Candice LandauLast Updated on September 23, 2024 by Candice Landau
I never thought I’d have a “travel outfit” but I do. It’s the product of three years of intense traveling for dive assignments. Long flights, long layovers, foreign and sometimes very remote countries like the atoll of Chuuk Lagoon in Micronesia.
Though there was some trial and error at the start, I believe I have finally found the perfect items.
Skip to the section you’re interested in or just read it all:
- The Best Shoes For Flying
- The Best Pants For Flying
- The Best Tops For Flying
- The Best Jackets For Flying
- The Best Underwear For Flying
- Essential Accessories For Flying
The Best Shoes For Flying
When I’m traveling for a scuba diving assignment, practicality and comfort are at the top of my list. I need shoes that are versatile, easy to remove on the plane, and lastly that can look good if I have to use them in nicer areas.
Without further ado, here’s what I wear.
Adidas Kaptir Flow sneakers
I adore these for the color and for how comfortable they are. They are solid walking shoes that have stood the test of time. Perfect for a dive holiday and they look pretty darn snazzy too. They’re also really easy to put on as you put your foot in and just pull the tab at the back and they’re a breeze to clean. I’ve done this in sinks and thrown them in the washing machine (thanks Scotland for some really muddy country walks).
For a lazy thing like me, never bothering with laces is a serious win. The only thing I will say is that if you intend to do some real hiking or rock scrambling, you will want something with more tread. These are pretty flat and can be slippery if you’re walking muddy or steep paths. For hiking shoes, I use my Merrell Moab Speed Hiking shoes. They’re warm, waterproof, and light. They’re also killer for trails. That said, if I’m just getting on a boat, these won’t be coming. They’re a little heavier.
If it’s a short-ish flight and I have plenty of space in my luggage, I may stash the running shoes and use my sandals. They’re my favorite sandals of all time as they are a great fit for most outfits and perfect for boats (they’re not very slippery). They also double as hiking sandals. Personally, I find them quite sexy. If I’m going this route, I like to bring a pair of socks (in case the plane gets cold) but they’re easy to stash in my carry on/carry-on neck pillow case. And no, I’m not going to tell you what socks to buy as any old pair works just fine IMO.
Skechers Womens Reggae Irie Mon sandals
The Best Pants For Flying
Leggings in their various forms and fashions are usually my go to because they’re light, easy to wash, and comfortable. I try keep it to leggings with pockets (I still find it insane that so many don’t have them) but every so often I’ll make the sacrifice if the pants in question are seriously cozy.
These pants (CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Crossover Flare Leggings) are my favorite. They can pass as smart and casual. The thing I love most about them though is how soft they are. Heck, they’re the pants that turned me onto this brand so if you find 90% of my recommendations pertain to CRZ YOGA, there’s a reason (and no, I’m not sponsored!). The only downside is that they don’t have pockets—yes, that has on occasion made me want to cry but my belt bag usually suffices.
A note on expensive leggings: I’ve purchased every brand of legging under the sun and can tell you that price isn’t always a good indicator of quality. In fact, my Lululemons ranks far down the list in terms of my favorite leggings. I much prefer stuff from CRZ YOGA and from Curves and Combat Boots.
CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Crossover Flare Leggings
Now comes the tried-and-tested workhorse of travel. My leggings with pockets.
CRZ YOGA Womens Butterluxe Workout Leggings
CRZ YOGA has these leggings in so many colors so you won’t be short of choice. I also love pairing them with the CRZ YOGA zip-up sweater, and my tank top with a built-in bra (so much more comfortable than wearing a bra).
A note: I’m a sucker for jumpsuits but I don’t love wearing them on a plane. There’s just something about going to a plane bathroom and having to strip out of the whole pantsuit to sit naked on the toilet that doesn’t feel right… If you have space, stash them in carry on for a quick change when you land, especially if you’re heading straight to a restaurant or to meet people. I love this one for something that could look both smart and casual.
Another note: Don’t wear those butt scrunchy leggings! They are seriously uncomfortable when sitting for long journeys. Have I made all the mistakes you ask? Why yes, I have.
