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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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