Long flights and road trips are stressful enough—the last thing you need to worry about is what you’re wearing. The best travel outfits will feel comfortable and look polished whether you’re sitting on a train for hours, running through the airport Home Alone style to catch a connection, or sightseeing as soon as you arrive at your destination.
To make sure these sweats and sets can handle long days, we asked flight attendants for their go-to ’fits when they’re not in uniform. Plus, SELF editors tested a few looks for weeks to see if they’re just as comfy out and about as they are at home. The results? A solid list of cozy yet cute outfits you’ll feel good in anywhere you go.
Our top picks
- Spanx: AirEssentials Half Zip, AirEssentials Wide Leg Pant
- Lululemon: Scuba Oversized Funnel-Neck Half Zip, Scuba Mid-Rise Oversized Jogger
- Abercrombie & Fitch: Essential Sunday Half-Zip, Essential Wide Leg Sweatpant
- Old Navy: Dynamic Fleece Zip Hoodie, High-Waisted Dynamic Fleece Joggers
- Lillusory: 2 Piece Lounge Set
- Vamjump: 2 Piece Outfit
- Merokeety: 2 Piece Outfit
- Quince: SuperSoft Fleece Pullover Hoodie, SuperSoft Fleece Cropped Wide Leg Pants
- Alo: Muse Hoodie, Muse Sweatpant
What to consider when shopping for the best travel outfits
Before you pack your bag, start with these shopping tips from people who travel for a living.
Keep your first-day itinerary and your destination’s climate in mind while you browse—the right set for you should be easy to wear no matter what you’re getting up to. “Typically, when I travel, I have plans as soon as I land, and my travel clothes will reflect that,” Jazmin Monaè, a flight attendant and content creator, tells SELF. “I wear clothes that feel comfortable but don’t look like I’m heading to a workout.”
One of her go-to outfit formulas is drawstring pants with a fitted top and cardigan. Her advice: Look for pants that can be dressed up; that way, if your luggage gets lost, you can still go to that fancy restaurant you saw on Instagram.
Wearing soft, stretchy fabrics is a no-brainer if you know you’ll be sitting for a while en route to your destination. Monaè also recommends looking for breathable, sweat-wicking clothes. “On a long flight, it’s easy to get hot and uncomfortable—I’ve noticed the material makes a huge difference,” she says.
Another tip: Sets made with a higher percentage of cotton or spandex usually don’t wrinkle as easily, Monaè says. “I’ve also noticed that if I roll my clothes and pack them in cubes, I don’t have to iron as often while traveling,” she adds.
Shop the best travel sets
Spanx
Pros
- Super soft and stretchy
- Sleek design
- Feels cooling
- Pants come in multiple inseam lengths
Cons
- No pockets
- Pants run short
I’m no Amtrak Joe, but I frequently take the train from NYC to Boston. While the rail cars can get pretty chilly, the train station is usually sweltering—that’s where this Spanx set comes in. It has the coverage I need to stay warm during the long train ride, but the fabric is breathable and cool to the touch, so I don’t overheat. Soft, stretchy, and silky smooth, AirEssentials is definitely worth the hype.
Material: Modal, polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS to 3X (top) XS to 3X (bottoms)
Lululemon
Pros
- Sweatshirt has hidden phone pocket
- Internal drawstring makes it easy to adjust the fit
- Pants come in multiple inseam lengths
Cons
If you’ve only ever tried Lululemon’s leggings, you’re missing out on some dreamy sweat sets. One SELF editor is newly obsessed with this half-zip sweatshirt and joggers set. The sweatshirt is “soft, roomy, and warm,” and the waistband flares out at the bottom so it doesn’t annoyingly hug your hips, she says. It also has a handy kangaroo pocket with a hidden compartment for your phone or keys.
The pants are just as cozy and oversized: “They give that ‘I’m wearing my boyfriend’s sweats’ look,” our editor says, adding that she wore them for four days straight while on vacation. They have a hidden drawstring so you can adjust how tight they are on your waist, and since they cinch at the ankle, you don’t have to worry about the hems dragging on the airport floor.
Material: Cotton, polyester | Sizes: XS/S to XL/XXL (top), XXXS to XL (bottoms)
Abercrombie & Fitch
Pros
- Warm fleece lining
- Adjustable drawstring
- Pants have side pockets
Cons
We’re throwing it back to seventh grade with this Abercrombie sweat set. The cropped half-zip hits right at your hips for a super flattering silhouette, and one SELF editor says it feels well-made—zero loose threads or pilling. “The inside is ridiculously soft, and I haven’t overheated once while wearing it (a common problem for me),” she adds.
The matching wide-leg pants have a high-rise waistband with a drawstring, so they won’t roll or slide down while you’re walking, reaching up for your luggage, or bending over to grab something from your bag. “These are so warm, soft, and cozy!” our editor says. “They’re perfect for curling up in at home but cute enough that I’d also wear them on a long flight.”
Material: Cotton, polyester | Sizes: XXS to XL (top) XXS to XL (bottoms)
Old Navy
Pros
- Stretchy fabric
- Zippered pockets
- Both pieces come in tall and petite sizes
Cons
- Runs large, according to Old Navy reviewers
“I love this combo because you are completely comfortable, no matter how long your flight might be,” Erica Gregory, a flight attendant and the host of Next Stop, Nonstop Podcast, tells SELF. “Being able to get some sleep, eat, and move around without feeling restricted is absolutely key for me on every flight.”
The joggers are stretchy to give you some breathing room, while the full-zip hoodie is easy to slip in and out of if temps fluctuate. Another nice feature: The top and bottoms both have zippered pockets, so you can safely stash your phone, credit card, and keys.
Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex | Sizes: XS to 4X (top) XS to 4X (bottoms)
Lillusory
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Amazon
Lillusory
Fall Lounge Set (2-Piece)
Pros
- Can be dressed up or down
- Silky fabric
- Sweat-wicking
Cons
- Some Amazon reviewers say they shrink after the first wash
Monaè also recommends this loungewear set, which is a little more versatile and elevated than some others on our list. “My goal when going to the airport is to look as put together as possible for what can be a really hectic day,” she says. “[This set is] perfect for one of those long travel days where I don’t know how long I’m going to be on the plane or in the airport.” Amazon shoppers add that this set is easy to dress up for a nice dinner (especially with the right accessories), but still feels cozy for hanging out around your Airbnb.
Material: Viscose, polyamide, polyester | Sizes: S to XL
VamJump
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Amazon
VamJump
Sweater Lounge Set (2-Piece)
Pros
- Sleek style
- Keeps you warm
Cons
- Some Amazon reviewers say it runs small