The Best Tops For Flying
CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Workout Tank Top
This one has a built-in bra which makes it super comfy to fly in. I like a light tank top for flights because temperature control on planes is always the great unknown. With something thin like this I can layer if it’s cold and cool down if it’s hot.
The Best Jackets For Flying
CRZ YOGA Womens Butterluxe Full Zip Cropped Workout Jackets
If you don’t like a slim-fitting jacket, don’t buy this. If you like em, it’s perfect, especially if you’re buying the high-waisted pants from this brand. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite sporty jackers of all time. It also looks rather sexy in my humble opinion…
Scubapro Women’s Premium Boat Coat
If I’m going diving and I’m pretty certain “smart” doesn’t need to be on the table my Scubapro boat coat is essential. Yes, read ESSENTIAL. It is, however rather a bulky which means that it usually comes on the plan with me rather than taking up luggage space. I actually love having it for a blanket as it’s neoprene and super cozy. If you haven’t yet mastered the carry-on wheelie bag coat wrap (more on that another time), buy a set of these straps. They make the walking through the airport bits a breeze.
Better Sweater Fleece Jacket – Women’s
If, however, you get cold like me, another jacket gets added to the mix (yep, I usually have the light thin sporty one, a normal one and my boat coat). You can buy this from REI. In fact, beware if you enter REI, they have amazing clothing for divers and travelers, largely because there’s a lot of light quick dry stuff. In another post I’ll share what I wear on the dive boat/pack for dive trips but for now, this is what you want. There are a few other colors. I have a black one for all around matching, though I sometimes wish I’d purchased a more colorful version.
Also, if you’re wondering, “why fleece?” it’s because it’s warm, it’s water resistant and it’s vegan (AKA, kind to the animals).
The Best Underwear For Flying
As most women know, bras with underwire aren’t the most comfortable. Sports bras are how I go. Though I also love “stick on bras” (those nipple cover things), they’re a really bad idea for a flight. Trust me, I’ve done it. You’ll get super sweaty under them. I also can’t imagine that it’s very healthy to block off air like that for hours on end.
CRZ YOGA Womens Butterluxe Strappy Longline Sports Bra
This one is my favorite. It’s comfortable, supportive and pretty. The back has crossover straps so it looks like a tank top when you see the straps. It’s also a lovely, smooth material.
Essential Accessories For Flying
Waypoint Goods Infinity Scarf with Zipper Pocket
One of my newest accessories is this travel scarf. It’s amazing for chilly plane rides and random on-island needs (sometimes it’s blustery). But, the real reason I bought it is that it contains a pocket large enough for a passport, cash and other necessary odds and ends. I especially love having this for the plane as it means I don’t have to reach into the fanny pack I’m trying to hide (I need all the space I can get) under my jacket on my waist to haul out the passport.
My REI belt bag, AKA Trail 2 Waist Pack
Thanks to my sister I started my travels with a sonic pink Lululemon belt bag. This is funny for two reasons: Firstly, I have not historically considered myself a “pink person” and secondly it was actually purchased for microscopy specimen collection purposes. The bag itself was great but it stood out like a sore thumb, meaning that I was told to put it into my carry on before boarding. The solution…REI’s black trail pack with multiple pockets. It’s larger than the Lululemon belt bag and much more discrete. It’s also got more space for stuff. One of these days I’ll write the post on how to HIDE your belt bag when getting on the plane but for now just know this is all around discrete.
My Pavoi Sleep Earrings
These are so comfortable even with a neck pillow. I also bring them because they’re perfect for diving. They don’t catch in my hood and they’re cheap enough ($23 as of writing this) that if I lose them I don’t honestly care. Whether you get these or another set, the thing to look for is “sleep earrings.” I’m putting them on the list because I’ve lost some of my favorite earrings as a result of taking them off on the plane. #devastated!
And that’s it for now. I’ll update this list as I test and find new things but this is what I fly with and it’s truly tried and tested. If you think I’m missing anything, I’d love to hear what it is! Leave a comment 🙂
