Ladies, what do you wear on overnight flights>?

I'm the same age & travel to Asia on business trips. Once on the plane I change to dress like a college kid -- decent looking sweat pants, fuzzy socks, cool max-type t-shirt & a sports bra.

Black yoga type knit pants (loose fitting), a relaxed fit knit shirt with a sweater or shawl to layer over. The key is loose fitting layers for me. Easy slip on shoes also. I am also in my early 50's

Chinos with a little lycra (but not too much, or I feel like a sausage) and either a cotton twinset or a tshirt plus black polar fleece zip jacket. I usually wear khaki or heather grey pants because they don't show lint, crumbs or stains as much as other colours. (Black or navy might seem like a good idea, but they get very linty.) I usually wear dark colours on top, too, for the same reason. I pack a pashmina and use it as a blanket for the top half of my body. Now that many planes have headrests with side pieces that you can adjust to stop your head from rolling around when you sleep, I don't feel like I need to carry a travel pillow.

I don't bother wearing sweats because they're a waste of space. I prefer to wear something on the plane that is comfortable and yet useful once I get to my destination. (I do pack super lightweight cotton pjs to wear when I'm in my hotel room.)

I wear docker style pants that have stretch to them with a lightweight cotton top and a springtime jacket. I wear normal socks and slip on shoes. The jacket provides me warmth if needed, and a pillow otherwise. The lightweight top keeps me cool if needed.

I don't like the knits because they don't look good on me. Wearing the cotton mix clothing keeps my "curves" to myself and allow me some breathing room.

Stretch jeans, warm socks, t-shirt and sweatshirt. I always get cold and the little blankets given out never do the trick. I always keep a change of clothing with me so I can change and freshen up before getting off the plane.

We travel alot but seems my 'travel clothes' are always the same: baggy khaki cargos (for i.d. & phone, lipbalm), black tee with pockets; along w/ cardigan in cotton or thin merino wool; and thin microfiber jacket w/ hood and pockets-- never travel w/sweats-- too bulky and take forever to dry if wet. Also, into (the largest purse possible) I pack a wristlet or small over-shoulder travel purse for trips to the bathroom where there is no space for large purse (yucky floors!)carrying "necessities"; Slip on shoes (usually Merrells)plus thin socks, fold-up down pillow (LLBean)that clips to my carryon, and a cashmere shawl as my blanket or wrap in cities. The tiny bag once arrives becomes my 'close to the body' bag for passport, i.d., lipstick, phone, etc., with large purse holding sunglasses, maps, etc. I am 61 and wish to look chic but very comfy. Crocs makes the cutest slingbacks in metallic silver which are the most comfy for airports, are waterproof for rainy days, and worn poolside as well as out to a cafe.

I usually wear a dress, either a straight shift or empire waist/baby-doll style (so there's no real waistband) in a soft, stretchy (non-wrinkling) material. If it's winter I wear non-control top tights (again, the idea is that the waistband shouldn't be at all noticeable). I also typically have a sweater as well as a large shawl that doubles as a blanket.

Very comfy, just like jammies, but you look considerably better at your destination.

I'm with trippinkpj on this -- black lightweight cotton knit pants, like yoga pants -- loose fitting. I have some I like from Lucy & some from the Gap. On top usually a couple of layers -- a cotton tank top underneath & a long-sleeved lightweight silk or cotton knit top layered on top. Slip-on shoes, either mules or slide-style sandals.

I am a yoga pants wearer for long plane rides as well, with a tee and a zip up hoodie sweatshirt or cardigan sweater. I also bring socks just for the plane ride - thicker ankle sports type socks to keep my feet cozy and also so that I can change out of them if they get wet. You know, like when the kid in front of you spills his soda on the floor and it spreads under the seat to your feet - LOL.

Count me in with the natural knits crowd, or at least something with a bit of lycra in the fabrics. Yoga or gaucho styled pants, top it with a comfortable top and nice-looking but unstructured jacket. Looks pulled-together but as comfortable as your pj's.

Wow, thanks for all the good ideas ladies! I'm thinking: yoga pants in a natural fabric with a little stretch, tank top and hoodie/top over with a pashmina is the winner! I have found that some of the yoga pants I've tried get too hot (hormones perhaps?)but the pashmina I (not the kid in the seat in front!)spilled OJ all over last time cleaned up perfectly at the dry cleaners so it does make a perfect blanket/shawl. I think I'll make a trip to Lucy or Nike after work today.
Happy travels to you all!

I love this thread. Getting ready to take a 27 hour trip to Cape Town so this really attracted my attention.

About the yoga pants, I have burn scars from knees to derrier, and cannot wear anything that clings or it will be might unpleasant looking for anyone standing behind me. Is there such a thing as really, really loose fitting yoga pants, or are they all lycra clingy. I'd like something really comfy, yet weighing nothing as we are backpacking in Africa.

Any ideas?

