What to Wear on a Long Flight: SKIMS Knits That Keep You Warm and Comfortable

A long flight asks a lot of your body. You sit for hours, the cabin air is dry, and the temperature swings from stuffy to freezing. But you still want to land looking like yourself, not like you just slept in a hoodie from 2010.

That’s where a good knit set earns its place in your carry-on. The right combination of soft stretch, gentle waistbands, and smart layers can keep you warm, comfortable, and polished from check-in to baggage claim.

This guide walks you through how to build an easy, repeatable “flight uniform” using SKIMS knits, so you can stop guessing and start traveling on autopilot.

Why Long Flights Feel So Cold (and What Your Clothes Can Do About It)

Cabin air is cooler and drier than most people expect. You might board from a hot, crowded terminal, then spend 4–15 hours in a seat under strong A/C, barely moving. Your feet and legs can swell, your skin feels dry, and anything stiff or scratchy becomes more unbearable by the hou .

Your clothes can either fight this or make it worse. Rigid waistbands, heavy denim, and thin, non-stretch fabrics tend to dig in, bag out, or leave you shivering. A soft knit set, on the other hand, moves with you, holds in just enough warmth, and looks intentional instead of like pajamas.

Your Long-Flight Outfit: A Formula

An easy way to think about long-haul dressing is in three layers:

Base layer: A soft bra, bodysuit, or tank that feels good directly on your skin.

Try a Fits Everybody Cami Bodysuit, Soft Lounge Tank, or a simple Fits Everybody T-Shirt Bra under a tee for light support and a smooth base.

Knit set: A matching (or coordinating) knit top and pants do the heavy lifting on comfort and style.

Look for smooth ribbed knit or soft fleece pants with a gentle waistband, and add a coordinated top. You’ll find sets in the SKIMS Cotton Jersey and Cotton Fleece Collections.

A Cotton Rib or Soft Lounge set gives you stretch and softness without feeling sloppy.

Now all you need is a soft warmth layer, like a cozy hoodie, sweater, or fluffy jacket. See below.

Third layer: A warm, polished piece you can add or remove as the cabin (and destination) temperature changes.

A textured knit cardigan, oversized cardigan, a longer coatigan like the Boyfriend Fleece Oversized Trench, or a Cotton Fleece sweatshirt works perfectly as your “wearable blanket.” Use this as a finishing layer through the airport.

This structure lets you peel layers off if the cabin runs hot, or bundle up when the A/C is blasting, without needing a full outfit change in a tiny restroom.

Choosing the Right Knit Set for Your Flight

Not all knits behave the same once you’ve been sitting for six hours. A few details make a big difference.

Waistbands and fit

On long flights, your body can swell a bit, especially around the waist and ankles. Look for:

• Soft, wide waistbands that sit comfortably without digging in.
  • SKIMS ribbed knit leggings, ribbed lounge pants, or fleece joggers with stretch are much kinder than stiff waistbands or hard zippers.
• True-to-you sizing rather than squeezing into a smaller size for looks. A comfortably fitted knit will still skim your shape, but it won’t press into your skin as you sit and sleep.

Leg shape: wide, tapered, or fitted?

Each silhouette has its pros and cons in the air:

• Wide-leg knit pants feel airy, hide compression socks, and can look dressy when you land. (Try the Cotton Jersey Straight Leg Pant in an elevated colorway like Soot.) They’re great if you like more ease through the leg. You'll just want to be careful in the lavatory—tucking the hem into your socks before you step in is a simple fix.
• Tapered knit joggers, like the SKIMS classic version in cotton fleece, keep fabric out of the way while still giving that extra cozy fabric room. They’re ideal if you’re worried about hems touching the floor, and they work well with sneakers. Just make sure the ankle cuff isn’t overly tight if you’re prone to swelling.

Form-fitting pants like foldover flares or leggings are the most practical for tight spaces. They offer a chic shape that balances an oversized sweatshirt, and they translate immediately to a fitted pant look when you land and head straight to an event.

So which SKIMS pants and top should you get for a long flight?

Think about pairing a Cotton Fleece Jogger with a matching crewneck sweatshirt or hoodie for a cozy, sportier feel. For something that reads more polished and easy to dress up with a coat, go for a ribbed knit pant with a matching long-sleeve top or stylish zip-up sweater.

Necklines and tops

Your top should support how you like to sit and sleep:

A crewneck or turtleneck keeps your chest warm in a cold cabin, and layers smoothly under a sweatshirt or jacket when you step off the plane.

• A classic SKIMS Cotton Fleece hoodie gives you a built-in “cocoon,” especially if you like to block light or lean against the window.
• A V-neck or open collar is helpful if you tend to run warm and like the option to cool down quickly—just bring a scarf or wrap for when the temperature drops. There’s also our Cotton Fleece Polo Sweatshirt or Oversized V Neck Sweater in the softest Wool Cashmere for warm options with an open neckline.

A fitted tee under your knit top or a wide strap tank is a smart extra layer if you want the option to remove your sweater mid-flight and still feel covered.

Shoes, Socks, and Smart Extras

Your knit set sets the tone, but the rest of the outfit matters, too.

Slip-on sneakers or structured slides pair well with most SKIMS knit sets and make security checks easier. Leave your tightest shoes in your suitcase; your feet may swell slightly on long flights, so choose something with a bit of room. If you’re planning to wear compression socks, wide-leg or straight-leg knit pants are ideal for hiding them completely.

Savvy travelers also like to pack:

• A soft wrap or scarf over a knit set for extra warmth.
• A fresh tank or tee in their bag to swap into before landing, while keeping the same knit pants.
• An extra Soft Smoothing Seamless brief or boy short—this fabric sits invisibly under lighter knits while you feel supported and confident as you move through the airport.

The goal is simple: nothing should pinch, scratch, or require constant adjusting.

FAQs: Long-Flight Knitwear Tips

What kind of knit set is best for a long flight?

Choose a soft, stretchy knit set with a gentle waistband and enough structure to hold its shape. A ribbed or fleece knit in a matching top and pant is ideal. Check out SKIMS options in Cotton Jersey, Cotton Fleece, Cotton Rib, and Soft Lounge Collections. Aim for something you’d be happy wearing both in your seat and walking into your hotel lobby.

Should I wear a bra or a bralette on a long flight?

Wear whatever support makes you feel most at ease. Many travelers prefer a soft, simple SKIMS T-Shirt bra that fits naturally and goes under everything. For that zero underwire feel while you sit and sleep, opt for a bralette or a Fits Everybody bodysuit.

Are joggers better than wide-leg pants for travel?

They’re more contained, so they’re practical in tight spaces and restrooms, and they work well with sneakers. If you choose joggers, just make sure the ankle cuffs aren’t overly tight so you can maintain good circulation while up in the air.

Do I really need a third layer if I already have a long-sleeved shirt?

Most people are glad they brought one. A fleece hoodie, a substantial sweater layer, or a soft coat (like the SKIMS Boyfriend Fleece trench) can stand in for a blanket, keep you warm while you sleep, and elevate your outfit instantly when you’re walking through the airport.

What colors work best for long-haul flights?

Darker neutrals like Onyx, Soot, and Cocoa tend to hide wrinkles, lint, and small spills better than very light shades. They also transition effortlessly from plane to city.

A thoughtfully chosen knit set does more than look good in a travel selfie. It supports your body through long hours of sitting, keeps you warm without bulk, and helps you arrive feeling like you actually rested. With the right SKIMS base layer, knit set, and third piece, your long-flight outfit becomes one less thing to worry about—and one more tool that makes travel feel more manageable, more efficient, and a lot more comfortable.