What to Wear For Travelling: Stylish and Comfortable Travel Outfits

We've all been there, staring into our wardrobe the night before a trip, wondering what clothes to lay out for the long day of travel that awaits. Not only searching for something that looks good, you know you're going to want to feel good too. Whether you're sitting for hours in a car, making your way through crowded airports, or settling into a train seat, a practical and comfortable outfit can make the world of difference when on the road. When you're relaxed in what you're wearing, you’ll feel more put together and more laid-back, meaning you'll be better equipped to handle the inevitable stresses that travel brings. Plus, choosing the right outfit means you'll arrive at your destination equipped with everything you need, feeling fresh and ready to tackle whatever adventures await! So, before setting of, why not read our top tips on what to wear to make your travel experience smoother, more enjoyable, and ultimately more memorable (for all the right reasons)!

Wondering what to wear for travelling? Comfort really is key, whether you're on a long-haul flight or hitting the road!

It comes as no surprise that our number one tip when it comes to choosing a travel outfit is to prioritise comfort! You will most likely find yourself hunched up in small spaces, often for hours on end, be it on a train seat or in your car as you set off on a long trip down the motorway. And trust us, your future self will thank you for choosing loose-fitting, appropriate clothing that adapts to all positions and lets you move freely. So, what should you look out for when selecting a cosy and comfy travel outfit?

Let's start with what to wear on your lower half! We recommend choosing a pair of joggers for long journeys. It's important to opt for a soft fabric that has a good amount of give for maximum ease of movement. Cross-legged, stretched out, curled up… supple material will enable you to get comfy, no matter how you end up sitting! Brushed fleece joggers are a great choice, as this fabric is super-gentle on your skin, meaning you won't feel irritated throughout your journey. They'll keep you nice and cosy too, which is perfect if you're travelling on a train or a plane, as carriages and cabins can get quite nippy after a while. You'll want to ensure that your trousers have an elasticated waistband so that you don't feel restricted, especially when you're sitting down. The waistband will move with your body, avoiding that dreaded feeling of compression. Plus, they don't have any buttons or metal zips, making them all the more comfortable! If it's slightly too warm to wear brushed fleece, sporty joggers in polyester are a great call, as they are more lightweight and breathable, yet just as comfortable. Leggings are also a great option for ladies, thanks to their flexible fabric that moves with your body. Alternatively, a pair of flowy wide-leg trousers or lightweight microfibre cargo trousers with an adjustable waist are ideal travel wear. Slightly smarter than tracksuit trousers, they're a solid choice if you're planning to head straight out after arriving at your destination! On top of that, the latter’s multiple pockets will come in super-handy for storing your essentials. These are a particularly practical pick if you’re trying to work around luggage limitations on trains and planes!

When setting off on your summer holidays, it may however be too warm to get away with even the most lightweight of trousers, especially if you're travelling by car where it can sometimes get uncomfortably hot. A pair of mid-length shorts will be your best friend in this situation! As with your trousers, you're going to want to ensure that you choose a pair with an elasticated waistband, that are made from a soft and stretchy fabric. Avoid stiff denim shorts and opt for a soft jersey or microfibre pair instead. If travelling via air or rail though, just ensure you’re prepped with something to cover your legs if the temperature suddenly drops. Additionally, make sure you check the weather forecast for your destination. There’s nothing worse than wearing shorts and turning up to a place that’s far cooler and drizzlier than expected…

And, when it comes to tops, the choice couldn't be simpler! A t-shirt is a travel essential all year round, worn alone in summer or layered under a jumper when it's a little chilly. We suggest choosing a loose-fitting tee made from cotton, as not only is this fabric comfortable against your skin, but it also allows air to circulate, keeping you cool when you're speeding through security or running to catch your train! Sporty t-shirts made from polyester are also a great choice, especially when the temperature rises, as they are super lightweight and provide unbeatable freedom of movement! And if it's a little chilly, you'll want to bring a jumper to layer on top of your tee. Even if temperatures are high, we suggest always bringing an extra layer with you when you travel so you’ll be equipped for anything – transport aircon, travel delays that run into the night, the need for a makeshift pillow… The list goes on! Nothing beats a classic sweatshirt on a mild day, or a loose-fitting hoody to keep you super snug! However, in our humble opinion, a fleece jacket is your best travel companion. This adjustable extra layer can be zipped up or undone to warm you up or cool you down in a matter of minutes and, if you're planning to take a nap en route, a fleece will replicate the feeling of being wrapped up in a cosy blanket on your sofa, tricking you into feeling like you’re travelling in luxury!