Lynnie, take a look at J. Jill's wide leg Wearever pants: http://tinyurl.com/5bw3vg. Their stuff is usually not my style but I'm so glad I found these. They are flattering but feel like you're wearing pajama pants. They come in petites, plus size, tall, etc. I wore them on my flight to Africa last year with ballet flats, a white tee, black cashmere sweater, and chunky necklace (that I took off once on the plane).

No they do not have to be clingy, or made of synthetic fabrics.

Look at Land's End mail order catalog or their website online. They have all kinds of comfy pants in cotton knits, nice and loose.

Thanks, Land's End looks like it has what I need. I'm going to look for a retail location in So. Cal. so I can try them on.

I have a pair of loose-fitting cotton yoga pants that I bought at Target a few years back. They have a bit of lycra in them to keep the shape and the fabric is also pretty thin and the weave is tight so they actually look more like combed cotton weave than a knit.

I don't think Land's End has stores.

I love velour suits with soft pants and and a matching hoodie. I do wear them at my destination if I go to a spa or gym, or just want to throw something comfy on for breakfast. I, too, bring warm socks for the flight.

Apparently Lands End is owned by Sears and sells their things in Sears on a limited basis. I am on a lifelong boycott of Sears, the details of which I will spare you, and therefore must find other pants. Too bad, they looked great on the website.

You can find Lands End clothing in some Sears stores -- or order on line and return anything that doesn't work at Sears.

That kind of pants is not that hard to find. Try the active wear section at any major department store or Target, Ross, Fred Meyer, etc. Basically they are just fancy sweatpants.

Lands End IS great stuff, their sizing is true and I have always have good luck ordering online (but if that somehow falls under your boycott of Sears, guess that won't work.)

I wear a short sleeve t shirt or tank if going someplace warm and a zip up sweat shirt. I wear socks and keen type shoes I know socks look a little dorky but I wear them on the plane and take them off when I get to a warm destination. If I am going someplace cool I wear slip on tennis shoes. Cargo pants . lip balm , face wipes very little to no make-up and I wash my face and apply a little right before I land. I take santiary wipes(germ buster) and lotion,mints, Drink lots of water.

LynnieD- I live in So Cal (southern o.c.) as well. I have been looking at the Lucy website and they have a variety of pants to check out. There are stores around some of the malls so you can check the fabric and fit. I plan to do that very thing tomorrow!

I had what I thought were a great pair from Lucy made of poly/spandex. They were thin and loose, but they just got too hot on a long flight.

And I'm dying to know about the Sears boycott.

I try to mix comfort with a practical approach...esp if carry on only. I wear black pants with a bit of lycra..They are comfy have a bit of stretch and I dont look like I slept in them. I also use them during the trip. (I think my present 2 pair are Mexx brand). In the winter I tend to wear a cashmere turtle neck with a jacket or blazer and in the summer a twin set. I carry a outer jacket/coat in the cooler weather. I wear boots or my heavier pair of shoes but take them off and but on fuzzy socks (saved from business class travel). I carry a "cloth sack..think LL Bean type tote.. and put a change of underwear, a top and emergency cosmetics if I dont do carryon. I usually wear a camisole rather than a bra as it is more comfortable and warmer ( I am always cold).

My favorite travel slacks are from Lands End and LL Bean. Depending on the style, I favor one over the other.

For cotton/poly twill, microfiber, or corduroy (depending on the season), the comfort fit Baysides at LLBean are magnificent. The back elastic waist is just enough for comfort with no bulk. And, the very deep front pockets are fantastic for security (a bit of cash in one, a card or two in the other). The microfiber style has a full hidden zipper pocket, also excellent for security.

For knit pants, I really love the Lands End Sport Knit slacks. The cut is beautiful, the fit very flattering, and they're more dressy than casual/sloppy. Pockets could be deeper, but they're deep enough.
I wear these on the plane. They're excellent, especially if the plane is chilly. Just enough lycra so knees don't bag. Then, a white tee and a polartec jacket with hood (which I take everywhere I go no matter what). These pants also double for lounging/pj bottoms.

I prefer shoes that slip off easily (handy for going through security too), to avoid swelling. But, I always tuck a pair of socks in my tote, as sometimes there's cold air rushing around the floor of the plane.

I used to boycott Sears for a number of good reasons. But, it's just silly after many years have passed, things have changed, to avoid purchasing outstanding products because of anything that happened years ago.

Note that LLBean has a new credit card - free shipping in both directions for starters.

daffe_traveller: Here it goes.

My aunt (current age 72) and uncle (died last year at age 80) had a long history with Sears which began in 1944 when my aunt and her best friend Barbara snuck out of the house and spent the night in Sears Roebuck in Detroit, after hiding out in a dressing room. She loved Sears and spent most of her life working there.

Between her and my uncle, they worked at Sears for a combined total of 85 years.

By the time this incident occured, uncle was retired and she was working 1 day a week part time. She was informed by the new department manager (a young man about 20 years old) that she was working Christmas Eve. She explained to him that she never worked XMas eve, never had in all her years, and it did not fall on her 1 day/week. He advised her that if she didn't show up he would "write her up and put it in her 'permanent file'". She was so upset after so many flawless years of dedictation to Sears that she never went back!!

