Traveling by plane doesn't mean sacrificing your style for the sake of comfort. However, finding the perfect balance between a comfortable outfit and a polished look can sometimes be a challenge.<\/p>\n
The often intense air conditioning in the cabins, the long hours spent sitting, the temperature variations between the airport and the destination, not to mention the security checks: all these constraints must be anticipated.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Here we offer you practical advice on how to travel dressed in a way that is both practical and elegant, regardless of your body type.<\/p>\n
Clothing for flying: prioritize comfort above all<\/h2>\n
Opt for natural and breathable materials.<\/h3>\n
The choice of materials is the foundation of good travel attire. Natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wool, cashmere, silk, TENCEL, and modal<\/strong> offer unparalleled breathability over long periods.<\/p>\n
These materials naturally regulate body temperature and remain soft against the skin, even after several hours of flight.<\/p>\n
Conversely, synthetic materials prove to be not very breathable<\/strong> and quickly become uncomfortable during a long-haul flight.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
They trap heat and humidity, turning a simple journey into an unpleasant experience. It's therefore best to avoid them altogether.<\/p>\n
Opt for loose, non-tight cuts.<\/h3>\n
Tight-fitting clothing may look stylish at boarding, but it quickly becomes a source of discomfort during the flight. Loose, unrestricted cuts allow for complete freedom of movement<\/strong> , essential when sitting for extended periods.<\/p>\n
Limbs tend to swell slightly at altitude, which exacerbates any compression from clothing. On a long-haul flight, comfort must clearly take precedence over purely aesthetic considerations.<\/p>\n
The ideal outfit for a long-haul flight<\/h2>\n
The bottom half of the outfit: leggings, joggers and wide-legged trousers<\/h3>\n
For the bottom, several options naturally come to mind. Leggings, jogging pants, wide-leg trousers, and soft chinos offer complete freedom of movement and are ideal for long hours of sitting<\/strong> . They adapt to changing positions without ever restricting movement.<\/p>\n
Tight or slim jeans, on the other hand, represent a classic mistake. Legs swell on airplanes<\/strong> , causing tingling, pins and needles, and real discomfort.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
While jeans remain a staple, a wide-leg boyfriend style or stretch jeans are acceptable alternatives. Stretch fabrics make all the difference in the long run.<\/p>\n
The top layer: comfortable sweaters, sweatshirts, and t-shirts<\/h3>\n
For tops, opt for loose-fitting t-shirts with short or long sleeves, hoodies, and sweaters in cotton or natural fibers. These pieces effortlessly combine practicality and comfort.<\/p>\n
Wearing a tank top alone is a common mistake.<\/p>\n
The air conditioning in cabins can quickly cool the air<\/strong> , making this type of top insufficient. A sweater, vest, shawl, or cardigan is then essential as an additional layer.<\/p>\n
Wear clothes to cope with the air conditioning on the plane<\/h2>\n
The principle of layering or superimposing layers<\/h3>\n
Layering, or a multi-layered system<\/i> , allows for adaptation to temperature variations between the airport, the cabin, and the destination. This principle is implemented at three levels.<\/p>\n
The first layer, lightweight and functional, can be a short-sleeved top or a sports bra. The second layer provides thermal comfort thanks to a t-shirt or long-sleeved top made of natural fibers.<\/p>\n
The third layer, finally, protects against the cold: hoodie, cardigan, light jacket or parka in winter.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
According to a study published in 2019 by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the average cabin temperature ranges between 18 and 24 \u00b0C<\/strong> , with significant variations depending on the area of the aircraft.<\/p>\n
Anticipating these temperature differences through layering remains the most effective strategy.<\/p>\n
Textile accessories to protect yourself from the cold in the cabin<\/h3>\n
A thin scarf, a neckerchief, or a turtleneck sweater effectively protects the throat from the effects of air conditioning. These lightweight items are easy to pack and prove invaluable on board.<\/p>\n
Warm wool or cashmere socks<\/strong> prevent your feet from getting cold during the flight.<\/p>\n
For long journeys, packing travel slippers in your cabin baggage allows you to take off your shoes comfortably without walking barefoot on the plane floor.<\/p>\n
How to dress to easily pass through security checks<\/h2>\n
Avoid metallic elements in clothing<\/h3>\n
Wearing a large amount of jewelry significantly slows down the security checkpoints. Watches, rings, necklaces, belts, and earrings must be removed<\/strong> , resulting in wasted time and the risk of forgetting them.<\/p>\n
