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Long flights and road trips are stressful enough—the last thing you need to worry about is what you’re wearing. The most comfortable travel outfits will feel great on 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, $118, and Wide Leg Pant, $110
- Lululemon Scuba Oversized Funnel-Neck Half Zip, $118, and Mid-Rise Oversized Jogger, $118
- Alo Muse Hoodie, $108, and Sweatpant, $108
- Nike Sportswear Phoenix Fleece Sweatshirt, $70, and Wide-Leg Sweatpants, $70
- FP Movement Inspire Tank, $28, and For the Win Wide-Leg Pants, $98
- FP Movement Hot Shot Onesie, $70
- Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Sunday Half-Zip, $70, and Essential Wide Leg Sweatpant, $60
- Old Navy Dynamic Fleece Zip Hoodie, $50, and High-Waisted Jogger Sweatpants, $45
- Lillusory 2 Piece Lounge Set, $49
- Quince SuperSoft Fleece Pullover Hoodie, $35, and Cropped Wide Leg Pants, $40
Shop the best travel sets
Spanx
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.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super soft and stretchy | No pockets |
| Fabric feels cool to the touch | Pants run short |
| Pants come in multiple inseam lengths |
Product specs
Material: Modal, polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS to 3X (top), XS to 3X (bottoms)
Lululemon
If you’ve only ever tried Lululemon’s leggings, you’re missing out on the brand's dreamy sweat sets. One SELF editor is newly obsessed with this half-zip sweatshirt and joggers combo. 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.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sweatshirt has hidden phone pocket | Sweatshirt runs large |
| Internal drawstring makes it easy to adjust the fit | |
| Pants come in multiple inseam lengths |
Product specs
Material: Cotton, polyester | Sizes: XS/S to XL/XXL (top), XXXS to XL (bottoms)
Alo
One thing about us? We love Alo’s athleisure—the Accolade Crew Neck and Accolade Straight Leg Sweatpants both won 2023 SELF Activewear Awards. The brand’s Muse set is no exception: One SELF reviewer likes that it looks a little cooler than your average sweats.
“It’s sort of polished as far as sweatsuits go with the ribbing, the tailoring of the joggers, and the crop of the sweatshirt,” she says. “It’s also medium weight, so on planes, it’s not bulky—but it keeps me warm and it’s easy enough to layer over if I need to.”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Soft, mid-weight fabric | Some might find the hoodie too cropped |
| Ribbed material looks sleek | |
| Pants have side pockets |
Product specs
Material: Polyester, rayon, spandex | Sizes: XS to L (top), XXS to L (bottoms)
Nike
This sporty-chic set is perfect for speeding through the airport to get to your gate and relaxing on your flight. Plus, they’re SELF editor-approved: “I love wide-leg sweatpants, and I think these are the comfiest and have a slightly more elevated look,” says associate social media manager Katie Gunderman. “They’re so soft on the inside and thick on the outside, which makes them feel high-quality.”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Soft and roomy | Our tester says both run large |
| Machine-washable |
Product specs
Material: Cotton, polyester | Sizes: XS to XXL (top), XS to XXL (bottoms)
FP Movement
Embrace your ultimate chill in these wide-leg pants that Gunderman swears “are the cool girl boho sweats.” The pants have a drawstring, so you can adjust them to your preferred rise, and they’re long enough to hit past the ankle on the tallest of travelers (take it from Gunderman, who’s six feet). They also go with anything, especially our fave FP Movement Inspire Tank. Both are comfy, cozy, and just the right amount of casual.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pants have an adjustable drawstring | Pants are air dry only |
| Deep side pockets | |
| Tank top is boxy and lightweight |
Product specs
Material: Cotton | Sizes: XS to XL (top), XS to XL (bottoms)
What better way to make travel easy than by rocking a one-piece? The Hot Shot Onesie is light and roomy, making it my staple on trips to warmer destinations. While it’s loose, the shape is flattering (think: model-off-duty vibes). It gets me compliment after compliment—and all I have to do is quickly throw it on in the morning.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has pockets | Very loose fit may not be for everyone |
| Soft and breathable | |
| Easy to layer over or under |
Product specs
Material: Cotton, spandex | Sizes: XS to XL
Abercrombie & Fitch
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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 SELF's senior commerce editor, Sarah Felbin, 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!” Felbin says. “They're perfect for curling up in at home, but cute enough that I’d also wear them on a long flight.”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Warm fleece lining | Pants run long |
| Adjustable drawstring | |
| Pants have side pockets |
Product specs
Material: Cotton, polyester | Sizes: XXS to XL (top), XXS to XL (bottoms)
Old Navy
Dynamic Fleece Zip Hoodie
Old Navy
High-Waisted Dynamic Fleece Joggers
“I love this combo because you're 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.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stretchy fabric | Runs large, according to Old Navy reviewers |
| Zippered pockets | |
| Both pieces come in tall and petite sizes |
Product specs
Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex | Sizes: XS to 4X (top), XS to 4X (bottoms)
Lillusory
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Jazmin Monaè, a flight attendant and content creator, highly recommends this loungewear set from Amazon. “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.”
It's easy to dress up for a nice dinner (especially with the right accessories), but still feels cozy for hanging out around your Airbnb.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be dressed up or down | Some Amazon reviewers say both pieces shrink after the first wash |
| Silky fabric | |
| Sweat-wicking |
Product specs
Material: Viscose, polyamide, polyester | Sizes: S to XL
Quince
If you didn’t know, capris are so back. These cropped wide-leg pants from Quince let your legs breathe, but still feel cozy. One person who recommended Quince to SELF pairs these with the matching hoodie for her travel days. “The set is super soft and comfortable, and it can be worn out or just for lounging around,” she says. “I like that the pants have pockets (both front and back), and they’re good quality, but still affordable.”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fabric is lightweight and sweat-wicking | Not warm enough for colder climates |
| Pants have four pockets | |
| Comes in a bunch of neutral colors |
Product specs
Material: Modal, polyester, spandex | Sizes: XS to XL (top), XS to XL (bottoms)
What to consider when shopping for comfortable travel outfits
Before you pack your bag, start with these shopping tips from people who travel for a living.
Activity
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,” Monaè says. “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.
Material
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.
Related:
- Our Editors Have Tried Dozens of Sweatshirts, and These Are the Very Best
- Our All-Time Favorite Pairs of Sweatpants (You're Welcome)
- I Couldn’t Sleep on Planes, Until I Found This Travel Pillow
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