Thus the boycott.

Just checked my closet last night -- besides the ones from Gap & Lucy, I also have some from Eddie Bauer.

<<She was so upset after so many flawless years of dedictation to Sears that she never went back!>>

Well, it seems to me she could easily have found someone to override that 20 year old, and should have rather than just never go back. He probably put her on the schedule so he wouldn't have to work it himself.

I have a designated travel uniform! The pants, they are lightweight dark colored denim trousers. They have 2% lycra so they stetch making them just as comfortable as sweats and wrinkle free. Also the wide leg trouser style makes them dressy enough to where I feel comfortable, I don't like to be dressed up on international flights but I also don't wear sweats and sneakers, just a personal thing. I always pair this with a black lycra v-neck t-shirt and black or gray cardigan, it's a universally flattering combinatiion and the layers help with changing temperatures in the cabin. The flexibility and stretch of the fabrics makes it very easy to sleep in on long haul flights and they dont' wrinkle up!

I forgot too, my all time favorite travel shoes are Privo clogs made by Clarks of England. Easy to slip on and off and they have a high enough heel. I have to have heels even when I travel, flat shoes are very uncomfortable to me! These clogs are tried and true, I've taken them on 3 trips to europe and dozens of US trips, the same pair, and I've walked hundreds of miles, even hiked in them and they still look and feel great!

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/28213153/c/72.html

djk, I think at age 70 she just couldn't be bothered.

LynnieD - I feel for your Aunt, but you should still try the Land's End stuff....they are a good honest company and make great products.
I am going to swing by Lucy and J.Jill this morning and I'll let you know my results. I leave next week so I don't think I have time for online ordering.

Let me know how you do. They're aroung Fashion Island area aren't they?

Lately, I like my Juicy velour track suit for flights. Comfy and (IMHO) presentable looking, and I like having it where I'm going for lounging around the room, going down to breakfast, etc.

Juicy sweats are SO cute!

As long as they aren't the ones that actually say "juicy" across the butt

Yeah, that might raise a few eyebrows overseas if you have anything written across your bum! I noticed, at least in Italy and France, they don't wear sweats as an "outfit" to go around town in the way we do in the USA "athletic fashion". My girlfriends and cousins in Italy will wear sweats at home, but not out. So I don't bother packing them, since we're not often home or in the room enough to warrant a special outfit just for that.

Maybe cute IF you have a great body and are under 21 years old.

Yes, I agree. I think I'd just look like a big blur of pink velour in one of those sweat outfits. I'll stick to slimming trousers LOL

Subdued solid dark earth tones, and no writing except for the inside care label. So let's call off the Fashion Police Riot Squad, okay?

Your funny Nutella I wasn't meaning to act like the fashion police, sorry if it came across that way.

Well I went to Lucy (LynnieD - Lucy is at the Shops at Mission Viejo and JJill is at Fasion Island and Main Place in Santa Ana.)Lucy had nothing with natural fabric that was lightweight.

Then I went to Nike shop and got some 50% cotton/spandex "fit dry" loose fit drawstring. I like the fit, but I hope they aren't too warm. I actually considered my Juicy navy terry pants but worry they'll be too hot. I thought they'd work for hanging out at night too.

Now I am considering linen. Is that completely INSANE? I have some seriously comfy, soft Pure DKNY linen pants that are like jammies. And they are machine washable....

I have 2 outfits I wear regularly overseas. 1 is from Lucy (Agility) black jacket and pants which I pair with a wrinkle free knit top from Ann Taylor. The second is a pair of khaki colored pants from Royal Robbins, and tops from Ann Taylor. Both have the advantage of being washable in a sink and quick dry. I also picked up Como brand shirts at Steinmart's that are poly-nylon blends, but look like smart white dress shirts. They all look smart, are comfortable and practical at the same time. You can see Lucy's at www.lucy.com.

I am 57, 5'4" 120 lbs, if that sounds average. 'Just got back from a trip to Japan and Korea, and travel a fair amount.

Fashion orientation: comfort is important, but I don't like looking like a slob. I don't like looking like I'm camping out or at a slumber party when I travel.

I have always been most comfortable in dresses, and so wear a knit dress, polo-style dress, or knit wrap (e.g. Diane von Furstenburg, or similar styles from other manufacturers. I've also had good luck with Issye Miyake Pleats Please crinkle fabrics.) Empire and babydoll styles look terrible on me, but you know your own body.

The added value of dresses is that these often look good at my destination (frankly unlike sweats, where most other cultures consider these only slightly above going out in your pajamas.) The weight and style of the dress varies with the seasons. For warmth, a coordinating cardigan or wrap is good, and useful on the trip.

I pack my own socks, although I am often on international flights in business class, where the amenity pack has a pair.

While many women don't like them, I like to wear pantyhose, or perhaps tights in winter. It's the right un-bulky layer that still makes me feel good, looks good, etc.

