Sew the Perfect Look for your next Flight 

Not sure what to wear on your next flight? Today I’m going to show you some of my favorite looks whether you’re off for a quick weekend getaway or going on a long-haul international flight. We’ll combine comfort and style to make sure you look and feel your best on your trip! 

Today, we’re talking about creating and sewing the perfect travel day outfit for a short or long-haul flight. We all know that comfort is key, but that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your personal style.

We sew-so that means we can create the perfect outfit – for us – for travel.  From choosing your favorite TNT patterns to picking your favorite prints and fabrics.

1. COMFORTABLE BASE LAYER

I look for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton modal or bamboo jersey for my tops and cozy and comfy knits for bottoms. You can go with a loose-fitting, lightweight top that allows for easy movement. Or wear my favorite a simple tank top like the Zoey. Pair it with stretchy, relaxed-fit pants or leggings that provide maximum comfort during those long hours in transit.

I suggest something to fully cover your legs but not so long that it touches the floor. Airplane toilets make this a real necessity! You can always opt for a skirt or dress- a knit midi is my preference for air travel. It covers my thighs seated and is still warm enough if it gets chilly. Look for something a bit fitted so I won’t catch or snag on an armrest.

Basics Sewing: Sweatpants and White V-neck Tee

McCall’s 2940 Tee (OOP) and Sweatpant 7486(Men’s)

Zoey Tank Top

Mint Zoey by True Bias worn here with Burda 116 Midi Skirt

Another Zoey- this time in black

2. LAYER UP FOR ADAPTABILITY

Layering is essential for creating an outfit that adapts to changing temperatures on the flight. 

I usually go for a cozy jacket or cardigan, but an oversized wrap or sweater is also a great choice. Something that can be easily removed or added depending on the cabin temperature. Layering allows you to adjust your outfit accordingly and provides both warmth and versatility throughout the journey. 

Coppelia Cardi

PAPERCUT Patterns

Breton Stripe wrap Jacket

Designing Your Wardrobe: Drafting Tops with Suzy Furrer on Craftsy- I own and love this course! All of Suzy’s courses are fabulous at teaching you the basics of Patternmaking. The Knit Wrap Jacket is the Final lesson in this course. I also used my knit sloper to draft the tank top.

Here’s my Mood Board on Pinterest where you’ll find everything from this post. From Pattern Suggestions, travel gear, inspo and much more!

Because I draft so much of my own wardrobe pieces I thought it would be fun to find some options you can choose from to create your own perfect handmade travel outfit. It was so much fun looking for inspiration ideas! Let me know if you enjoy these types of posts- I’m definitely down for creating more.

Pattern Options

TOPS 

• HELEN’S CLOSET CASSIDY WRAP TOP 
• PARADISE PATTERNS SOMMAR CAMISOLE 
• SEW LIBERATED BEDROCK TEE 
• FRENCH NAVY TARIFA TEE 
• HELEN’S CLOSET DAWSON TOP 
• ALLIE OLSON ELIO TOP 
• ITCH TO STITCH GLENELLY TOP AND DRESS 
• VIKISEWS JENNY T-SHIRT 
• FIBRE MOOD AFRA T-SHIRT 

PANTS/SKIRTS 

• THE MAKER’S ATELIER PULL-ON TROUSER 
• STYLE ARC COMO KNIT PANT 
• JERSEY /STRETCH TROUSERS 112 | 02/19 
• ARDEN PANTS HELENS CLOSET 
• BURDA JERSEY SKIRT 116 
• PULL-ON PANTS AND SHORTS 3243 JALIE  
• OLO COZY PANTS NAMED

DRESS IDEAS

• BURDA DRESS AND JUMPSUIT 6004 
• ATELIER JUPE CHARLOTTE DRESS AND LOU TOP 
• LIESL + CO MARAIS KNIT DRESS AND TOP 
• NEW LOOK DRESS N6650 
• REETA SHIRT DRESS NAMED
• WARDROBE BY ME MIRRI DRESS 
• CASHMERETTE PEMBROKE DRESS AND TUNIC 
• MEGAN NIELSEN FLOREAT DRESS AND TOP 
• TRUE BIAS NIKKO TOP AND DRESS 
• BUTTERICK Misses’ Lapped Collar Tops and Dress B6388
• ATELIER JUPE LYNN CAFTAN DRESS AND BLOUSE 

