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$89, and Mid-Rise Oversized Jogger, $118 - Alo Muse Hoodie, $108, and Sweatpant, $108
- Nike Sportswear Phoenix Fleece Sweatshirt, $70, and Wide-Leg Sweatpants
$70$60 - 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$25, and High-Waisted Jogger Sweatpants,$45$22 - Lillusory 2 Piece Lounge Set, $49
- Quince SuperSoft Fleece Pullover Hoodie, $35, and Cropped Wide Leg Pants, $40
In this article
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
Material: Cotton, spandex | Sizes: XS to XL
Abercrombie & Fitch
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.”
Material: Cotton, polyester | Sizes: XXS to XL (top), XXS to XL (bottoms)
Old Navy
“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.”