I like shoes that I can kick off easily, i.e. ballet flats of some kind. This also makes going through security pretty easy, if you are going through a terminal that requires removing shoes.

On a tacky note: wear a pantyliner in your panties. When you feel that you need a fresh pair of panties, take out the liner, and voila. 'Much less of a gymnastic exercise than trying to change in the bathroom on the plane or airport.

For a bra: I really like the Ipex no-underwire style from Victoria's Secret. A sports bra never did it for me, and they usually feel like I'm wearing an old Buick.

Sometimes the outfit changes to a comfortable, floaty, flippy, or knit skirt and knit top.

I love wearing my Chico's Travelers outfits - Usually elastic-waist pants, shell, and jacket. They don't wrinkle and they are appropriate if I need to look decent when I get off of the plane. They also can be washed and hung up in the hotel to dry.

I'm with Chari05 - Chico's has some great-looking, easy-wearing outfits. My favorite for overnight traveling is a 2 pc. hoody longsleeve top with a front pouch - kind of a terrycloth material, but much thicker & not so "bathtowel" looking, with long pants with an elastic waist. I think it is from their sleep collection, but it looks more like a work-out coverup. I wear a short sleeve top underneath, in case it is warm, and Birks (no socks for me - reminds me too much of "old people"), which triple as slippers and beach shoes. Their Travel Collection is also comfortable & resists wrinkling, and is more versatile. I am not comfortable in anything that clings like yoga pants or cycling pants. I'm also in my mid-50's, but a little heavy.

This is kind of off topic but one thing I find invaluable on transatlantic flights is Caudalie's Beauty Elixer mist. It's a fine mist of essential oils and it smells amazing, kind of herbal-lavendar scent. It has just the tiniest touch of essential oil so that it keeps your face very hydrated during the flight and depuffs the eyes (I dont put makeup on until shortly before landing). I spray it on every hour or two that I'm awake and that does the trick. The bottle is very small, so it passes TSA rules for being under 3 ounces. The mist is very fine, so even though it may appear to be expensive for such a small bottle, it lasts a very, very long time.

http://www.caudalie-usa.com/site/page/pg389-de224-pr514-pn_Beauty_Elixir_Lg.html

No worries, Giulia! I should have known when I typed Juicy track suit and hit send, that it should have been an asbestos "flame"-retardant track suit

Ahhhhhaaaaahh haaaa haaaaa!!!! Good one!!!

Isn't it sad that we have to worry we'll be flamed for eveyrthing we say? At least Logos999 wont get on this thread since it's for the "women". I think he lives on this board to attack everyone! LOL

Microfiber is the answer. Stretchy, never wrinkles, not clingy. I were comfortable dress slacks and a nice top. They are as comfortable as pajamas but look very stylish and polished even after many hours on a plane. Better to arrive at your destination looking ready for a nice restaurant or museum rather than a yoga class or work-out.

I'm 60 and my husband and I travel a lot. I always dress the way I would for a business meeting--usually dark slacks (depending on time of year), white blouse or turtleneck sweater, and a sportcoat or jacket of some kind, and I always wear a pair of comfortable heels (yes, I know many of you think I'm crazy, but they're perfectly comfortable if you wear the right ones). Besides, you get treated much better by airline personnel when you don't look shabby, and if there is a complimentary upgrade to be had, you're more likely to get it if you're dressed well. Being well dressed is simply not uncomfortable.

Sabasmurf: Interesting point you brought up about being dressed well and getting upgrades, different treatment, etc. My cousin works for the airlines, as employees they can fly first class to europe on standby for only $100 if you can imagine, however, their company policy is that they must be dressed appropriately for first class meaning no jeans, no sneakers, and no sweats. Business casual required for both men and women. My husband and I have been blessed with business/first class mileage seats for the last 7 overseas trips and there is no one in that cabin who isn't dressed well. In fact, the first time we flew business to Europe we both wore regular jeans and t-shirts, and although we looked well groomed enough, or so I thought, we must not have passed muster because the flight attendants just had that look like "Hrrmmmph, must be mileage tickets!". I swear we didn't look disheveled or anything but they did treat us differently even though we were in Business class! Maybe I looked too excited when the basket of hot rolls came around, who knows. So I never did that again and switched to the dark chambray trousers (still jeans in my book, but look classier) and fitted sweater, all in dark colors, all conservative and polished! What a huge difference in treatment the next time we flew business. Never had a sideways glance since upgrading the travel digs. I guess that's why they call it business class, it's filled with business people, in business clothese! It kind of made me mad, but what can you do?

I've flown business class several times and always found a mix of people in business attire and comfy clothes.

I've also flown (coach and business) wearing business attire and comfy clothes - always been treated the same.

Regarding being presentable enough after a long flight to go out to dinner or a museum - who cares? After a long flight the first place I am usually going is to a hotel to take a shower.

Also try travelsmith.com for a good travel selection.

I personally like my Chico store, they have a nice line of travel clothes.
Two years ago I bough a velvet pants suit with elastic waist and zip up jacket and have worn it on several trips over the pond. It didn't wrinkle or bag.