WRAPS/JACKETS 

• ATELIER JUPE GRACE JACKET 
• STYLE ARC PALERMO KNIT JACKET 
• THE MAKER’S ATELIER SPORT-LUXE BOMBER JACKET 
• HELEN’S CLOSET MOSS JACKET 
• SEW LIBERATED LICHEN DUSTER 
• OUR LADY OF LEISURE PISCO JACKET-THE FOLD LINE 
• HÉLÈNE SHAWL COLLAR CARDIGAN 3677 JALIE  

HEAD TO TOE LOOKS 

• NEW LOOK CARDIGAN JACKET AND PANTS N6711 
• BUTTERICK OUTFIT B6796 
• SIMPLICITY JACKET, TOP AND TROUSERS S9383 
• VOGUE JACKET AND TROUSERS V1832 
• SIMPLICITY JACKET, TOP AND TROUSERS S9271 
• VOGUE KIMONO TOP AND TROUSERS V1746 
• SIMPLICITY Misses’ Separates by Mimi G Style S8558 
• VOGUE CARDIGAN, TUNIC AND PANTS V1914 
• MAVEN PATTERNS SIMONE SET 
• SIMPLICITY CARDIGAN, TOP AND PANTS S9272
• THE SEWING WORKSHOP MAISON TOP AND JOGGERS 
• SIMPLICITY MISSES SPORTSWEAR S9228 
• SIMPLICITY TOP, CARDIGAN AND SKIRT S9716 
• COMFI LOUNGE TEE + PANTS SET – PATTERN SCOUT 

3. STYLISH & PRACTICAL FOOTWEAR

Next let’s move on to footwear. You’ll want something that is both stylish and practical. You can opt for slip-on shoes or sneakers that are easy to remove during security checks and provide comfortable support during the flight. I like to wear my heaviest shoe on the plane to keep my bags light. Choose a pair that complements your outfit and suits your personal style. For me comfort is key. But wear what you love! 

4. ACCESSORIES FOR FUNCTION AND STYLE

Accessories add the finishing touch to your travel day outfit while serving a practical purpose. I tend to go light on jewelry unless my flight is short. I like to carry a spacious tote with a luggage sleeve or a cute backpack with laptop storage. These allow you to keep all your essentials close at hand. I like something big enough to add a packing compression cube with an extra outfit or my favorite piece I wouldn’t want to lose if I’m checking luggage. Especially since I always pack handmade. 

What’s in my Personal Bag: DOUGHNUT Macaroon Cream Iceberg & Sakura Backpack (Tilly’s), Teal Duffel Carry On Bag(not pictured), Tripped Travel Tech Bag Dusty Teal, Patagonia Atom 20L Backpack from REI, Pacifica Beauty, Comrad Socks, HP Laptop 14″, Belkin portable charger, Fitness watch, Ear buds, Levenger Bomber Jacket Sunglasses Case, Elena Sunglasses from Eye Buy Direct, Books for my trip.

Traveling in the winter? Consider bringing a cozy scarf or wrap that can double as a blanket during the flight. I always suggest wearing your heaviest pieces- so this is the place to wear the bulky coat or trench. 

Accessories not only elevate your outfit but also provide functionality throughout your journey.  

Going on a Beach vacay? Choose a wide-brimmed hat, use a wrap or Turkish towel that can double duty at the beach and a chic pair of sunglasses.

And there you have it—everything you need to sew the perfect travel outfit. By starting with a comfortable base layer, layering up for adaptability, choosing practical yet stylish footwear, and adding functional and stylish accessories, you’ll be ready to embark on your next trip in both comfort and confidence. 

Watch the full video on YouTube

I hope you found these tips helpful!  What’s your favorite thing to bring on the plane? Do you have a go to travel pattern? Let me know in the comments.  Until next time- Safe travels and happy sewing!