Jet-setting may sound like a breeze, but deciding what to wear on a long-haul flight can be a tricky exercise.
After hours upon end sitting in a cramped cabin, trying to sneak in a few hours of shut-eye whilst the recirculated air dries out your skin, thoughts about style can fly right out the window.
If you want to maintain some globe-trotter panache when you step foot in a foreign land then comfort is key, but no-one looks good in a onesie, especially in the daytime. Crumpled tracksuits aren’t much better, and terry-cloth should be reserved exclusively for towelling.
We’re not suggesting you take flight in stilettos (can you imagine trying to totter back to your seat during turbulence?) but there is a middle-ground where you can look good and – more importantly – feel good when you touch down to start your hols.
Top-to-toe: What to wear on a long haul flight
Hair
If your hair is long, a side plait is the perfect low-maintenance hairstyle to wear on a long-haul flight. It won’t dig in anywhere and you can wriggle and writhe to your heart’s content without becoming too dishevelled. If you’ve got a shorter style, then rock the volume from the start and chances are you’ll come off looking better than when you boarded!
Face
You may not put the rubbish out without a full face on at home, but make-up will not last on a long-haul flight! The air conditioning will dry out your skin, so you’re much better off with a small tube of moisturiser to keep skin replenished. Choose one with an SPF if you’re landing in the daytime so skin is protected the instant you step into the sun.
Jewellery
Whilst you’re better off taking less expensive jewellery on holiday, should the worst happen, you’re better off packing it in your suitcase as a) it won’t set off any alarms as you enter the airport and b) it won’t scratch or annoy you as you try to get comfy. Stick to the minimum – a simple, understated pendant and your rings.
Outfit
A maxi-dress is easily the best option when determining what to wear for a long-haul flight. Jeans can be uncomfortable after that amount of time, especially if you’re arriving somewhere hot; tracksuit bottoms should be reserved for the gym and shorter skirts can have you worrying about decency. A maxi-dress is the perfect item to keep you covered up and to regulate your temperature too – you can pull on some tights and a cardigan or shirt if you’re too cold and take them off when you land!
Shoes
Your feet can swell a little during the flight, so don’t pick anything that’s already on the tight side. A simple pair of light, comfy pumps or slip on sandals that you can easily step into is ideal. Our top tip? Pack a pair of slippers in your hand luggage to wear mid-flight. That air-con can get chilly, and having some home comforts will help you relax.
In short – keep it simple and style and comfort will follow!
Do you have any top tips about what to wear on a long-haul flight?
