As a travel writer, I get on an airplane at least once a month, which means a lot of packing and unpacking. It can be stressful, but one thing I've done that makes my travel days easier is wearing the same exact outfit every time I fly.
I call it my travel uniform, and it’s become one less thing I have to worry about, as I know this outfit is comfortable and will get me to my destination without looking like a wrinkled mess.
The key elements include comfortable black pants that won't wrinkle, a tech shirt that keeps odors at bay, sneakers (with compression socks I put on before boarding), a lightweight sweatshirt or sweater, and a pashmina tucked in my travel backpack in case I get cold.
Here's why it works, and what you should look for when choosing your own airplane uniform.
In this article
Vuori Performance Joggers
I swear, I've had these Vuori Performance Joggers for years. One single pair has made it across the country and back too many times to count.
The reason I wear them repeatedly has to do with a few standout design elements.
First, they have a loose elastic waist that I can tighten with a drawstring. Nothing is worse than sitting on a plane for hours in tight pants.
I also really like that they are cinched at the ankles. Nobody wants to deal with their pants dragging on the bathroom floor. Yuck. And if you're a taller woman like I am, consider men's joggers over women's, as they offer a bit more length.
They also have pockets, which are big enough to hold a phone or passport if I need to quickly stash something in a security line. There's also a small zippered pocket where I tuck my chapstick or other tiny items that are easy to lose.
While polished looking, they are basically sweatpants that won't pill or look wrinkled when I arrive, which is important if I land before hotel check-in time and don't have a chance to freshen up. Plus, in black, they will keep any spilled coffee a secret.
A Tech Shirt
Long travel days can leave anyone feeling less than fresh, and the last thing I want is to be the source of unpleasant odors on a plane, or elsewhere.
I've found the best way to keep sweat at bay while traveling is to wear a moisture-wicking tech shirt. My favorites are the active short-sleeve tees from Merrell, but you can find similar styles at REI or other sporting-goods stores.
This material dries quickly, which is important if that glass of ginger ale goes awry. Other travelers swear by materials like merino wool and bamboo.
Once I get to my destination, I can easily refresh my shirt before wearing it again using laundry detergent sheets for a quick sink wash.
Cute but Comfy Sneakers
As much as I want to wear my beloved Birkenstocks wherever I go, I always choose to wear sneakers on the airplane.
For starters, sneakers are bulkier than sandals. By wearing them, I free up room in my carry-on so I don't have to check a bag. I also don't like the idea of bare feet on airplanes. I just don't.
I have a few pairs of travel sneakers that I rotate through, but my favorites right now are these white sneakers from Dr. Scholl's. They're comfortable but not geriatric-looking. Dirt easily rubs off, and they go with all sorts of outfits.
Just make sure whatever shoes you wear on the plane aren't ones you're wearing for the first time to avoid discomfort or blisters.
A Light Sweatshirt and a Pashmina
One key to a travel uniform is dressing in layers. Often, when you board the plane, it will be hot and stuffy because it has been sitting at the gate with no air conditioning. Then you'll get underway, and the air starts blasting, and you'll be instantly cold.
Since you don't want to be one of those people demanding the cabin temp be adjusted to suit their needs, I recommend bringing a light sweatshirt that you can easily tuck into your carry-on bag. Hoodies can be too bulky, but a thin layer will keep you warm without taking up much space.
I also like to have a colorful pashmina as a last resort for super-cold airplanes. It seems that blankets are less available these days (and do you really trust they are clean?). Having a pashmina keeps me cozy during long flights, and I can also roll it up as a pillow or use as a sling for my feet. When I arrive, it's easy to bring along as an accessory for chilly evenings.
The Shortcut
A travel uniform eliminates decision fatigue, which is especially helpful when getting ready for a trip.
Wear drawstring-waist, cinched-ankle joggers instead of jeans or wide-leg pants. They don't comfortable, wrinkle-resistent, and won't ever touch gross floors.
Opt for a moisture-wicking tech shirt. It dries fast if a drink spills and refreshes with a quick sink wash and detergent sheets.
Choose sneakers over sandals on planes: they save carry-on space and keep your feet covered through the TSA line.
Layer a thin sweatshirt and a pashmina instead of one heavy layer. Plane temps swing from stuffy to freezing, and blankets aren't a given anymore.