Packing these accessories directly into your luggage before boarding remains the safest solution.<\/p>\n
Bra underwires, metal buttons, and belt buckles also trigger the detectors.<\/p>\n
A soft, wire-free sports bra in cotton or TENCEL represents a comfortable and hassle-free alternative here.<\/p>\n
Choose clothes that are easy to take off and put back on<\/h3>\n
Security checks require speed and simplicity.<\/p>\n
A light jacket and slip-on shoes<\/strong> make the process much easier. Also, remember to empty your pockets of any coins before going through the security gate.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
One last detail that is often overlooked: checking the condition of your socks.<\/p>\n
They will be visible when shoes are removed, and a holey sock in front of an entire line<\/i> is an easily avoidable situation.<\/p>\n
The ideal shoes for airplane travel<\/h2>\n
Sneakers and flat shoes: the best allies<\/h3>\n
Flat shoes, comfortable and easy to remove, remain the top favorites for flying.<\/p>\n
Sneakers and hiking shoes allow you to move around easily in the airport as well as in the cabin, while also facilitating passage through security checks.<\/p>\n
\n
- Classic sneakers, lightweight and flexible, adapt to all body shapes and all flight lengths.<\/li>\n
- Hiking sneakers offer superior support and a cushioned sole ideal for long walks in the airport.<\/li>\n
- Laceless moccasins combine elegance and practicality, easy to slip on and off in seconds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Shoes to absolutely avoid on a plane<\/h3>\n
High heels are completely unsuitable for walking in the aisles of an airplane and for the kilometers walked in an airport.<\/p>\n
Flip-flops, thongs and open sandals pose hygiene problems<\/strong> (splashes in the toilet) and safety problems in case of emergency evacuation.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Travel slippers, slipped into cabin baggage, offer an ideal solution for comfortably removing shoes during a flight.<\/p>\n
Clothing and accessories to avoid when flying<\/h2>\n
Clothing items to leave in your suitcase<\/h3>\n
Some clothes deserve to stay home on departure day. Ultra-slim jeans top the list, becoming uncomfortable after just one hour of sitting.<\/p>\n
Tank tops worn alone expose you to the cold in the cabin, and clothes you care about are at risk of getting dirty or damaged during security checks.<\/p>\n
Synthetic materials that are not very breathable and clothing containing metallic elements unnecessarily complicate passage through the security gates.<\/p>\n
The golden rule remains simplicity<\/strong> : understated pieces, made of natural materials, without metallic ornaments.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Jewelry and accessories not to wear on a plane<\/h3>\n
Wearing multiple pieces of jewelry on the day of a flight creates more problems than it solves. Watches, rings, necklaces, earrings, and belts<\/strong> must be removed at security checkpoints, increasing the risk of loss or forgetting them.<\/p>\n
The wisest solution is to pack them directly in your luggage before even arriving at the airport.<\/p>\n
Complete your outfit with useful accessories<\/h2>\n
A cap and scarf for stylish travel<\/h3>\n
A baseball cap or a thin beanie ticks all the boxes: practical, stylish, and useful upon landing to protect from the sun.<\/p>\n
After several hours of flying, this discreet accessory conceals tired hair<\/i> with casual elegance.<\/p>\n
The thin scarf or headscarf accomplishes several missions at once.<\/p>\n
It protects against the cold air conditioning, folds up in seconds, and stores away easily. A versatile accessory to always pack in your carry-on luggage.<\/p>\n
Essential cabin comfort accessories<\/h3>\n
Three accessories transform a flight into a relaxing experience. Earplugs reduce ambient noise, neighbors' snoring, and repeated announcements.<\/p>\n
The sleep mask or eye mask blocks ambient light to promote sleep, both day and night.<\/p>\n
Finally, the cervical support pillow supports the neck and prevents stiff neck<\/strong> during long flights; it attaches practically to a backpack strap.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Advice for people prone to circulatory problems on airplanes<\/h2>\n
Compression stockings: a solution to consider<\/h3>\n
According to the World Health Organization, the risk of deep vein thrombosis (phlebitis) increases two to three times on flights of more than four hours<\/strong> .<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
For people prone to circulatory problems, heavy legs, edema or varicose veins, wearing compression stockings should be considered after medical advice, including on short flights.<\/p>\n
To be able to put on these stockings comfortably, choosing sufficiently wide trousers<\/strong> is essential. Loose-fitting joggers or wide-leg trousers with an elasticated waistband are ideal for this purpose.<\/p>\n
