If you’re planning a trip to Europe and want to know what to wear, we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, there’s nothing quite like exploring Europe in the summertime. From the beaches of Greece to the mountains of Switzerland, you’ll be amazed at how much there is to see—and how little time you have to do it all! One thing that may not be on your radar yet is packing for your trip. You’ve got work and school to think about, so thinking about what clothes to wear in Europe might seem like an afterthought. But don’t worry: we’ve got some tips that will make sure your wardrobe works well for both your time abroad and the rest of your year back home! If you are planning on going to Europe, you need to know what to wear on the plane. In this article we will cover the proper clothing for a flight to Europe.
What to Wear on Plane to Europe
What to wear on plane to Europe
It’s not easy to pack for a trip. You want something that’s comfortable, but also looks good. You want something you can wear again and again, but still feel unique.
And when you’re flying to Europe, the stakes are even higher: there are dozens of countries with their own distinct styles and cultural norms. How do you make sure your clothes are appropriate? How do you know what’s going to be best in each country? And how do you make sure your bag doesn’t weigh too much?
A lot of people think they know what to wear on a plane, but they don’t.
Here’s the truth: you have to wear layers. And you have to choose your layers carefully.
If you’re going to Europe in the winter, that means you need long underwear and some kind of base layer (maybe a shirt or sweater) with a fleece over it if you’re going to be outside. You’ll also want a shell layer—like a raincoat or an insulated jacket—and then, depending on the temperature where you are when you land, maybe some kind of vest or light coat over that.
You can’t go wrong with this combo because it will keep you warm, dry, and comfy all day long!
Deciding what to wear on a long-haul flight can cause a bit of anxiety amongst travellers. With the flight to Europe from Australia taking around 24 hours, it’s essential that you wear comfortable clothing but what should your travelling outfit consist of?
Black stretch pants
White short sleeved t-shirt
Blue cardigan
Blue scarf
Beige jacket
Black shoes (flats)
Compression socks/stockings
Before finalising your travelling wardrobe, consider the following:
What is the climate you are departing from and the climate you are travelling to?
I usually travel to Europe for the months of June and July which means I’m departing Australia in winter and arriving in Europe in summer.
Because of this, my travel outfit includes a cardigan and a light jacket so that I stay warm on the way to the airport and on the flight but can easily remove the top layers when I arrive at my destination.
Do you get cold on flights?
I tend to get cold on planes, particularly when I’m sleeping, so having a light jacket that I can put on is essential for me.
Can the majority of clothing items you plan to wear on the flight be worn at your destination?
On this year’s European holiday we experienced very warm weather and there were only a couple of occasions (mainly at night) when I needed to wear the cardigan.
Whilst the jacket may not have been required during my travels, I don’t regret taking it as on previous trips we’ve experienced a cold snap and it it’s handy to have in case of a cooler day.
Like to know what to pack for your European holiday? One of my most popular articles includes a Packing List for a Summer Holiday in Europe
Make sure the clothing you choose to wear on your long-haul flight:
Is comfortable around the waist
Isn’t too bulky
Looks smart – comfortable doesn’t mean sloppy
Doesn’t crease easily
When choosing your shoes, make sure they aren’t too tight and that they allow a bit of room in case your feet swell during the flight. Flat slip-on shoes are my preference.
What my husband wore on our long-haul flight to Europe
Taking into consideration all of the above factors, my husband’s travelling outfit comprised:
Dark jeans
White t-shirt
Long-sleeved button up shirt
Light jacket
What to Wear on a Plane: The Best Outfits for Traveling
how to dress on an airplane
Traveling can be nerve racking, or even cause anxiety. Probably the last thing that is on our mind is what to wear on a plane. I’ve been on hundreds of flights around the world and can assure you I have mastered the art of how to dress on an airplane. At the end of the 1950’s airplane travel had become quite common, and people were often dressing in their “Sunday’s best” for a plane ride. 70 years later, things have changed and what people are wearing today on a plane is much more casual.
how to travel in style
As someone who travels 2 weeks out of the month I feel confident in advising you on what to wear on a plane. Some days I often feel like I live at the airport since I’m alway there. I’ve broken this article into 6 short sections: What to wear on a short flight, what to wear on an international flight, what to wear if you are traveling business class or first class, what to wear on a plane if you are traveling for work, accessories to wear on a plane, and finishing the article up with things most people forget to pack.
As a general tip, I always pack an extra layer just in case I get cold, such as a hoodie or jacket. Plus you can never go wrong with a basic white shirt.
sleeping mask for flight
What to Wear on an International Flight
What to wear on an international flight is probably my most popular question when it comes to what to wear on a plane. Over the years, I’ve traveled more international flights than I can count.
One of the most important things on an international flight is that you want to be comfortable, for me that is leggings that aren’t’ super tight on the waist and a long sleeve shirt with a jacket I can easily take off. I recommend these sweatpants / leggings and this type of jacket. I tend to prefer a jacket with a hood so I can lean against the window with my hood up and a pillow.
A high quality Sleeping mask is important. Your neighbor on the flight might keep their reading light on, or even the plane might not dim the lights so it’s important you have a sleeping mask available.