Find what works for you and your build. My pants suit was so comfortable yet very classy looking.

I also have some linen pants I wear on overnight flights sometimes. They are from Eddie Bauer and I love them. Yes, they wrinkle, but they are supposed to -- it's linen.

By the way, my husband and I fly business or first class at least once a year on overnight flights and virtually no one wears "business" attire on these flights (other than the flight attendants). On shorter domestic flights during the daytime, yes, but on long-haul overnight flights, no. Sometimes someone may board the plane in a suit but they invariably change into something comfier for sleeping. Some airlines even give you jammies to wear in first.

Lands End has stores. They have outlet stores too.
http://www.landsend.com/customerservice/storelocator/index.html

On the plane, I wear Birkenstocks with low pressure elastic socks - brand name Jansen because they are so comfortable and helps save swollen feet and blood clots. Okay, I am old but comfy. The Birks are great for changing off with Ecco shoes when walking all day. I have been wearing Birks for 30 some years and wouldn't trade them for anything. I don't have knee replacements or problems and I owe it to wearing Birks.

I have an Anne Klein, black, shorter length dressy raincoat and it goes on every trip with me. I can be dressed up with the coat on because it covers whatever I am wearing. Makes a good blanket on the plane too.

I guess I just don't know what I'm talking about.

I agree with Lisa and November Moon - I frequently fly longhauls in business or first class and have noticed no difference in treatment of passengers based on dress, and I tend to be on the younger side of passengers in that cabin (31). If you act like you belong somewhere, that's how you'll be treated, regardless of dress. I would say my typical outfit on longhaul flights (described above) is comfortable business casual - I could wear it to work, but it's definitely not a suit - but I have seen just about everything. I know some very wealthy people who could give a flying fig about the way they are dressed and are as likely as not to take their seat in first class in shorts and a ripped t-shirt.

Also, the "free upgrades go to people who are wearing suits" is a myth - complimentary upgrades given when the coach cabin is overbooked go to (1) elite members of that airline's FF club, in order of status, or (2) whoever steps up to the gate late in boarding and at the moment the doors are about to close.

Agreed: few people in business or first class on overnight flights actually wear business attire. However, many men might have a jacket on, rather than pack it, for their needs at the destination. Most flights offer to hang up the jacket somewhere.

But believe it: many factors go into choosing who gets the upgrade, but dressing appropriately (i.e. at least something that looks like business casual) is one thing that gets considered.

>>Also, the "free upgrades go to people who are wearing suits" is a myth - complimentary upgrades given when the coach cabin is overbooked go to (1) elite members of that airline's FF club, in order of status, or (2) whoever steps up to the gate late in boarding and at the moment the doors are about to close. <<

Actually that's not necessarily true, your appearance still matters. I have several friends who work the gates at two different airlines, according to their stories if it came down to two passengers that were equally qualified, ie, elite, first to the counter, etc, yet only 1 ugrade, they absolutely decide based on all kinds of whimsical, arbitrary reasons, including but not limited to their mood and how you look/dress.

Also, I think perhaps I didn't make myself clear, I wasn't inferring that everyone in business class is wearing suits. However, every flight I've been on 99% of the passengers in business have been wearing business casual. If your experience is not the same as mine there a thousand different reasons why that could be, different airline, different people, different time of year, different time of day, it could be anything. Our being treated differently could also have been the result of an FA having a bad day. I really just thought it was a funny story. Why can't everyone share their experiences without it becoming about who's right and who's wrong? It seems like eveyrone wants to infer that I'm wrong so here, you win, I'll just conceed that I have no idea what I'm talking about, and become a robotic "yes man" that doesn't aggitate anyone and everyone should just disregard any information that I offered.

I'm sure I'll get totally flamed for speaking my mind. But that's how I feel.

I think you are overreacting.

Probaby. I am having a very bad day.

Giulia,
Sheesh. Sorry if I offended you somehow. I just didn't wan't someone flying in biz for the first time to think they have to get all dressed up or be treated poorly as that is not in my extensive experience true. I am sorry it happened to you on your first biz class flight.

I did not mean to say that attire never comes into play if the gate agent is presented with two otherwise equal candidates for the upgrade, but often in an oversold situation, that is done automatically before anyone at the airport even sees what you're wearing. So, for example, if you are a United 1K checking in for a flight, the automated checkin kiosk may automatically print you off a biz class boarding pass regardless of what you're wearing, to your happy suprise.

I purchased a lovely black stretchy outfit at Talbots (on clearance!) that is loose-fitting two years ago and they still carry it in brown and black. It is a v-necked tunic with rather flowy slacks and doubles as an evening outfit, dinner outfit, and even pajamas in a pinch when it got cold once. It does not wrinkle and the pants can be worn separately without the tunic. They've changed the style slightly but still carry this outfit. A couple of different belts or scarves have dressed it up or down.

You can be comfortable without putting on sweat or yoga pants and a hoodie!