Adjust your clothing to promote blood circulation<\/h3>\n
Non-compressive clothing remains essential to facilitate blood circulation during the flight. Loose-fitting pants, non-compressive leggings, and flexible fabrics prevent any compression of the limbs.<\/p>\n
Freedom of movement comes first<\/i> , especially during long hours of standing still at high altitude.<\/p>\n
3 outfit ideas for women traveling by plane<\/h2>\n
Casual attire: maximum comfort guaranteed<\/h3>\n
A pair of pajama-style joggers combined with a loose-fitting sweatshirt and sneakers is the epitome of airplane comfort. This combination fully embraces its casual side while still maintaining a polished look.<\/p>\n
Ideal for long flights where rest is paramount, it allows you to arrive rested and relaxed without looking like you've slept in your clothes.<\/p>\n
The elegant outfit: style and practicality combined<\/h3>\n
Wide-leg pleated trousers or trousers in light, stretchy technical fabric, paired with a knit sweater and loafers or dress sneakers, embody the perfect balance between chic and practicality.<\/p>\n
This outfit allows you to arrive at your destination looking presentable<\/strong> without sacrificing comfort during the flight. It is suitable for both business trips and vacations.<\/p>\n
\n
- Wide-leg pleated trousers in stretch technical fabric<\/li>\n
- Fine knit sweater made of natural fibers<\/li>\n
- Simple and elegant loafers or sneakers<\/li>\n
- A thin scarf to protect oneself from the air conditioning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What to wear for a short flight in Europe<\/h2>\n
A more relaxed yet still thoughtful outfit<\/h3>\n
For flights under two hours, clothing<\/a> can be more casual and less focused on extreme comfort. However, it's still wise to avoid ultra-slim jeans, which are uncomfortable even for short periods of sitting, and to comply with security procedures.<\/p>\n
Essential adjustments even for short journeys<\/h3>\n
Even on a short flight, some recommendations still apply. Easy-to-remove shoes, the absence of metal frames<\/strong> , and limiting bulky jewelry simplify going through security.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
A light scarf is also useful, as the air conditioning can be intense even on a short journey.<\/p>\n
The essentials for a perfect airplane outfit<\/h2>\n
The essential pieces to have in your outfit<\/h3>\n
A successful airplane outfit relies on a few fundamentals: comfortable and loose-fitting bottoms<\/strong> , a top made of breathable natural material, an extra warm layer such as a cardigan or light jacket, flat shoes that are easy to remove, and warm socks made of wool or cashmere.<\/p>\n
Each of these pieces contributes to the overall comfort of the journey.<\/p>\n
\n
- Loose bottoms: leggings, jogging pants or wide-legged trousers in natural materials<\/li>\n
- Breathable top in cotton, TENCEL or modal<\/li>\n
- Warm layer: cardigan, sweatshirt or light jacket<\/li>\n
- Flat, slip-on shoes<\/li>\n
- Warm wool or cashmere socks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Carry-on luggage: a change of clothes and practical essentials<\/h3>\n
A large, soft-sided cabin bag allows you to carry essentials and a complete change of clothes, invaluable in case your luggage is lost. Clothing with multiple pockets makes it easy to access travel documents.<\/p>\n
Travel slippers, a sleep mask, earplugs and a neck pillow ideally complement this travel kit.<\/p>\n
The essentials in brief: the best tips for dressing appropriately on a plane<\/h2>\n
The three golden rules for a successful airplane outfit<\/h3>\n
Three fundamental principles guide the choice of effective flight attire. Prioritizing comfort and breathable natural materials<\/strong> is the first absolute rule.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Adopting layering to cope with temperature variations between the airport, the cabin and the destination forms the second pillar.<\/p>\n
Choosing flat shoes and clothing without metal elements to facilitate checks represents the third essential rule.<\/p>\n
Adapt your clothing to the duration and destination of the flight<\/h3>\n
The duration of the flight and the destination directly influence clothing choices. On a long-haul flight, breathable fabrics, loose cuts and comfortable accessories<\/i> become essential.<\/p>\n
On a short flight, more casual attire is perfectly acceptable, provided you follow a few basic rules. In any case, dressing well while traveling doesn't mean sacrificing comfort: style and practicality can always go hand in hand<\/strong> .<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Traveling by plane doesn't mean sacrificing your style for the sake of comfort. However, finding the perfect balance...","protected":false},"author":8409,"featured_media":439253,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable_msn":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[96338],"tags":[97759],"class_list":["post-439251","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-voyage","tag-news"],"image":{"medium":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Tenue-voyage-avion-femme-conseils-de-style-200x114.jpg",200,114,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Tenue-voyage-avion-femme-conseils-de-style-500x284.jpg",500,284,true]},"custom":{"td_video":"","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Tenue-voyage-avion-femme-conseils-de-style.jpg","author":{"name":"St\u00e9phanie Petit","avatar":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/stephanie-96x96.jpg"},"categories":[{"term_id":96338,"name":"Travel","slug":"voyage","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":96510,"taxonomy":"category","description":"