Tennis shoes that you can easily slip on and off are important. Avoid wearing any sort of heels or even flip flops. I say this because just in case there is an emergency on the plane you will want to ensure you have the most durable and best shoes on.
business class travel
What to Wear on a Plane if you’re traveling in Business class or First class
If you are one of the lucky few who travel business class or even first class then let me be the first to say I’m jealous. I’ve only flown business class a handful of times, and on the long international flights it’s been amazing (Shout out to British Airways!)
For all intent purposes, I think the way you dress in a business class or first class seat should be the same. Here you will definitely see more experienced travels or business travels in this section. These travelers are much more likely to be in more formal attire. But it begs the question, what should you wear on a plane if you are traveling business or first class?
If it’s an overnight flight, then I definitely recommend you at least pack a pair of comfortable clothes to sleep in. What is really great about business class flights is that the bathroom is actually more spacious allowing you time to change and get ready for “bed.” If you are flying during the day, then it depends, for me, I would wear comfortable jeans and a casual but nice top.
With that being said, what’s nice about some first class airlines is that they provide you with a pair of pajamas to wear on the entire flight. However, typically in business class you are just given a pair of extremely comfortable socks (which are also great in my opinion).
What to Wear on a Plane if you are Traveling for Work
relaxing on an airplane
For the last 5 years, I have traveled for work on average 2 times a month. Over the course of the year that is 24 times. 24 times in an airplane, or traveling by plane. 24 times over the last 5 years is 120 for work alone. One of the trickiest questions is what to wear on a plane if you are traveling for work. Is it business attire, something casual or something in between?
For me it comes down to the distance of the flight and what I have scheduled when I land. If it’s a longer flight, then I tend to dress casual, and when I arrive at the airport quickly change in the airport bathroom into more business attire. For this you need to pack strategically and make sure that you have 1 business attire outfit in your carry on. For my carry on is typically I do a computer bag (or backpack) and then a roller bag (more space).
If it is a shorter flight, I tend to wear a t-shirt and then business pants and shoes. The reason for this is sometimes, I can be quite clumsy or you can hit unexpected turbulence and spill on your shirt, or I’ve even been on a flight where the Air Conditioning barely works making the flight unbearable and extremely warm thus causing me to sweat. Once again, when I arrive at the airport, I quickly change my top and head to my work meeting.
If you are concerned you won’t have time to change upon arrival and have to run into a meeting immediately, then I definitely recommend you wear business attire throughout the entire flight.
what to wear on a plane
Accessories to wear or pack on a plane
What accessories to wear on the plane? This is probably my favorite topic, because this is what I’ve mastered from traveling the world. I can not travel without my Bose noise cancellation headphones, do they cancel a screaming baby next to me? No they don’t, they reduce the sound but it’s not completely cancelled. What they do cancel however, is the constant sound the airplane makes which is very loud. These headphones are an absolute game changer. (Found them in pink for 37% off! ($219) or if you want the traditional black they are original price ($350))
Finally, the last thing I recommend people pack in your carry on, or an accessory is a toothbrush and toothpaste. I cannot tell you how many times on an international flight or just a short flight after I run to the bathroom to brush my teeth.
Forgetting to pack something is probably my least favorite thing. Here are some common things people forget to pack. Spare contacts (in case you lose one) / glasses, chargers, converters for the international travels, and toothbrush covers. I’ve also written a very popular article on tips and tricks when it comes to navigating the airplane and airport.
How to protect yourself from the Coronavirus on a plane
With the outbreak of the CoronaVirus, I decided to add this section to this article. Please let me know if you want an entire article on this subject.
If you are traveling on a flight or even an international flight you may be worried about the coronavirus. I’ve done some research and included a few ways you can protect yourself before a long or even short flight. Make sure you wash your hands as soon as you get on the plane, after the restroom, before meals, and after you sneeze. On the plane pack disinfectant wipes and wipe down your entire area, seat, folding table, window, everything!
Another tip I read about is try to avoid sitting next to someone on the flight, I know this isn’t as easy as it sounds, but wait until the fight is boarded then move seats, or ask before you board your flight. Finally drink water to stay hydrated instead of alcohol, which will lower your immune system.
Recap on what to wear on a plane
In conclusion it’s important to remember to dress comfortably and have a good pair of shoes on during the flight. Safe travels everyone!
What to Wear on a 15-Hour Flight
3. WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHING. Wear clothing that you would be comfortable sleeping in but also going through security check line in. I normally wear black cotton leggings, a loose fitting shirt, and my favorite traveling hoodie.
If you have a long flight coming up and are looking for tips on how to survive it then you have come to the right place. I have taken several long-haul flights recently and have come up with a strategy on how reduce (or even eliminate) jet lag. Let’s begin!
Every time I am in a plane, I see people making little errors that will cause them to get jet lag when they reach their journey. Many people think that jet lag is unavoidable, and in very long flights that is true. However, if a flight is less than 6 hours there is no reason that you should get jet lag, even if you’re crossing time zones. However, with long haul flights jet lag is hard to fight. Especially ones that are over 8 hours.
