Everyone is obsessed with swapping travel recommendations. City guides and restaurant must-tries are great, but that’s not the information I prize the most. What I want to know is: What item do you always pack? And more importantly, what are you wearing on the plane?
The Most Comfortable Travel Clothes
If you’re like me, you love to see new places, but hate the process of getting to and from. I’ve learned over the years that glamorizing your travel days can help a great deal. So I asked around the ELLE offices to find out what cozy pieces my colleagues trust and love. Here, find the comfortable travel clothes we never leave home without.
Tops
Foundations are everything, which means you’ll need a good base. I’m obsessed with Joah Brown’s butter-soft fabrics, while you might prefer the worn-in feel of a rugby. Our digital director, Claire Stern Milch, introduced me to this chic matching set from Frank & Eileen, and yes, I’ll be placing my order stat. Though they aren’t technically tops, the ELLE team also loves a one-piece, be it a minimalist maxi dress or a versatile jumpsuit from Gap’s collab with Béis, the ultimate travel-fashion crossover.
Frank and Eileen Capelet & Catherine Sweatpants
Adanola Slouchy Button Up Sweatshirt
Gap Organic Cotton VintageSoft Crop T-Shirt
Now 50% Off
Naked Cashmere Kaia Crew Sweater
Deiji Studios Ribbed-Knit T-Shirt
Eterne Long-Sleeve Crewneck Maxi Dress
Gap × BÉIS Convertible Bandeau Jumpsuit
Bottoms
Good travel pants are not a myth! They do exist—I swear. And much to my surprise, one editor even asked me, “Is it crazy to submit a pair of jeans? It sounds weird, but they’re so comfy.” Other staff favorites include these athleisure trousers, cashmere joggers, and Comme Si’s delectable boxer pants and shorts.
Athleta Pinnacle High Rise Trouser
Now 40% Off
Splits59 Maxie Rigor Track Pant
Madewell Low-Slung Baggy Jeans
Now 57% Off
NakedCashmere Uri Jogger Pant
Deiji Studios Gathered Poplin Midi Skirt
Free People Day’s End Linen Pull-On Pants
Layers
Anyone who’s been on a plane knows the delicate dance of thermoregulation. Generally, flights tend to be cold, but every now and then a stuffy one will make you swear off travel forevermore. Layers are the name of the game. Plus, if you choose well, you can wear the same piece throughout your stay, so go for something versatile that will match with most of your outfits. Sweatshirts are an obvious choice for the plane, but less utilitarian outside the airport. I’m a major fan of a lightweight yet fashionable trench coat, Alo’s surprisingly comfortable blazer, and my go-to jacket from Cos, which can be rolled up and used as a cushion in a pinch. (I’ve worn mine hundreds of times—not kidding.)
Athleta Day Drift Jacket
Now 37% Off
Cos Oversized Quilted Jacket
Aritzia Cozy Sweatfleece Mega Zip Hoodie
Alo Accolade 1/4 Zip Pullover
Banana Republic Denim Trench Coat
Now 50% Off
Kashwere Heathered Chenilla Classic
Aerie Jet Setter Hoodie
Now 30% Off
Shoes
A good travel shoe should be comfortable, first and foremost. Ideally, it’s also easy to slip in and out of, making TSA a smidge less stressful. And it really should be a shoe that you’ll rewear throughout your trip, like the perfect sightseeing sneaker, a work-appropriate loafer, or this editor-approved sandal. Jennifer Lawrence wore these washable Rothy’s mules earlier this year, and we’ve been loving them ever since.
Larroudé Stella Mule
Now 30% Off
Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed Clog
Ugg Tazz II
Hoka Clifton 9
Now 20% Off
Vivaia Chunky Platform Boots
Accessories
Compression socks and cozy wraps might not be the sexiest or most exciting accessories, but they are among the most important. When it comes to travel, the smallest items can make a world of difference, like a bra that feels like wearing nothing at all or a phone case that keeps your essentials close by. And naturally, honorable mention goes to the sold-out collaboration from Cecilie Bahnsen and The North Face, which I would have included below, except I didn’t want to taunt you with something you can’t have.
Negative Underwear Whipped Non Wire Bra
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Heathered Socks
Bao Bao Issey Miyake Lucent Metallic Tote
Away Featherlight Tote
Now 10% Off
Bombas Merino Wool Blend Roll-Top Gripper House Socks
Bandolier Hailey Crossbody Wallet Phone Case
ZenToes Cushioned Compression Socks, Cotton
Now 33% Off
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