The Travel section of The Body Optimist shares destination ideas<\/strong> and practical advice for planning your trips, close to home or abroad: preparation, budget, packing, transportation, solo or family travel. We also cover what guidebooks often leave out, like traveling with peace of mind in a fat body, on a plane or at the beach, so everyone can get away and truly relax.<\/p>\n
What you\u2019ll find in the Travel section<\/h2>\n
\n
- Destination ideas<\/strong>: weekend getaways, islands and European cities, like these stunning Spanish islands<\/a>, plus off-the-beaten-path spots closer to home.<\/li>\n
- Traveling solo<\/strong>: choosing a reassuring destination, planning your itinerary and finding safe destinations for women traveling alone<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Budget<\/strong>: traveling off-season, comparing transportation options, choosing where to stay and avoiding baggage fees.<\/li>\n
- Traveling in a bigger body<\/strong>: comfort on the plane, choosing your seat, seatbelt extenders and clothes suited to long trips.<\/li>\n
- Planning and packing<\/strong>: travel documents, passport photos, carry-on bags and folding tricks to save space.<\/li>\n
- Tourism and society<\/strong>: overtourism, new ways to travel and cultures around the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How can you fly comfortably as a plus-size traveler?<\/h2>\n
A comfortable flight starts when you book. Check seat width and legroom on the airline\u2019s website or on a seat map, and if possible reserve an aisle seat or a row with extra legroom. Read the airline\u2019s policy for passengers who need more space, sometimes called a \u201ccustomer of size\u201d policy: some airlines let you buy a second seat, occasionally refundable, while others don\u2019t. On board, you can discreetly ask a flight attendant for a seatbelt extender. Wear soft, stretchy clothes without a tight waistband, and get up regularly to stretch your legs. Our tips on choosing the best seat on a long-haul flight<\/a> round out this advice.<\/p>\n
Our approach<\/h2>\n
We talk about travel without clich\u00e9s: no \u201cbeach body\u201d to earn before you go, no destination reserved for one body type or budget. We focus on practical advice, accessible ideas and real-life experiences, and we also tackle the thornier topics, like overtourism and the environmental impact of travel. Our goal: helping you travel the way you want, solo, as a couple, with friends or with family.<\/p>\n
Articles to start with<\/h2>\n
\n
- Our ideas for comfortable, stylish outfits for flying<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- How to choose the right suitcase<\/a> for the way you travel.<\/li>\n
- A clothes-folding technique<\/a> to make the most of the space in your suitcase.<\/li>\n
- Our guide to flying while pregnant<\/a>, with practical tips to go over with your health care provider.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
Where should you go on your first solo trip?<\/h3>\n
For a first solo trip, choose a destination known to be safe, well served by public transportation and where you can easily make yourself understood. A large, walkable city, a region of your own country you\u2019ve never explored, or a stay at a guesthouse or hostel lets you find your footing gently.<\/p>\n
When is the cheapest time to travel?<\/h3>\n
Prices generally drop outside school vacations and holiday weekends. The shoulder seasons between peak and off-peak periods (late spring and early fall in the Northern Hemisphere) often strike a good balance between pleasant weather, lower prices and smaller crowds. Being flexible with your dates, comparing trains, buses and flights, and traveling with just a carry-on can also help you save.<\/p>\n
Can you ask for a seatbelt extender on a plane?<\/h3>\n
Yes. Most airlines carry seatbelt extenders on board and lend them on request; you can discreetly ask a flight attendant as soon as you board. For safety reasons, airlines generally require you to use their own approved extender rather than a personal one.<\/p>\n
Want to go further? Build a vacation wardrobe that feels like you with our Fashion<\/a> section, and travel more responsibly with our Green<\/a> section.<\/p>","parent":0,"count":288,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":96338,"category_count":288,"category_description":"
