Written by Menswear Style in Trends on the 31st May 2019

It’s common to spend an extended amount of time planning which outfits you will wear while you’re on your holiday. However, once your outfits have been sorted and your suitcase has been packed, the next thing to work out is what you’re going to wear to the airport. Your outfit can completely change your travel experience. It can make you feel comfortable for long-haul flights, on-trend for drinks at the airport or professional and ready for a business trip. This SS19-inspired fashion guide will set you straight on how to dress in style and comfort when you check-in.

1. Beach getaways 

Get in the mood for the sun, sea and sand ahead by creating the ideal airport outfit for a beach holiday. Tropical prints are definitely in this season, so button-up a short-sleeve shirt featuring a palm tree pattern and pull on a pair of beige or blue stretch shorts for the ultimate beach-ready look that’ll be comfy enough for a flight. If you don’t fancy wearing shorts at the airport bar, go for light-coloured chinos with a vertical-stripe shirt — a pattern that will be everywhere in men’s fashion throughout summer this year. Boat shoes make perfect holiday footwear, or you can opt for slip-on canvas sneakers for the same laid-back effect.

2. Business trips 

When it’s business, the airport dress code calls for comfort, but formality. Take inspiration from your normal work wardrobe, but just tweak it slightly to make it airport-appropriate — this means not wearing anything tight and restrictive, or too many accessories that might cause a headache at security. A major SS18 trend is check patterns. Whether you go for larger window pane checks or a smaller grid check, a square-pattern blazer over a plain, long-sleeve, buttoned-up Oxford shirt delivers the perfect upper body style fit for a business-focused flight. Pair with stretch jeans to tone down the formality and bring extra comfort for the journey, then finish off with tan brogues. 

3. City breaks 

Headed on a city break? Then, you need an outfit with an on-trend, urban look when you check-in for the flight. Opt for a casual, short-sleeve shirt in a block colour and pair it with cropped, mid-weight trousers. Tonal dressing is big in men’s fashion right now, so choose a colour you know looks good on you and get your top, trousers and shoes in different shades. You may need a jacket when you land if you’re heading somewhere with a cool climate, like a city in northern Europe, but make sure you opt for something flexible and light — a stripe or chevron, zip windbreaker is ideal.

4. Short-haul flights 

Since your journey won’t be too tiring, you’ll probably go out pretty soon after landing if you’re on a short-haul flight. So, put together a look that fits a bar or restaurant crowd to make sure you can head straight out after check-in. On a short-haul flight, you can make style a priority. Pull on a pair of turn-up jeans, which was a massive trend in men’s fashion weeks, and combine with a contrast men’s t shirt for an on-point, smart-casual look that’s fresh for summer 2019. Polish off the outfit with a chrome watch that’s easy to take off at the security scanner, and end with a pair of suede loafers — the ideal men’s shoe for summer. 

5. Long-haul flights 

If you’re dressing for a long-haul flight, not only do you have more time to spend at the airport before your flight, but you also have longer to sit on the plane. So, comfort merged with style is crucial to make your commute pass swiftly. Dress in a way you know will make you look good but feel at ease. Go for a plain tee in a shade that matches the band on your side-stripe joggers — this clothing piece was on all the catwalks at the men’s SS19 international fashion shows. Match with neutral-colour, lace sneakers that are easy to slip on and off at security and throw over a light-weight bomber, or boxy denim jacket that’s easy to roll up and put under your seat during the flight.

Essential airport fashion tips 

No matter where you’re jetting off to, there are a few key fashion rules you should follow if you want to make your journey as comfortable and hassle-free as possible. Avoid belts: you only have to take these off for the security check. Layer up: go for multiple layers to keep your body temperature at the perfect level. Keep it functional: don’t wear clothes that are restrictive or awkward. Wear socks: to keep your feet cool and dry during long commutes. Avoid lace shoes if possible: go for footwear that’s easy to remove. Take a small carry-on bag or wear clothes with plenty of pockets: to keep your passport, boarding pass and other airport essentials safe.

From Business trips to Beach getaways we teach you how to Join in with the Airport Fashion Trend.