It's sad that the quest for comfort has resulted in dressing down for travel. No matter whether you believe it or not, dressing for travel completely changes your experience when you encounter other cultures.

When is the last time you saw anyone other than an American sporting sweat pants at the Taj Mahal, Conciergerie or the British Museum?

Have fun!

>> I just didn't wan't someone flying in biz for the first time to think they have to get all dressed up or be treated poorly as that is not in my extensive experience true. I am sorry it happened to you on your first biz class flight.<<

I guess I must not have used the right words or have failed in my description. It wasn't some horrible experience. The FA didn't beat us about the head and neck. She didn't spit in our food. It was just a funny anecdotal story and it was just one snooty FA during 1 random incident. I feel like on the off chance it was that I was dressed too casually then I'll correct it just in case. The outfit I described wasn't a 3 piece pin striped business suit, so I didn't think my description was insinuating that someone should get all dressed up. Like I said, I must have used the wrong words. I was being light hearted, speaking with humour, that's why I made the comment about the hot rolls.

I also thought the hot rolls was funny.

Just because someone might wear cotton pants and a hoodie on the plane during an overnight flight does not mean they would wear that to the Taj Mahal or a museum. The question was about what to wear on a long overnight flight.

I thought it was funny also, Suze.

In fact, it reminded me of a flight from Atlanta to Zurich about seven years ago. It was the day that Airline D and (S)Airline announced the cancellation of their award exchange agreement.

We were scheduled by (S) Air with two adults and three children (ages 2, 4 and 6) in 1st class on award tickets on a (D) codeshare flight.

When we boarded with three children in first class, the FA, said, I'm sorry, M'am, but we discourage children in first class on international flights." I gently advised that we would be staying in the seats we booked. She gave me an icy stare and indicated that she would speak with "the lead."

Incredibly, all three kids completely behaved and got down to business with their various books and electronics, not making a peep.

Later, when the same FA came down the aisle, she asked me if my 4 year old daughter would be having filet mignon or the blackened grouper. My little one turned to her and sweetly said, I'll be having the fish, please." To the FA's credit, she completely reversed her position and warmed up to the children, even bringing my son a pasta serving from coach when he was still hungry later and kid-friendly treats during the flight.

She even came back and apologized for her negative expectations at the beginning of the flight and remarked that she had never seen children behave as well on a flight.

That was just the FA and had nothing to do with how we were dressed!

I think the way you feel about the way you are dressed influences your interpretation of your treatment. If, perhaps, you feel a little self-conscious about the way you are dressed, you may be a bit paranoid.

I do not dress to impress on overnight flights; and it is certainly not my goal to impress flight attendants. I wear attractive and comfy velour hoodie sets, and have never been treated poorly. In fact, I am often complimented on them and asked where they can be found.

Much of the what-to-wear question really depends on when an airlines member has to make a decision, and whether a person's dress is an issue.

Again, the airlines have gotten smart enough to put the priority on upgrading their best frequent flyer members, and those who are paying more for their flights. However, given increasingly crowded flights, they often have to make a choice about who gets the upgrade prize.

I've never seen anyone poorly treated based on dress (as someone said -- could this be self-inflicted guilt?) However, I've seen a person's dress affect upgrade decisions. So will a fussy child, all else equal.

Agreed: if you've paid for your ticket and don't expect any extra favors from airline personnel, dress as you please. Yes, I've seen the occasional slob in first class, but not many. There are always different perspectives in personal presentation, and some recognize that the aesthetics of your travel companions may influence the pleasure of the trip, and vice versa. (And yes, god bless well-behaved childen anywhere.)

My profession requires that I track cultural differences in this matter. Americans are known for being very casual and independent, and perceive less responsibility to **consistently** making a good public presentation ("la bella figura," and which explains why American men are usually the only adult males seen traveling in crummy shorts, unless the flight has a lot of vacation hikers. The well-tailored gents in shorts in Bermuda are another exception, but even they seem to wear long pants when traveling. A bit of trivia: Italian men spend the most on well-tailored clothing.)

So: there is often a lot of leaway, from the obviously inappropriate dress or behavior that gets you kicked out by the proprietor, to perfectly matching a local norm, if one actually can be established. Americans insist on lots of personal options, and what we deem appropriate is increasingly casual. We're an "anything goes" society, for better or worse. Some places and situations still prefer to establish some standard that impinges on personal preferences, whether formally or social slights.

*Oh yes: to give you a sense of how old I am: one of my first trans-Atlantic flights was before the inception of frequent flyer miles programs. My sister worked for an airlines, and family could fly standby for the nominal fee to pay the taxes for the flight. We could guess-timate the best chances for empty seats, and showed up for flights to/from London those days. On the return flight, at the last minute, some first-class passengers didn't show. My mother and I, who were basically paying nothing, got those seats. The bottle of champagne we were served cost more than the taxes we paid. Obviously, the airlines got much smarter about who they reward with upgrades.