The Travel section of The Body Optimist shares destination ideas<\/strong> and practical advice for planning your trips, close to home or abroad: preparation, budget, packing, transportation, solo or family travel. We also cover what guidebooks often leave out, like traveling with peace of mind in a fat body, on a plane or at the beach, so everyone can get away and truly relax.<\/p>\n
What you\u2019ll find in the Travel section<\/h2>\n
\n
- Destination ideas<\/strong>: weekend getaways, islands and European cities, like these stunning Spanish islands<\/a>, plus off-the-beaten-path spots closer to home.<\/li>\n
- Traveling solo<\/strong>: choosing a reassuring destination, planning your itinerary and finding safe destinations for women traveling alone<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Budget<\/strong>: traveling off-season, comparing transportation options, choosing where to stay and avoiding baggage fees.<\/li>\n
- Traveling in a bigger body<\/strong>: comfort on the plane, choosing your seat, seatbelt extenders and clothes suited to long trips.<\/li>\n
- Planning and packing<\/strong>: travel documents, passport photos, carry-on bags and folding tricks to save space.<\/li>\n
- Tourism and society<\/strong>: overtourism, new ways to travel and cultures around the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How can you fly comfortably as a plus-size traveler?<\/h2>\n
A comfortable flight starts when you book. Check seat width and legroom on the airline\u2019s website or on a seat map, and if possible reserve an aisle seat or a row with extra legroom. Read the airline\u2019s policy for passengers who need more space, sometimes called a \u201ccustomer of size\u201d policy: some airlines let you buy a second seat, occasionally refundable, while others don\u2019t. On board, you can discreetly ask a flight attendant for a seatbelt extender. Wear soft, stretchy clothes without a tight waistband, and get up regularly to stretch your legs. Our tips on choosing the best seat on a long-haul flight<\/a> round out this advice.<\/p>\n
Our approach<\/h2>\n
We talk about travel without clich\u00e9s: no \u201cbeach body\u201d to earn before you go, no destination reserved for one body type or budget. We focus on practical advice, accessible ideas and real-life experiences, and we also tackle the thornier topics, like overtourism and the environmental impact of travel. Our goal: helping you travel the way you want, solo, as a couple, with friends or with family.<\/p>\n
Articles to start with<\/h2>\n
\n
- Our ideas for comfortable, stylish outfits for flying<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- How to choose the right suitcase<\/a> for the way you travel.<\/li>\n
- A clothes-folding technique<\/a> to make the most of the space in your suitcase.<\/li>\n
- Our guide to flying while pregnant<\/a>, with practical tips to go over with your health care provider.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
Where should you go on your first solo trip?<\/h3>\n
For a first solo trip, choose a destination known to be safe, well served by public transportation and where you can easily make yourself understood. A large, walkable city, a region of your own country you\u2019ve never explored, or a stay at a guesthouse or hostel lets you find your footing gently.<\/p>\n
When is the cheapest time to travel?<\/h3>\n
Prices generally drop outside school vacations and holiday weekends. The shoulder seasons between peak and off-peak periods (late spring and early fall in the Northern Hemisphere) often strike a good balance between pleasant weather, lower prices and smaller crowds. Being flexible with your dates, comparing trains, buses and flights, and traveling with just a carry-on can also help you save.<\/p>\n
Can you ask for a seatbelt extender on a plane?<\/h3>\n
Yes. Most airlines carry seatbelt extenders on board and lend them on request; you can discreetly ask a flight attendant as soon as you board. For safety reasons, airlines generally require you to use their own approved extender rather than a personal one.<\/p>\n
Want to go further? Build a vacation wardrobe that feels like you with our Fashion<\/a> section, and travel more responsibly with our Green<\/a> section.<\/p>","cat_name":"Travel","category_nicename":"voyage","category_parent":0}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/439251","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8409"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=439251"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/439251\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":444514,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/439251\/revisions\/444514"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/439253"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=439251"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=439251"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=439251"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}