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Well-dressed woman standing next to a jet plane
Yaroslav Astakhov | Adobe Stock

11 Travel Clothes That Feel Like Pajamas (But Look First Class)

SmarterTravel

It’s the eternal dilemma: You want to wear sweatpants to be comfortable on your long trip, but you also want to look presentable (and avoid judgmental stares) at the airport and when you arrive. Problem solved—these 11 carefully curated pieces may feel like pajamas, but they look like first class. 

State Cashmere The Mock-Neck Quarter Zip Polo Sweater

Model wearing the State Cashmere The Mock-Neck Quarter Zip Polo Sweater in black
State Cashmere

Cashmere is a great choice for long flights. It feels soft and luxurious, and offers plenty of lightweight warmth in chilly cabins. State Cashmere’s Mock-Neck Quarter Zip Polo Sweater looks polished and can be worn off the plane when you need a warmer layer.

Orvis Favorite Printed Tee Modal Dress

Orvis

Orvis’ Favorite Printed Tee Modal Dress is designed to feel like you’re wearing shorts and a tee-shirt—while you look pulled-together (no effort required). The buttery soft cotton/modal fabric is breathable and stretchy, so you won’t be restricted (even in a tiny coach seat). 

A gathered stretch waist flatters all body types—and there are even two large pockets on the sides of the dress.

 

Unbound Merino Lightweight Merino Travel Pants

Model wearing the Unbound Merino Lightweight Merino Travel Pants in black
Unbound Merino

Merino wool is another solid fabric for long travel days. The non-scratchy wool helps regulate your temperature, resists odors, and never wrinkles. Unbound Merino’s Merino Travel Pants are made from a superfine merino wool that’s lighter and silkier than regular wool or cotton. The relaxed fit pants feature a slip-on waist that’s comfortable no matter how long you sit, and the pants thankfully even have functional pockets.

Eddie Bauer Men’s Baja Short-Sleeve Shirt

Model wearing the Eddie Bauer Men’s Baja Short-Sleeve Shirt
Eddie Bauer

Made from 100 percent cotton, Eddie Bauer’s Baja Short-Sleeve Shirt is pre-shrunk so you can toss it in the washer and dryer without worry after your flight. The shirt is super breathable, making it a great pick for warm weather trips.

Luxeire Classic Button Up

Model wearing the Luxeire Classic Button Up in royal blue
Luxeire

Need to make a good impression as soon as you land? Luxeire’s Classic Button Up looks like a traditional shirt, but is made from an eco-friendly technical fabric that’s soft and wrinkle-resistant. 

Unlike regular button-downs, this shirt is designed to minimize gaping and stay tucked in for the perfect tailored fit.

Vionic Willa Slip-On Flat

The Vionic Willa Slip-On Flat in taupe
Vionic Shoes

Don’t be that person who takes their shoes off on a plane—instead, wear Vionic’s Willa Slip-On Flats and you’ll be as comfortable as if you were wearing slippers. These velvety-soft loafers look elegant, but conceal comfort-focused features like a built-in orthotic, removable plush footbed, and a roomy toe box. 

Krimson Klover Murphy Dress

Model wearing the Krimson Klover Murphy Dress in black
Krimson Klover

Krimson Klover’s Murphy midi dress is the perfect length for travel—long enough to keep you warm on the plane, but airy enough that you won’t overheat when you land at a hot destination. The elastic waistband gives a flattering shape without being too constricting. Side slits and a cotton/spandex fabric give you plenty of room to move in this dress.

State Cashmere Ribbed Scoop-Neck Sweater

Model wearing the State Cashmere Ribbed Scoop-Neck Sweater in charcoal grey
State Cashmere

Our favorite cashmere for women is made by State Cashmere, which uses ethically-sourced cashmere from Kashmir goats. The ribbed scoop-neck sweater will keep you warm in-flight, and then can be easily dressed up or down once you’re off the plane. 

Orvis Printed Linen/Cotton Tank Dress

Model wearing the Orvis Printed Linen/Cotton Tank Dress
Orvis

Flying out of a hot destination with an unairconditioned airport? Orvis’ Printed Linen/Cotton Tank Dress will keep you nice and cool—and looking presentable, no matter how high the temperatures get. 

The cooling fabric is soft and breathable and is even machine washable. Two pockets give you a place to tuck your phone or other essentials when you need to go hands-free.

Madewell Ponte Wide-Leg Pants

Model wearing the Madewell Ponte Wide-Leg Pants in pale green
Madewell

Wide-leg jeans are in style right now, but who wants to fly for hours with a denim waistband digging in uncomfortably? Instead, wear Madewell’s Ponte Wide-Leg Pants, which are made from a stretchy ponte fabric and feature an elastic waistband that’s comfortable even if you’re sitting for hours.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Circle Cardi

Model wearing the Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Circle Cardi in grey
Amazon

Packing an extra layer for the plane will never be a waste—an oversized cardigan, like this one by Barefoot Dreams, can double as a blanket or pillow if you’re not wearing it. This cozy sweater features two pockets so you can keep in-flight essentials close by. 

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