Traveling is always a little uncomfortable, but with this clothing, you’ll be ready to go from a warm to a cold area.
When it comes to what to wear on flights in winter, the cold weather can throw a wrench in your preparations.
With airlines already cutting down on carry-on items, bringing puffy or bulky outerwear and extra layers can make your next vacation more complicated than usual. And if the weather at your destination is warmer than where you started, you now have another outfit to bring.
Those who get cold (or hot) on airlines must select what to take in checked luggage and what to carry aboard. In the cold, what should you wear on an airplane?
How much clothing should you bring in case the airport or airline lounge gets too hot (or too cold)?
Here are some top recommendations to keep you comfortable on both ends of your vacation and during the route. Some of these might make excellent holiday gifts for frequent travelers in your life.
Layering is the best method to pack for a vacation with changing weather, according to savvy travelers.
The idea is to avoid overpacking, whether flying cross-country, to the islands, or to the opposite hemisphere. After all, this means you’ll have more room for souvenirs from your trip.
What to wear when traveling from hot to cold weather
1. Comfortable jeans
Jeans are the only piece of clothing that works equally well in both warm and cool conditions. It’s critical to choose a pair that won’t make you feel claustrophobic after a few hours on an aircraft. Leggings might seem like a more obvious choice (I did at first), but regular leggings would be too light in a cool area, and fleece-lined leggings would be too hot in a warm one.
2. Ankle boots (and socks)
One thing I’ve discovered in my recent travels is that airports (and planes) are really germy environments. You don’t want to go barefoot in an airport, so choose a stylish pair of ankle boots that are easy to put on and take off. Don’t forget to bring socks to keep your toes warm later.
3. Lightweight short-sleeved shirt
Choose a breathable shirt that is comfortable. It will be cold in warm weather, but you can add layers once you are at your location.
4. A Sweater for Your Bag
Pack an extra sweatshirt for when you arrive at your location, and it will also come in handy if the plane is cold.
5. A big scarf
Blanket scarves are my absolute favorite travel item. They’re light enough to wear in warm weather, but they’re also ideal for frigid aircraft and cold climes.
6. A Warm Coat
When you get to your location, you’ll need a warm coat, and it’s ideal to choose a weather- and wind-proof jacket that will be versatile no matter what the weather throws at you.
7. Hat and gloves
This is the one item you do not want to overlook. You don’t have to wear them until you arrive, but you’ll be glad you packed them when you arrive at your location and it starts snowing.
How many layers and what types should you bring?
When moving across seasonal weather zones, layers are essential. Bringing accessories, such as a scarf or hat, in addition to apparel, is a sensible decision.
If you will be going out into chilly temperatures upon arrival, gloves and even ear muffs will keep you warm while you wait for your ride after landing.
Use a carry-on bag with easy-access pockets so you can easily retrieve what you need (or tuck it away).
Light sweaters and jackets are another fantastic piece of travel gear, and layering is usually a good idea. You can always remove a layer if you overheat.
Remember that it is always simple to add a layer if you become cold, but you can only remove so many layers before being improper!
Many travelers adhere to a simple layered formula consisting of a t-shirt or lighter-weight shirt, a mid-layer, and a fleece jacket.
Bringing warming pads to wear under your garments or beneath gloves is a popular hack. If you don’t have enough suitcase room for too many layers, this can be a wonderful option.
What material should you wear?
Consider breathable materials because airports can be hot and planes can be cold. Avoid textiles like wool and cashmere, which might make you sweat a lot in the airport.
Stick to cotton or cotton blends and layers so you can add and subtract as needed. When moving from chilly to hot, avoid wearing thermal shirts or underwear. It may keep you comfortable at the start of your journey, but you may come to regret it later.
If you have little luggage space, you can always change your clothes after arriving at your destination from what you wore on the flight.
Simply keep everything you require at the top of your luggage for quick access.
What shoes should you wear?
The majority of frequent flyers feel that open-toed shoes for males (think flip-flops) are not appropriate for the plane (even if you are flying to an island).
There are just too many photographs of “passenger shaming” on social media for that. Kizik tennis shoes (for men and women) are an excellent option if you want something that works in all locations and is quick to put on in a hurry (for example, at security).
They are laced so that you can slip them on without having to untie them. This also makes them ideal for longer flights where you may want to sleep (especially if you’re in business or first class) and want to be able to simply slip your shoes off and back on to go to the restroom.
Business traveler may need to dress more formally if they are going straight to a meeting. Amberjack produces a whole line of great shoes with cushioned soles and an exquisite look that make them appropriate for both formal and casual settings.
The Chelsea Boot, for example, is designed for extended treks in airport terminals or city streets, with arch support and a comfortable bounce. However, the shoes appear to be dressy enough to be worn with a suit.
The best part is that the boots are slip-on, so you can get out of there quickly if you’re running late at security.