The City Knits brand or Slinky brand are a neat material that does not wrinkle (especially good for summer travel). Tip for those who aren't airport security savvy: NEVER fly wearing a water bra unless you want to be strip-searched!

Someone mentioned about taking linen on a trip.

Washes great, hang up to dry, and then when 3/4 dry, tug the wrinkles out, looks like you ironed them and so easy. But they sure do wrinkle again fast and wouldn't handle a suitcase well. Like it better than cotton for all natural, but I'd go for the microfiber myself.

thank you for good ideas on comfy travel, will be going on a long overnighter to europe soon with 2 teenagers. The slip on shoes and idea to borrow my moms pashima shawl that I gave her one christmas is great.

I think we have to account for age and body type too. What looks presentable at 30 may not at 50 or 60. And what looks nice on a tall person may not look nice on a short person - ie. the flowy pants and tunic from Talbots that may look great on some and like a sloppy sack on others (myself included - at a towering 4'-10", anything with the word "tunic" in the name will undoubtably look terribly on me).

We also have to account for what a person is going to do after the flight - if you ARE planning to go out someplace, then yes, you should look presentable and not like you just came from the gym. On the otherhand, if you are going from the airport to a hotel, then I don't think it really matters much one way or the other what you are wearing - not much cultural experiences to be had enroute from the airport.

I agree November_Moon.

What works great for someone 5'6" and 130lbs may not work at all for someone 5'3" and 100lbs or someone 5'4 and 160lbs, etc.

Likewise, what works great on someone with long legs and a short torso won't work great on someone with short legs and a long torso - even if they are the same weight and height.

Then add in curves, bust sizes, etc. and it's even that much more impossible to find a "perfect travel outfit" for everyone.

Wow- what a can of worms....
I have decided on the linen pants (returning nikes), ballet flats, tank and hoodie with pashmina. I'm trying to pack light and I don't want anything with me that I won't wear again, and I won't be wearing any work-out clothes, that's for sure!
As for dressing for upgrades, my parents always swore by it and it worked "back in the day," but since we are traveling with 2 kids, I'm pretty sure we won't have that opportunity! Still I always beg my husband to dress up a LITTLE bit (he's a fireman whose idea of dressy is corduroy shorts instead of denim ones.) But in all of life, people do treat you a certain way based on your appearance, whether we like to admit it or not - one's perception is one's reality.

Sorry I open up such a can of worms. My only point is that we are often judged by our appearance and with all the great new travel clothes it is just as comfortable to look good as not. I know for a fact that if there is an open seat in business or first, it will absolutely not go to the last person who races up to the counter at the last minute unless that person has some status with that airline. What will happen is that they will look at the passenger manifesto, locate a person in coach who has some status, move him or her to the front and seat the other in their place. This has happened to me more than once. Flight attendents have an enormous amount of discretion in these matters and they are going to choose some one who appeals to them on some particular level. In addition, the point is not that of trying to impress someone, it's a matter of courtesy. Looking like a slob (and I'm not talking about nice jeans and sports shirts. I'm referring to tank tops and shorts and various other sloppy outfits) is telling not only the crew but other passengers that they are not worth your making an effort to look well groomed. I repeat, with all the great stretch travel clothes, it's a no-brainer.

I don't begin to know how upgrades are chosen. In 2004 I was upgraded with one of my kids, which shocked me. We had arrived without the kids' original birth certificates for a flight to Mexico. Back then I wasn't aware it had to be the original. I thought the agent was a bit rude but I decided not to argue and I raced across LAX to find a notary who could get me the necessary documents for a mere $100 (a racket!) The agent didn't think I'd make it, but I did. When I returned in time, she turned friendly for some reason. Then at the gate, they upgraded two of us to first class. I wasn't dressed up at all, just shorts, etc. as we were headed to a surf resort. I never dreamed they'd upgrade us with 7 & 8 year old boys. Then on the plane, they let the boys take turns sitting with me. (Hubby had to stay back in coach.) I can only assume she was responding to my positive attitude.

<<What will happen is that they will look at the passenger manifesto, locate a person in coach who has some status, move him or her to the front and seat the other in their place. This has happened to me more than once. Flight attendents have an enormous amount of discretion in these matters and they are going to choose some one who appeals to them on some particular level.>>

That sounds like 2 different scenarios. The first is that they go through the manifesto and identify someone with status. That is likely the most common. In this case, they're not seeing you, just your status (unless those computers have surveillance photos).

Then there's the "the flight attendant really liked this person so gave them an upgrade". In this case, how you dress may have an effect, but I'm guessing your attitude will have more.

I wore both my Nike yoga and crop pants (quick drying and stretchy) on my CA road trip. They were great!

My problem with yoga pants is they do not have pockets. I do not want to carry a purse as one of my carry-ons so I prefer to have pockets in my clothes which will accomodate the passport, money and credit cards so that when I go through airport security I do not have to put those things through the scanner and when I get up on the airplane I do not have to bring a purse. So I look for good pockets in either the pants or the jacket or top. I like to look for comfortable clothing as well. But. for me, pockets rule!

