Fly in Comfort: Best Plus Size Airport Outfits
Headed on your next adventure and looking for the best plus size airport outfits?
Let’s be honest, airports aren’t the most comfortable place. Really they’re not comfortable at all.
There’s a lot of sitting, walking, standing, and spending way too much money on bottles of water and tiny bags of potato chips.
And unfortunately, it’s usually more than a 20-minute ordeal.
Yes, it’s worth it when you finally get to that Mexican all-inclusive you’ve been day dreaming about, or you’re hitting up the casinos in Vegas. But it’s a real pain to go through all the steps before you arrive on vacation.
That’s why making sure you put together the right plus size airport outfits is important.
Once you talk through that security scanner you’re stuck in the airport or on the plane until you get to where you’re going.
You don’t want to be too hot or cold, you don’t want to your pants to be constantly riding up or your shoes to give you blisters.
Instead, you want to make sure you’re comfortable the entire time, whether your journey is 3 hours, 8 or 18.
So, let’s talk about picking the right outfit for your next flight.
Best plus size air travel pants
1. Compression Leggings
I get that not everyone’s on board with the whole “leggings-as-pants” idea, but the BEST plus size air travel pants are going to be something that’s comfortable. And, there’s no denying that, in most cases, leggings are hella comfortable.
I LOVE Old Navy’s PowerSoft line, and these leggings are PERFECT for any length of flying time. But, if you’re headed on a longer flight, these are almost must-have.
Compression leggings can help increase blood flow and reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, both helpful if you’re spending 8+ hours on a cramped plane on the way to your next tropical getaway.
Overall, these leggings are comfortable and flexible. While they aren’t the most fashion-forward outfit choice, they’re easy to walk and sit in, and they won’t dig in awkwardly anywhere.
2. Casual Pants
I don’t know when Athleta stopped using plus-size models on their site, but I’m NOT here for it. But their Brooklyn Ankle pant is still a top pick for plus size travellers, so it can remain on the list… this year.
If you’re an ABSOLUTELY NO LEGGINGS girly (I hear you and I got’chu), these are loose and casual, without sacrificing the style.
It goes without saying but they won’t provide you with the same support you’ll get with compression leggings. However, not all of us need tight and secure to feel good.
If you’re traveling all day long, you’ll want something like these on your side.
Tops to Layer
3. Simple, Stylish Tank
One of the most important travel clothing tips is layering.
I highly recommend starting with a tank top, then make sure you bring a top or two you can layer with.
Your best bet is going to be:
- Tight tank top
- Thin long-sleeved tee
- Zip up sweater or cardigan
4. Long-Sleeve Tee
Of course, you can bring whatever you’re most comfortable with.
But a variety like that is going to make it easier for you to self-regulate.
You can take things off when it’s cold and put things back on when you’re too cold.
Image: Amazon
Comfortable shoes
Travel days are terrible if you have bad shoes on.
You want something light, comfortable and supportive. And you need to be able to wear them all day long — literally.
The first rule is, no brand new shoes.
You need to break shoes in before you wear them out and about on a travel day.
Image: Amazon
You’re walking, standing and sitting all day long in the airport, and it’s a breeding ground for blisters and other pain-inducing issues.
You’ll also want to avoid heels or clunky boots.
Flat and supportive is going to be the best.
I always wear a pair of Skechers traveling because I have wide feet and they’re hella comfy.
Regardless of what brand you wear, you’ll most likely want close-toed shoes.
Simple flats, slip-ons or runners are going to be your best bet.
Image: Amazon
Best accessories
Accessories are kind of a complex topic for air travel.
Realistically, you want to avoid all of your jewels and other fancy things that you might wear.
However, a scarf-sweater than doubles as a blanket is the perfect solution.
An alternative to a sweater scarf is a thinner towel that can double as a blanket.
I carry 2 of these large towels from H&M, but a big Turkish towel is also a great answer.
You want something thin enough to bring along with you, but good enough to get the job of keeping you warm done.
For the record: I’ve used those H&M towels as both a towel and a blanket on many occasions.
They’re hands-down one of my travel must haves.
Image: Amazon
What else to bring on the plane
We’ve got a full post on what to bring on the plane with you in your personal item and carry-on.
But there are a few clothing-adjacent tips and tricks I can give you.
- Bring a towel instead of a travel blanket — travel blankets are great, but they’re also a massive waste of space. You want to focus on items that can serve double-duty, and a good towel can actually perform 3 jobs. It can be a travel blanket, a towel, and a scarf.
- Store an extra set of clothes in your carry-on — if you have a checked bag, you want to make sure that you have an extra set of clothes in your carry-on just in case your bag gets lost. Make sure that set includes extra undies, a top or two, and a swimsuit if you’re going somewhere warm!
- Make sure you have any glasses or medication you need with you — again, this is in case your bag doesn’t make it to your destination at the same time you do. It’s best to have your important things on-hand.
Style vs comfort: enjoying your travel
There’s always a question as to whether you want to prioritize looking good or feeling good.
Sure, you might be able to accomplish both.
But you really do want to aim for comfy over cute.
I once read a social media post where someone was complaining because everyone’s wearing “trashy” leggings at the airport instead of dressing up.
But you’re going to see these people for a fraction of a date, and no one will remember you after.
Prioritize your own comfort, worry about cute Insta pictures when you arrive at your destination.
There’s always time!
