Knowing what to wear on a long-haul flight can make the difference between arriving rested and arriving stiff, cold and creased. The ideal travel outfit is comfortable enough to sleep in, adaptable to changing cabin temperatures and presentable enough to walk straight into a meeting or a hotel lobby.

This guide covers the principles of a good travel outfit, fabric choices, layering and the pieces we design with travel in mind.

The principles of a good flight outfit

• Comfort without compromise. Nothing tight at the waist, no stiff fabrics, nothing that digs in when you sit for hours.
• Layers. Cabin temperatures change constantly, from the warm boarding gate to a cold night flight.
• Breathable fabrics. Natural and plant-based fibres help regulate temperature and stay fresher for longer.
• Easy on, easy off. Security checks and small spaces reward shoes and layers that come off quickly.
• Crease-resistant, presentable pieces. You want to look put together when you land.

Choose the right fabrics

Modal

Modal is a yarn spun from tree fibres, known for being exceptionally soft, smooth and breathable. It drapes well, resists creasing better than many cottons and feels cool against the skin, which makes it ideal for long journeys.

Loopback cotton

A loopback cotton sweatshirt or hoodie is warm without overheating, thanks to the loops on the inside of the fabric. Learn more in loopback cotton versus fleece.

Bamboo

Bamboo fibres are soft and have natural anti-odour properties, a real advantage after many hours in transit.

What to avoid

Stiff denim, tight waistbands, heavy synthetic fabrics that trap heat and anything that creases badly when you sit.

The Flight Suit: designed for the journey

Our Flight Suit was born from the idea of a luxury aeroplane travel outfit. It is made from modal spun from recycled tree fibres, which feels like a mixture between silk and spandex: hard wearing yet soft. It is the only non-Italian fabric in our collection, and for good reason, as the Portuguese are at the forefront of modal knitting and this fabric is the finest available.

• The Flight Suit Top, in Azure Blue or Jet Black.
• The Flight Suit Bottoms, in the same colours.

Worn together, they form a complete outfit that looks deliberate rather than slouchy. Worn apart, each piece works with the rest of your wardrobe. Find them in our matching sets, and see how modal fits into our sourcing in why we source our fabrics from Italian mills.

How to layer for a flight

1. Base: a soft tee or the Flight Suit Top. The Pearlescent Tee also works well.
2. Mid layer: a hoodie or sweatshirt for the cold part of the flight. The Staple Hoodie in Italian loopback is a reliable choice; browse our hoodies.
3. Outer layer: a jacket or gilet that you can roll up or stow easily.
4. Accessory: a scarf doubles as a blanket or pillow. The Hand Finished Scarf, in 90% wool and 10% cashmere, is soft and warm.

Do not forget your feet

Feet swell on long flights, so loose, slip-on shoes are best. Bring a pair of soft socks for the cabin. Our Bamboo Socks are made from 80% bamboo, spun on special Italian tubular knitting machines, with natural anti-odour properties. Many travellers also choose compression socks on long flights; if you have any health concerns, ask your doctor what is right for you.

What to pack in your carry-on

• A spare tee, so you can change before landing.
• A light layer for unpredictable cabin temperatures.
• A cap for arrival on bright days; our upcycled caps fold easily. See our accessories.
• Toiletries and moisturiser, as cabin air is very dry.

Arriving well

A good travel outfit should take you from the plane to the city without a change. A matching set in a fabric that resists creasing, a quality layer and clean accessories will look composed even after twelve hours in the air. That versatility is at the heart of what we mean by lifestyle-wear.

In short

For a long-haul flight, choose soft, breathable fabrics like modal, loopback cotton and bamboo, avoid anything tight or stiff, and dress in layers you can add or remove. A matching set looks deliberate and stays comfortable: our Flight Suit, made from a Portuguese modal spun from recycled tree fibres, was designed as a luxury travel outfit. Add a hoodie, a scarf and soft socks, and you will land as composed as you boarded. Discover our matching sets.