One of the biggest dilemmas we face before going to the airport is knowing what to wear (that’s after locating your passport, figuring out where your gate is and saying a little prayer that your flight doesn’t get cancelled, obvs).
Dressing comfortably is a given—because who’s turning up to an airport in jeans these days?—but after weeks of record-breaking temperatures, our main consideration right now is dressing appropriately for the weather. When it’s sweltering outside but freezing on the plane, knowing what to wear isn’t exactly easy. Enter: airport layers.
Airport layers should be the MVPs in your travel wardrobe. Sure, they may seem unnecessary when walking around the airport, but you’ll be thankful for them once you get on the plane and that sub-zero aircon starts blasting. Until then, they’re light enough to tie around your waist or tuck into your cabin bag while you explore duty free.
They’re not just a summer essential either: airport layers come in handy for that awkward in-between whether when it’s cold and wintery on the way to the airport, but warm and tropical once you reach the other side.
But the best part of all? Airport layers come in so many iterations—whether it’s a chic pashmina to wrap around your shoulders, a lightweight poncho you can throw off and on or a more substantial sweater for extra warmth. Pair with a basic tee or lightweight cami and finish with a pair of stretchy airport trousers. Whether you’re on a four or 14 hour flight, it’s the perfect formula to keep you comfortable, cosy and prepared for any temperatures coming your way.
Cardigans
We’re backing the cardigan’s corner this travel season. With plenty of styles and colors available, they’re one of the most effortless ways to elevate your airport ‘fit while offering you an additional layer. Tie one around your waist or throw it into your cabin bag while you’re shopping in duty free, then pull it on the moment the plane’s AC gets a little too aggressive. Better yet, it’ll earn its spot long after your holiday—layered over a simple cami and trousers, a cardigan always makes an outfit look chic and put together.
Capes and Ponchos
Capes and ponchos have quietly become one of the chicest layers in 2026, making them a polished and practical item to bring to the airport. They can drape over whatever outfit you’re already wearing to give you a little extra warmth on the plane without feeling tight or restrictive. Even if simply thrown over a vest and leggings, they’ll instantly make your airport outfit look a little more considered.
Most styles tend to be lightweight too, with sheer options available that can double as a beach cover-up. When you’re working with strict baggage allowances, it pays to get smart with your packing.
Lightweight Sweaters
Even if you’re jetting off to a sunny, tropical destination, it’s always a good idea to pack a sweater. They can still come in handy for chilly nights once you’ve arrived to your destination, but can also be used to cuddle up in if the plane get a little cool for your liking. If it’s a little too warm to wear while waiting in the terminal, fret not, as simply slinging it over your shoulders instantly makes your outfit look more sophisticated and considered—even when you’ve woken up at 3.am.
Shawls and Scarves
Shawls and scarves are the easiest way to stay cosy while still looking chic on a flight. Whether wrapped over your shoulders or draped over your legs, they’re essentially a lightweight blanket you can cuddle up with on the plane, but stylish enough to wear once you land—whether that’s at dinner or on a beach walk. They’re not as committed as a sweater or cardigan, but offer just enough warmth to take the edge off while taking up minimal space in your bag.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
