Airport style guide — what should you wear?

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

The outfit you decide to wear to the airport can influence your commute. From feeling on-trend for drinks at the airport lounge to feeling comfy on a long flight, this SS19-inspired fashion guide will set you straight on how to dress in style and comfort when you check-in.

Long-haul flights

Bear in mind that you’ll be spending more time in the airport and on a plane with a long-haul flight. So, comfort merged with style is crucial to make your commute pass swiftly.

Style your look 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 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.

Business trips

Find the right balance between comfortable and formal. 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.

Take note of a major SS19 trend which 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 offer you extra comfort for the journey, then finish off with tan brogues.

City breaks

Planning on a city getaway? Then, you need an outfit with an on-trend, urban look when you check-in for the flight.

Choose a men’s t 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, 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.

Short-haul flights

Dress for heading out as soon as you land! So, put together a look that fits a bar or restaurant crowd to make sure you can head straight out after check-in.

Take this opportunity to make style your priority. 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 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.

Beach getaways

Get ready for 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.

Ultimate airport fashion tips

Follow these rules for a stylish and comfortable trip:

• 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 with these airport outfit men’s fashion tips fresh for summer 2019.