What about practicality? From choosing clothes with pockets to picking the best bag, you'll need to maximise on space when heading on a trip

While comfort is super-important, practicality is another factor you're going to want to consider when choosing your travel outfit. Travelling can be stressful at the best of times, especially if you find yourself at the airport or a busy train station. It's therefore important that you select items that will help make your journey as plain sailing as possible! So, what are some practical features to look out for?

You're going to want to ensure that your clothes have a sufficient number of pockets. Think about it: travel tickets, documents, cash. Having everything right at your fingertips means you can breeze through airports, service stops and train stations without the stress of digging through your bag every time you need something, saving you time and hassle so that you can focus on enjoying your journey. As we’ve already pointed out, cargo trousers are a practical clothing option, as they’re not only lightweight and comfortable, but they have numerous pockets that can be closed using a hook-and-loop tab or buttons, meaning important documents such as boarding passes can be kept secure!

However, when it comes to more valuable items such as your phone and passport, you may want to add an extra layer of security, which is why we recommend always carrying a small bag with you! Shoulder bags, bum bags and banana bags are ideal, as their straps keep them close to your body, making it extremely difficult to lose your belongings. Plus, they usually feature zip closures, meaning you will be far less likely to be targeted by pickpockets.

However, if you're someone who really likes to go bag-free, then it’s worth investing in a jacket with inside pockets. During the warmer months, a lightweight safari jacket or denim jacket will serve you well, while a slightly heavier parka is ideal for autumn and winter trips. The inside pockets of your outer layer will keep your belongings close to your body and out of sight – perfect for all your valuables! And why not invest in a money belt too? These nifty creations feature a hidden zip-up pocket on the inside of your belt, so that you can easily access notes and coins when you're buying a coffee or bottle of water, without having to reach for your wallet!

On the topic of practicality, footwear is key to your travelling success! Everyone has experienced it: running slightly behind and having to pick up the pace to catch the train before it leaves the platform. And nothing will hold you back quite like inappropriate footwear! It's therefore best to confine your smart, structured shoes to your case, and to slide into a comfortable pair of loafers, trainers or sporty sandals for the journey itself. Opt for a pair that are easy to slip on and off if you're passing through airport security or relaxing in the passenger seat of the car! And for those who are road-tripping during the warmer months, you'll want to find a pair of open-toe hook-and-loop sandals to allow your feet to breathe!

Searching for ideas on how to look classy when travelling? From casual co-ord sets for the airport to chic travel outfits, we have some great ideas!

For the fashionistas among you, fear not! Just because you've decided to opt for a practical and comfortable outfit, it doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice style! There are still several ways to appear chic and well-dressed, while feeling comfortable and prepared for your trip!

For effortless style while on the go, why not try coordinating your outfit? It's a simple but effective trick! We recommend investing in a cosy loungewear set or a cool and casual tracksuit. Matching outfits always give off that well-put-together look. Whether you choose an ensemble made up of trousers and a jacket or go for shorts and a sweatshirt in the same colour and material, it's an easy way to seem like you've really put a lot of thought into your outfit. We suggest going for neutral shades such as black or navy for a timeless look, or selecting a stylish beige set in the warmer months. Just avoid white or super pale palettes which will fail to hide perspiration or any accidental spills!

You can then add a splash of colour with your favourite accessories. Nothing screams cool airport outfit like a loungewear set paired with a casual baseball cap! A pop of red or blue will add some fun to your outfit and, for a modern twist, you could even choose a patterned cap. We personally love the look of camouflage print. Another way to elevate your outfit is by adding a scarf. Not only are they chic and elegant, but they are also incredibly practical! If you get a little chilly from the air conditioning while travelling, a scarf will keep you nice and snug. You can even unravel it and use it as a shawl – a travel trick for the ladies! And no road trip outfit would be complete without a cool pair of sunnies! Not only a style staple, sunglasses will come in super-handy when driving. To finish off your look, a classic watch will provide a timeless touch, no matter what you decide to wear. Plus, it’ll keep you punctual, which is essential for travelling well.

If you're not so into accessories, you can still up your style game by layering. Incorporating different layers allows you to play with textures, colours, and patterns, creating a look that is both fashionable and functional! Adding a jacket on top of your loungewear set, for example, will instantly elevate your overall ensemble. Not only does layering provide a stylish aesthetic, but it also offers practicality by allowing you to adapt to changing temperatures during your journey, as you transition from indoors to outdoors.

Get shopping stylish, practical and comfy travel outfits today!

So, there you have it! A rundown of our favourite travel outfits, incorporating comfort, practicality and style! Whether you're navigating crowded airports, settling into a train seat or heading off on a road trip, these style tips will ensure you arrive at your destination looking and feeling your best, ready to embark on the real adventures that await! And, if you’re looking for more travel tips, why not check out our guide on How to Pack a Suitcase?