Men’s style: what to wear for the airport

Going on holiday soon? Once your packing’s done and you know everything’s in check, you only have one more thing to think about: the airport outfit.

You should consider that what you wear to the airport can have a big impact on your commute. From feeling on-trend for drinks at the airport lounge to feeling comfy on a long flight, this SS18-inspired fashion guide — will set you straight on how to dress in style and comfort when you check-in.

For long-haul travel

When you head out on a long-haul flight, you need to take into consideration that you’ll likely be spending more time in the airport and on the plane. So, comfort merged with style is crucial to make your commute pass swiftly.

Choose clothing that is comfortable and stylish. 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 SS18 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.

Choose clothing that is comfortable and stylish. Go for a plain tee in a shade that matches the band on your side-stripe joggers

For business trips

If you’re travelling for business, formality and comfort is important. 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.

Check patterns are big this season. Whether you go for larger window pane checks or a smaller grid check, a square-pattern men’s 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 offer you extra comfort for the journey, then finish off with tan brogues.

For city breaks

Travelling for a city break? Then, you need an outfit with an on-trend, urban look when your check-in for the flight. Choose something casual. What about a short-sleeve shirt in a block colour, paired 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, pants and shoes in different shades of it. 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.

For shorter flights

After a short journey, it’s likely that you’ll be up for heading out after getting off the plane. So, put together a look that fits a bar or restaurant crowd to make sure you can head straight out after check-in.

You can prioritise style on a short-haul flight. Pull on a pair of turn-up jeans, which was a massive trend in men’s fashion weeks, and combine with a contrast polo shirt for an on-point, smart-casual look that’s fresh for summer 2018. 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.

Heading for a beach getaway

Get excited for sun, sea and sand ahead of a beach holiday. Don’t be afraid of tropical prints. 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.

If you don’t fancy wearing shorts at the airport bar, go for light-coloured chinos with a vertical-stripe shirt.

Airport fashion checklist

Wherever you’re heading this summer, there are a few fashion rules to follow:

• 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.

Touch down at your holiday destination in style by following these airport outfit tips this season.