Here’s what you should wear on long flights
Travel-specific materials and cuts make these outfits ready for the skies.
It’s time to ditch the sweats and baggy T-shirt that make up your default travel outfit. Instead, opt for better-fitting garments that will endure the delays, cramped quarters, and poor ventilation of a long haul. You’ll also want clothing that you could rock even for a few days if your luggage goes on its own vacation. These items are comfy and, thanks to smart fabric and construction choices, will keep you chill and smelling fresh.
1. Eddie Bauer Voyager 2.0 Jacket
A durable water-repellent finish protects this garment and everything you put into its six pockets. Two-way stretch fabric gives when you reach to turn on an overhead light.
2. Lululemon Commission Pants
Lycra in these slim-cut cotton slacks leave room for pre-flight stretches without fear of a split seat. A zippered fifth pocket on the front left snugly holds a smartphone.
3. EMS Women’s Techwick Essence
This polyester knit pullover moves moisture away from the skin as you sweat. An outer antimicrobial coating minimizes your odds of getting ripe, even if onboard ventilation fails.
4. Scottevest Hoodie Cotton
Can’t stand being separated from every gadget you brought? The 21 hidden pockets in this cotton and polyester sweatshirt will let you keep them all on you—even an iPad.
5. Smartwool Merino Boxers
These briefs are woven from nylon and merino wool fibers, which will wick sweat, reduce smells, and dry quickly after a wash in a hotel sink. Flat seams prevent chafing.
6. L.L.Bean Stretch-Tek Travel Pants
Thanks to a water-resistant layer, errant ginger ale will roll off these nylon and spandex slacks. A flexible, low-riding waist keeps them from creeping up when you sit down.
7. Orvis Tech Chambray Shirt
Three small circular vents in the armpits of this stretchy linen and gingham button-down let in cool air to stop you from getting swampy. Triple-stitched seams resist tearing.
8. Exofficio Travel Bra and Bikini
A thick band around the bottom of this bra prevents it from rolling and digging in. Sheer mesh panels on the hips of the briefs give them more flex than bunch if you wiggle.
This article was originally published in the Spring 2019 Transportation issue of Popular Science.