- DON’T DRINK ALCOHOL OR SODA, STICK TO WATER
The biggest mistake that people make over and over again is drinking too little water and too much alcohol. In truth, even one cup of alcohol is too much when you are flying. At around 12 percent humidity, an airplane cabin is drier than you will find most deserts. This is chiefly a by-product of cruising at high-altitudes, where moisture content is somewhere between low and nonexistent. Therefore, if you drink alcohol in an airplane, it’s worst drinking alcohol in a dessert – which is a guaranteed way to get a headache – especially since alcohol is dehydrating by itself. Do yourself a favor and stick to water or juice. Soda isn’t hydrating either.
- BRING A LARGE EMPTY WATER BOTTLE THROUGH SECURITY THEN FILL IT UP BEFORE YOU GET ON THE PLANE
I recommend bringing a large empty water bottle with you through security then filling it up once you are at your gate. There are two reasons for this. The first is you don’t have to pay the premium price that airports charge for water. The second is that you will not have to ask the flight attendant for more water continuously. In general, they don’t provide people with enough water to not get a headache while flying. It is best to drink eight ounces of water for every hour that you’re on the flight. This will ensure that you are properly hydrated. - WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHING
Wearing my Betabrand hoodie
Wear clothing that you would be comfortable sleeping in but also going through security check line in. I normally wear black cotton leggings, a loose fitting shirt, and my favorite traveling hoodie. This hoodie is from Betabrand and I love it because it has thumbholes, a secret pocket for your flight ticket, and a pocket for your passport. It helps to keep me organized because the two most important pieces of airline travel are always on me, even if my bag isn’t. The hoodie also has a built in eye cover lined with fur that can also transform into a neck pillow. Betabrand has an entire line of men and women’s travel clothing. It’s worth checking out!
- HAVE A FLIGHT KIT AT HAND
I also bring with me a flight kit that makes the journey more enjoyable and helps to reduce jet lag. I always keep this with me in my seat. Since sleeping on a flight is key to adjusting to a time difference, I do everything I can to get to sleep easier. In your kit, you should have:
An eye mask because it’s scientifically proven that people sleep better in total darkness.
ear plugs to quiet the noise from any crying babies on the plane.
lavender oilis my secret weapon. It has calming elements that can help you relax and fall asleep faster.
Two pairs of headphones because if one breaks you don’t want to be stuck on a long flight with no headphones to watch a movie with.
A kindle to read
Chapstick
Two to three healthy snacks that aren’t too salty. The reason they should not have much salt is because the plane cabin is so dry already! Avoiding extra salty snacks, like chips, will help to avoid jet lag.
Moisturizer
Toothbrush & paste
Face wash
Patchology facemasks (1 for every 8 hours you are on the flight)
- MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN EVERY 3 HOURS
Another secret weapon I use is to apply lotion to my face and hands every three hours. This is again because the airplane cabin is dryer than a desert. I love the age-defying starter kit from Cosmedix because it has lotion, face wash, defense serum, and renewal serum in one compact kit. On flights over 8 hours, I will also do a face mask from Patchology. Since your skin is the body’s largest organ, applying lotion to it will help keep you hydrated and reduce the chances of jet lag.
- SET YOUR WATCH TO THE LOCAL TIME IMMEDIATELY
The moment you get on the plane, set your watch to the time zone that you are flying to and base your schedule in the plane off of that. For example, if it is daytime in that location you are traveling to when the plane takes off, try to stay awake until it is bedtime in that location. This will help you adapt to the local time faster.
- KEEP A NORMAL SCHEDULE
Although you’re in a completely abnormal situation, try to do the tasks you would normally do. For example, if you are about to go to sleep, brush your teeth, and do anything else in your bedtime routine. I normally wash my face, put on night lotion, and change into pajamas. I recommend changing once for every 8 hours you are on a flight to feel fresher.
- UPGRADE YOUR SEATS
If you can pull this one off then the rest of the tips don’t really matter. Getting your seat upgraded from economy to literally anything better will be a game changer. There are many ways to try to do this. Sometimes if you want something, all you have to do is ask. When you check in, say to the agent: “If you are upgrading passengers on this flight, I would like to be considered.” Be sure to smile. Many of the people gate agents deal with are complaining; you’ll stand out if you’re friendly and polite.
Remember, the early bird gets the worm. Instead of trying to get the attention of the agent while he or she is busy with other passengers, show up early and be the first one to ask. Your flight may have only one or two upgrades available.
- ADD A STOP OVER
One way to survive a 15 hour flight is to simply not have one! A great strategy to making travel less stressful is to add a stop over at another location when you’re traveling far. AirWander creates unique flight combinations and presents bonus destinations (stopovers) for any itinerary. Only with AirWander travelers can easily add optimal cities to their trip which can reduce their total flight cost and will definitely add wanderlust. Travelers who don’t have time to visit a bonus destination also can benefit from AirWander flight combinations, which can reduce the flight cost by up to 80%.
Doing these nine tips will help you survive a 15-hour flight even if you are in economy seating. Enjoy your flight and have a wonderful trip!
