On a plane it is best to wear soft, breathable layers: a knit top, supple trousers with an elastic waistband, a fine-knit cardigan and easy slip-ons. A long flight calls for clothes that sit comfortably, but you also want to look polished on arrival. With the right materials and a few smart layers that is easy.
Choose soft, supple materials
Tight fabrics and stiff seams become uncomfortable after a few hours of sitting. Choose soft knitwear and trousers that drape smoothly. Materials such as lyocell and merino wool breathe well and stay fresh for longer, even on a long journey.
Work with layers
On a plane the temperature changes a lot. Start with a base layer (knit top or T-shirt), add a fine-knit cardigan or polo and bring a light jacket. That way you adapt easily, from a warm terminal to a cool cabin.
Trousers that move with you
Trousers with an elastic waistband or trousers with stretch look just as polished as classic trousers, but are much more comfortable when sitting. Choose a dark colour, then creases are less noticeable.
Shoes and accessories
- Shoes: slip-ons or loafers are easy at security and comfortable on board.
- Bag: a roomy, understated bag that fits your laptop and an extra layer.
- Colours: keep it neutral (navy, cream, black), so that on arrival everything also goes with the rest of your clothes.
A travel outfit at a glance
Cream knit top, navy trousers with an elastic waistband, fine-knit cardigan, loafers and a light jacket. Comfortable enough for ten hours of flying, polished enough for an appointment straight away.
Three travel outfits for different flights
- Short business flight: the Liorah in navy, a cable-knit polo with gold-coloured buttons, with the Florence in grey. You can walk straight into a meeting.
- Long flight to the sun: a cream knit top, the Florence in white and the Veronique in light grey as a cardigan. On arrival in the heat you put the cardigan in your bag.
- Men, weekend away: a navy polo, dark stretch trousers, loafers and the Maximilian in beige, a wool cardigan with a business cut that you also wear as a light jacket.
Which material works best during a flight?
| Material | Comfort when sitting | Creasing | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyocell | Cool and soft | Little | Ideal as a cardigan or polo |
| Merino wool | Warm and breathable | Little | Lovely for cold cabins |
| Viscose knit | Supple and light | Medium | Lovely as a base layer |
| Trousers with elastane | Moves with you | Little | Choose a dark colour |
| Stiff denim | Pinches after a few hours | Medium | Better saved for the destination |
Fit for a long sit
During a flight you sit for hours in the same position, so fit matters. Choose a waistband that doesn't pinch when you sit and a leg that isn't tight around the calf, because legs can swell a little while flying. Flared, ankle-length trousers such as the Florence hang loosely along the leg and keep looking neat. Tops may fall slightly looser than you would wear at the office, as long as the shoulder seam stays in place.
What do you put in your hand luggage?
- An extra thin layer, such as a knit T-shirt, for when you get warm or spill something.
- Warm socks for the cold cabin.
- A foldable scarf that doubles as a blanket.
- A small clothes brush to remove fluff before landing.
On arrival: how to look fresh again
Hang up your clothes straight after arriving. If you have no time, hang trousers or a blouse in the bathroom while you shower: the steam removes most creases. Air knitwear overnight by an open window, and it will feel like new the next morning. On our care instructions page you can read how to look after each material on the road.
Travelling in autumn: dressing for two climates
Anyone leaving at the end of October often steps out of a cool, wet Netherlands and arrives at a destination that is much warmer or, on the contrary, colder. So dress in layers that you can wear separately from one another. Start with a thin top that already looks complete on its own, so on arrival in the sun you only have to take off your upper layers. Bring a cardigan that also works as a light jacket, and wear your heaviest jacket at the airport instead of packing it. That way there is room in your suitcase and you have the right layer to hand for every climate.
Colours that work on the road
A travel wardrobe in two or three colours makes packing much easier. Choose a dark base, such as navy or grey, and complement it with cream, white or beige. Dark trousers hide creases and small stains, light tops give your face some freshness back after a long flight. Everything you bring goes together this way, so you make more outfits with fewer pieces at your destination.
Shoes for the airport
At an airport you often walk more than you think: from the check-in desk to security and through long corridors to the gate. Choose shoes that you take off and put on without laces, with a soft sole. Loafers and slip-ons are ideal. Wear socks, even with loafers, because the floor at security is cold and your feet can swell a little during the flight.
Shop the look
Liorah: polo women, navy
Florence: flared trousers, white
Florence: flared trousers, grey
Veronique: lyocell cardigan, light grey
Maximilian: wool jacket men, beige
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fabric to travel in?
Supple, breathable fabrics that crease little, such as lyocell, merino wool or a trouser fabric with stretch.
How do I prevent creases after a flight?
Choose dark colours and supple materials, and hang up your clothes straight on arrival so small creases disappear by themselves.
Can you wear white trousers on a plane?
Yes, if you bring a thin, dark outer layer and are careful with food and drink. White trousers actually look fresh and polished on arrival.
What do you wear for a night flight?
Choose your softest layers: a knit top, trousers with an elastic waistband, warm socks and a cardigan you can use as a blanket.
Discover the complete Airport collection for women.
