daffy_traveller

I am well-traveled and still never know what to wear on the long flights "across the pond." I am a lady of 52, average weight/height. Ladies, what do you find most comfortable?

kit11

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.

trippinkpj

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

frogoutofwater

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.)

toedtoes

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.

Surfergirl

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.

aliced

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.

Therese

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.

lisa

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.

november_moon

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.

suze

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.

daffy_traveller

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!

LynnieD

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?

hlg22

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).

suze

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.

LynnieD

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.

november_moon

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.

suze

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

Dreamer2

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.

LynnieD

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.