Clothes for long flights

Short answer: Dress in layers, choose a soft inner layer with no hard seams, and bring a spare layer. The cabin swings between too warm and too cold, and you sit still for many hours.

The cabin is rarely comfortable

The temperature in a cabin is often lower than at home, and the air is very dry. It can be warm at boarding and cold in the middle of the flight. A light long sleeve layer handles both, because you can take it on and off in your seat, see long sleeve styles.

Seams are felt after hours

You sit in the same position for many hours, and what does not bother you for one hour can be irritating after six. Hard seams, tight waistbands and thick labels press against the skin. Flat seams and a soft fabric make the difference, see women's bamboo hoodie.

Dry air and your skin

The air on a plane is dry because it is drawn in from outside at high altitude, where there is almost no moisture. Many people feel it on their skin and in their eyes after a few hours. A soft fabric against the skin is more comfortable in those conditions than a rough one. Drink water during the flight.

Layers you can adjust in your seat

There is not much room to change clothes in an aircraft seat. Choose layers that are easy to take on and off while sitting. A zip hoodie or a loose top is easier than something you have to pull over your head. A thin long sleeve inner layer can stay on the whole way.

A change in your hand luggage

A clean set of underwear after ten hours in the air is the simplest upgrade to a long journey. You can change in the toilet before landing and step off the plane in something fresh. Roll it up in a small pouch so it takes little space. See the styles in bamboo underwear for men.

Your feet on long flights

Feet often swell on long flights, because you sit still for a long time. Wear shoes you can slip off and on again easily, and thin socks. Tight socks with hard elastic can press more than usual. If you have questions about circulation or swollen legs, talk to your doctor before you travel.

A fit for sitting

Clothes that fit when you stand can pull when you sit bent for many hours. Trousers with a soft waistband and some room over the hips are more comfortable than tight jeans. The top should move with you when you lean forward or sleep at an angle in the seat.

After landing

After a long flight the body is often stiff, and your clothes have been worn for many hours. If you changed underwear before landing, carrying on feels easier. Put the worn clothes in a separate bag and wash them as soon as you can, so damp clothes do not sit with the clean ones.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the air so dry on a plane

Because the air is drawn in from outside at high altitude, where there is almost no moisture. It is warmed up, but little moisture is added along the way.

What should you wear on your feet

Thin socks and shoes you can take off and put on again. Feet swell on long flights, so avoid tight socks and shoes that are already snug.

Is it a good idea to sleep in your travel clothes

You can. A soft, thin layer with no hard edges works best, along with a spare layer to put on when the cabin gets cold at night.