The pocket thing is one of my issues too. I don't bring a purse as my carryon as a general rule - except on Singapore Air which has the one carryon rule, but a purse doesn't count Generally though I bring my travel purse, fold it into my carry on and then use it at my destination. My carry on has a front pocket that is pretty convinient for passport, wallet, boarding pass, etc. I hold my passport and boarding pass through security and let the wallet and other things ride along in my carryon. These days with the extra scrutiny for carry ons, I am less concerned about someone running off with my bag.

In one of my lives I'm a personal shopper. When I'm asked this question I generally go with "Eileen Fisher" for an answer.
Lycra, jackets with pockets and a style that's easy to wear again on the trip, together or in separates.
And the clothing fits most women and is comfortable.

I must be the only paranoid person in that I wear mostly natural fiber to fly in. Cotton. Linen. Silk. All comfy and breathable. Perhaps a hint of lycra for shape but that's it. And a pashmina to use as a blanket. (Is there nothing a pashmina can't do?)

My thought is that if the planes goes down I don't want my clothes melting while I am making a run out the exit.

I know people mention that often, but if your plane's going down in flames, I personally do not believe it matters what fabric your clothes are made of!!!

I know.....but I think about things like that. I also count seats, read the safety material, etc.

Some call it paranoid. I like to think it's prepared.

Loose, easy-care cotton skirt, blouse, cardigan sweater. Even on overnight flights, I'm more comfortable in a skirt than in pants. (And I rarely wear skirts when not traveling.)

Wow, what a thread! I agree with the dressing well but comfortable and with style.

I find a pashmina a must for keeping myself warm. I take noise cancelling headphones for the movie and for quiet sleeping. I always wear black pants and a black sweater, something that I can always wear again on the trip. Then I accessorize with some stand-out necklace or piece of jewellery (which of course is usually costume). If we don't get upgraded (I'm on board with Madame X, etc.), we might get extra wine. On my last Air Canada flight, the Flight attendant wanted to swap silver bracelets and we got the remains of a lovely bottle of wine from business.

But bottom line, isn't the best accessory a smile, and a kind pleasant word will go a long long way???

Keep in mind that your choices for overnight flights will most likely reflect your choices in everyday life,too. Personally, I don't wear sweat style pants and a hoodie even going to the grocery store for a gallon of milk. That doesn't make me better than someone who will wear them on an overnight flight. It just makes me different from them.

If you are comfortable with your style and comfortable in your clothes, that is reflected in your overall appearance.

Layers are a real necessity, in my opinion and shoes that slip off and on easily. I wear black pants from Chico's that look like jeans but are made from a dressier poly type material *much more comfortable than denim*. They have a matching jacket cut like a jean jacket. Both have pockets, another necessity for me. One long sleeve knit shirt and a pashmina, simple silver earrings and comfortable black shoes complete the outfit.

I try to look smart but casual, and definitely want to be comfortable - travelling from Australia to anywhere is mostly long-haul!

I wear cotton twill pants or jeans, with some stretch and with pockets. Preferably in a beige/khaki colour as this tends to look smarter and is also cooler when arriving in a hot climate.

I prefer a cotton polo/golf shirt as these tend to be slightly longer than a tshirt and can be tucked into my pants for sleeping, thus avoiding the "cold back" syndrome. And the collar can be pulled up if there is air-conditioning draft.

I then have layers to wear on top - a long-sleeve cotton sweater and sometimes a long-sleeve cotton tshirt as well depending on the temperatures on departure and arrival. And a light, uncrushable jacket to finish off the outfit.

I wear sports socks and Merrill Barrado shoes - the mesh ones with the zip. These are great as they stretch as my feet swell. And they are very light and comfortable to wear. I try to take my shoes off once I am settled into my seat.

If travelling business class I use the socks provided over my own but also carry an extra pair of socks just in case - necessary in economy class.

I carry a pashmina to use as a blanket on my upper body, a down travel pillow which rolls up quite small, a cotton eyeshade and comfortable earplugs.

I carry a change of underwear and a spare polo shirt in my backpack, along with basic skin care products transferred into small travel containers. I use a handbag / backpack combination - sizes depend on where I'm travelling to. If I can take two bags onboard I use a biggish handbag and a small backpack, otherwise I use a smaller handbag and my bigger backpack that the handbag fits in to.

I always wear some kind of dress on an overnight flight, because I don't like for my pants legs to touch those bathroom floors.

I always wonder when I am on a flight if any Fodorites are on there also. It sounds like from these responses, most people try to look neat and attractive on overnight flights. I will have to say that, according to the look of most people on my flights, you all are not there!! Two years ago, on a flight back from Athens, a man smelled so bad that the FA asked him to remove his shoes, and she stowed them in a plastic bag.

Hi marty, I too wear a dress when flying for the very reason you wear them. Those airplane bathroom floors get very nasty quite early in the flight. The only time I wear pants is for a flight less than two hours as I then don't have to go into one of those horrible bathrooms, lol.