What to Wear on a Long-Haul Flight: Pants & Comfort Hacks
Happy after a lovely flight from the Faroe Islands!
So, yesterday, our friend who is planning a trip to Japan asked us what pants we usually wear for a long-haul flight. And we realized she’s probably not the only one wondering about that — so we decided to write an article about it!
So, you’ve booked your ticket, packed your bags, and now the eternal question hits: what do I wear on the plane?
It sounds silly until you’re 36,000 feet up, crammed between a snorer and the armrest, regretting every clothing choice you made. We’ve flown everywhere from New Zealand to the Arctic — and trust us, the wrong outfit can ruin a flight.
Here’s our 2025 guide to airplane outfits: personal lessons, science facts, and gear that actually makes long-hauls less miserable.
🧳 Field Notes
What we wear: Loose joggers or thick leggings, always with warm socks. Hoodie + tee combo on top.
What we avoid: Jeans. Skinny anything. Looking stylish, because it really doesn’t matter.
Packing hack: Take a mini deodorant, a bit of lotion and a toothbrush with you. You’ll feel so much refreshed after sleeping!
Mistake we made: Wearing thin leggings on a 14-hour flight (as part of a 30 hours trip). Freeezing even with a blanket!
Pants to avoid on a long-haul plane
Alright, so let’s start with our friend’s question (we won’t mention her name…): the pants!
Let’s be very glamorous here: In the sky, you’re bloated, your skin is dry, and you go from shivering to sweating. No, you don’t have a virus (we also won’t mention any name either…); you’re just on a plane!
So basically, you need to be extra comfy, snuggly, cozy, so you can hopefully relax and maybe sleep a little!
Did you know?
Flying changes your body:
Air pressure = more bloating. Gas expands at altitude (yes, that’s why you fart more). Tight waistbands feel like torture.
Cabin air = desert dry. Humidity drops to Sahara levels, which is why your skin cracks and your nose feels weird.
Temperature rollercoaster. One minute you’re shivering under blasting AC, the next you’re sweating because the cabin is too warm.
Pic: With such a landscape (Greenland ice sheet), you forget any discomfort!
So, what pants should you avoid when flying?
Jeans
Stylish? Sure. Comfortable? Not at altitude. The stiff waistband + bloating = nope. Even oversized jeans will still be a constraint when sitting for hours.Thin leggings
Good for yoga class, but in-flight you’ll freeze. Cabin temps dip and thin fabrics don’t help. Even with a blanket, it gets cold after a few hours. That being said, there are some types of leggings that can work. Keep reading!Tight joggers
Waistbands that dig in will make the pressure bloat worse. And make sure they don’t go up when sitting, the cold will get your ankles too!
Pants we actually recommend
Our go-to bottoms for flying long haul (tested on too many red-eyes):
Yep, Eli is wearing leggings in Svalbard at -35ºC. Bravo!
Comfy joggers — loose, soft, not too tight around the waist and not too short. You can even size up if needed! Something like this.
Thicker leggings — lined or thermal versions keep you cozy without bulk. Avoid fleece lining, as you might overheat, and prefer natural fabrics such as merino leggings. If they’re a base layer, make sure they’re not transparent!
Wide-leg travel pants — airy, comfy, and stylish enough to walk straight into a café after landing. Even more chic with a travel set.
Socks (not pants, but important) — compression socks help reduce swelling and keep circulation moving. Or thick socks (“house” type) to wear when you take off your shoes.
Whatever destination you’re flying to, don’t forget a good travel insurance! Get 5 to 15% off with our partner HeyMondo!
Don’t forget the top half
That’s easy for Mac: he doesn’t wear clothes.
Your pants can only do so much. The magic is in layering:
Hoodie (with a real hood) — block out cabin lights, cover your face to sleep, and skip the scratchy airline blanket. Something like this, but of course much cooler if you bought it on one of your fabulous trips!
T-shirt underneath — when the cabin suddenly heats up or you land somewhere tropical (or with crazy heating on in the airport) you’ll be glad you can peel down to a tee.
Big scarf/blanket — doubles as a shawl, pillow, or actual blanket. Travel scarf here.
Think onion strategy: add and shed layers as the cabin mood swings.
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Up north, don’t expect a jet bridge. Many Arctic airports are literally snow strips, and you’ll walk straight off the plane into the elements. If it’s –30°C and you’re in thin leggings, well… consider it a very brisk welcome to the Arctic. Layer up before you land!
Fun (and slightly gross) plane facts
Jake, happy to get some very fresh air in Kiruna, Lapland
Yes, your farts get worse on planes. Cabin pressure makes gas expand 30% more than normal. Tight waistbands = extra regret.
Why you cry at movies. Low oxygen + dry air + stress makes even cartoons feel like Oscar-worthy tragedies.
Why it’s often freezing. Airlines keep cabins cool because passengers faint less at lower temps.
Why it’s sometimes boiling. Warm cabins save fuel. That’s when your t-shirt earns its spot.
FAQ: What to wear on a long-haul flight in 2025
Are jeans good for flying?
Not really. The waistband digs in as your stomach expands. Comfier options: joggers, leggings, or wide-leg pants. That being said, Jake does it. Yuck.
What tops should I wear on a plane?
Layer up: start with a t-shirt, add a hoodie or sweater, and keep a scarf handy. Flexibility is key.
Should I wear compression socks on flights?
Yes. They reduce swelling and help prevent circulation issues, especially on flights over 4 hours.
Are leggings okay for long flights?
Yes — but thicker, lined ones are better. Thin leggings can leave you shivering.
What’s the one thing not to forget?
Warm socks. Cold feet will ruin your flight faster than turbulence.
Here is our personal travel playlist:
Flying isn’t glamorous anymore, but it doesn’t have to be torture either. Jeans and tight waistbands are out. Joggers, thick leggings, wide-leg pants, compression socks, and layers on top are in.
Bring a hoodie you can hide in, a t-shirt for when things heat up, and a scarf that doubles as a blanket. Trust us — your future self (and your seatmate) will thank you.
👉 For more practical traveling & packing wisdom, check out:
🧊 What to Wear for a Northern Lights Trip
🎒 Our Packing Guide
🌌 Our Arctic Travel Guide
⏰ Tips to Reduce Jet Lag
