and you cannot control it. Layers let you adjust. Tight jeans and waistbands get uncomfortable when you sit for hours. Feet can swell on long flights, so shoes you can loosen help. This is the wear-on-the-plane rule from the 10-day carry-on list: bulky things go on your body.

What to leave out

• Stiff jeans
• Belts with big buckles (they set off scanners)
• Lace-up boots that take five minutes to remove
• Anything that creases and that you need to look good on arrival

The exception

Compression socks may help some people on long flights. Ask your doctor first if you have circulation problems, are pregnant or have had a clot. Walk the aisle and move your legs when the crew says it is safe.

If you are landing straight into an event, pack the outfit in your cabin bag and change before you arrive. For a formal one, see what to wear to a destination wedding.

Shoes and feet

Feet often swell in the air. Wear shoes with room, or ones with laces you can loosen. Take them off in your seat if the crew allows it, and keep a pair of socks on. Do not walk barefoot in the cabin or toilets.

What to keep in your seat

Keep a small pouch in the seat pocket: lip balm, hand cream, headphones, a pen and a snack. A scarf or thin jumper rolled behind your neck makes a decent pillow. Keep a spare top in your bag in case of a spill or delay.

What about dressing up

Dressing up for the plane is not required. If you must arrive looking smart, pack the outfit in your carry-on and change in the airport lounge or toilet before you leave the terminal. A jacket worn over comfortable clothes is a good middle ground.