Travel Clothes to Always Pack, per a Flight Attendant

Oct 18, 2024

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These surefire picks can stay in your carry-on year round.

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

No one knows the ins and outs of travel quite like flight attendants. But, their wealth of knowledge stretches far beyond how to have a positive in-flight experience (and how to endure long stretches of the day on your feet and tending to the needs of passengers). After all, they’re the experts on living out of a suitcase, which means they know how to pack a pretty darn good one.

As a frequent flier looking to upgrade my packing game, I turned to Christa Treat, an Alaska Airlines flight attendant of 17 years, and she had plenty of tips to share. “I typically try to pack neutral clothes and outfits with multiple wears,” she told Travel + Leisure, noting that this is crucial for building a capsule travel wardrobe and keeping her luggage light. But above all, Treat noted that she values comfort and stressed the importance of “dressing in layers” as well as “using accessories to maximize outfits.”

Taking her tips in stride, I curated the ultimate trip packing list including flight attendant-approved travel clothes that can be worn in multiple ways for your next trip Who knows? You might be able to get away with just a carry-on!

Athleta

“Opt for loose-fitting clothing when packing and heading on long flights,” Treat advised. These super versatile cargo bottoms from Athleta are an excellent pick for vacations because they’re wrinkle-resistant, sweat-wicking, and stylish. The fabric is stretchy and breathable, suitable for both warm and cool temperatures. The pull-on elastic waistband offers a flattering fit, without sacrificing comfort, and the zippered side pockets add a functional touch.

Nordstrom

Layering is one of Treat's biggest tips as it's a surefire way to style your outfits in different ways without packing extra clothes — and, it ensures that you're ready for whatever the weather forecast will be on your trip. “Layers also help adapt to changing temperatures on the plane," she explained. "Think about layering so you can take off or put on." Start with a basic layering piece like a cardigan; the Yorkshire Contrast Edge Cardigan from Petal and Pup offers elegance and sophistication and pairs well with maxi dresses, skirts, and jeans.

Amazon

Experts recommend compression socks for flying because they help prevent foot and leg swelling by maintaining good circulation and blood flow. Treat is a fan of the cuter compression sock styles available now — especially this pair from Physix Gear, which comes in various colors. “No one will even know you have them on,” she proclaimed. With nearly 60,000 five-star ratings, they're a quality pair to add to your airport outfits.

Everlane

“I typically try to pack neutral colors and outfits with multiple wears,” Treat declared. That’s what makes Everlane’s tank dress a wardrobe staple for your vacation packing list. Made with 100 percent organic cotton, it’s a comfortable, figure-flattering, and timeless classic that can be dressed up or down as needed; keep it casual with a denim jacket and sneakers for sightseeing and window shopping, or spruce it up with heels and a blazer for dinner at that buzzy restaurant.

Amazon

As a professional flight attendant and minimalist packer, Treat said she always brings a black tank top that can be worn in multiple ways: “With jean shorts and sneakers, and with a satin skirt and heels for dinner. Also, a sweater if it’s cold out. Think multiuse for clothes.” Over at Amazon, Elogogy's soft, V-neck tank with pleated details along the front bodice is the perfect piece for whatever trip you have lined up. It can be worn casually or dressed up for fancier outings, especially when you embrace the power of layering.

Christa Treat

Athleta

Along with comfort, Treat said she considers the weather when packing. That’s why the Jetset Bomber Jacket is an absolute packing list necessity. Made with recycled polyester fabric, this travel-friendly item is water-repellent and wind-resistant to keep you covered on gusty, rainy days. Put it on for daytime hikes, when you're going to and from the yoga studio, or for air travel. It’s the ultimate layering piece.

Amazon

This satin skirt is the perfect complement to the previously mentioned Elgogy tank top. With a high-waisted pull-on waistband, it’s not only comfortable with its effortless drape and relaxed fit but it's also flattering and easy to style. What's more, it barely takes up any room in a suitcase.

Nordstrom

In the spirit of packing for layering and versatility, Treat recommends bringing multifunctional bottoms like leggings as they’re great to wear out and about on hikes, sightseeing tours, and more. They even come in handy on cold-weather trips because you can wear them underneath other pants for extra warmth. This pair from Rhone offers a comfortable level of stretch while holding you in at all the right places. The brand's signature GoldFusion antimicrobial technology prevents bacteria and odor from developing, which is great for those who won't have time to wash them.

In the warmer months, Treat will swap leggings for a pair of bike shorts like this one from Baleaf. They go well with The Gym People's Workout Tank, which is easy to pack and can double as a casual everyday top in a pinch.

Christa Treat

Nordstrom

Everyone who travels a lot knows that basics are key. This loose-fitting long-sleeved top makes a versatile layering piece. Wear it alone or underneath a sweater or jacket. To dress it up, match it with black trousers and a blazer, with the shirt tucked in. The cotton-elastane blend fabric makes it soft and ultra-comfy.

Nordstrom

Packable, lightweight jackets can work in any season, according to Treat, which is why we love Barbour’s classic quilted jacket. Front snap-welt pockets are smartly placed so you can store your cell phone and keys, and the self-tie belt gives it a flattering shape. Pop it over your daytime or nighttime outfit for a classic look that never goes out of style.

Nordstrom

Few clothing items are as adaptable as a jumpsuit. Here, the Itzel Wide Leg Jumpsuit from Vici Collection is simply darling. Featuring a delicate ruffled bodice and wide-leg bottoms, it can be worn to many spots on your vacations (and can be changed up with a cardigan or jacket). It’s also fully lined and has two side-seam pockets to store your small items. So if you’re looking for casual elegance, don’t pass this one up.

Everlane

Being a smart packer involves paying close attention to garment details like fabric. From my days working in the fashion industry, I know that cotton is a breathable and year-round fabric, which is perfect for transitional seasons. The Half-Zip sweater, made with 100 percent organic cotton, is an everyday, casual piece that can be worn with jeans, leggings, and shorts. It even makes a great sweatshirt for the plane if you can't spare the luggage space.

Christa Treat

Amazon

Versatile dresses are suitcase M.V.P.s, and this PrettyGarden Flutter Sleeve Maxi option is the perfect option to reach for when you want to take your casual looks up a notch. This printed dress has smocking details across the bush and a tiered skirt that provides coverage in the cooler months but is still lightweight enough for warm-weather getaways. For extra warmth, layer a cozy cardigan or jacket.

Nordstrom

One of Treat’s favorite getaway spots is Hawaii. “We love the sun and are not a cold winter ski or snow travel family,” she shared. Even if you’re not going somewhere warm, having a bathing suit on hand allows you to visit the spa, sauna, or pool at either your hotel or a nearby wellness spot. LSpace’s one-piece bathing suit features an all-over ribbed fabric with a sexy open back.

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