If the inevitable question of ‘what are you wearing to the airport?’ has landed in the group chat, the best answer is a simple one: an airport co-ord, of course.
Whether you’re on a long or short-haul flight, they’re an effortless way to feel cosy while still looking polished and put-together – not to mention, a co-ord will easily see you through to the airport lounge (or even business class) if you manage to score an upgrade.
But perhaps the best thing about airport co-ords? They practically style themselves. When that 5 a.m. alarm goes off, all you need is a pair of trainers (or flip flops), a lightweight layer for when the plane gets chilly and a tote packed with your travel essentials. If you want to elevate the look, add a few simple accessories – although avoid going too heavy on the jewellery if you want to speed through airport security.
Better yet, a co-ord can work way beyond the airport. Whether it’s a girls’ night in, a road trip or hanging out and catching up on the latest true crime Netflix documentary, a good co-ord is guaranteed to earn its place in your wardrobe. It’s all about cost per wear, people!
And you don’t need to spend a fortune to nail the airport co-ord trend, either. Many high-street retailers, including M&S, H&M, Next and River Island, have plenty of options, with some options costing as little as £30 for an entire set. Keep scrolling to shop the best airport co-ords to wear on your next trip.
The best airport co-ords for stylish yet cosy travel in 2026
Best for: early morning flights
Whether you’re catching a long or short-haul flight, this baby pink ensemble is the ideal option for a 5 a.m. wake-up call. The soft pastel shade taps into this season’s biggest colour trends, while the relaxed boxy T-shirt and wide-leg trousers keep things comfortable for your day of travel.
Best for: long-haul flights
If you’re flying long haul, comfort is always key – and this M&S sweatshirt and jogger set delivers exactly that. The elasticated waistband and relaxed fit will keep you comfortable for hours, while the oversized sweatshirt is ideal for dealing with cold cabin temps. We’d layer a lightweight vest underneath so you can adjust your outfit if you get too warm.
Best for: city breaks and short-haul flights
City-break outfits call for something entirely different. Most of the time, hotel check-in isn’t until later in the day, so you’ll want something that looks stylish enough to explore in straight after landing. This ASOS set will keep you comfortable on the plane, but only needs a pair of flip flops, slim sunnies and jewellery to feel more holiday-ready.
Best for: summer airport dressing
While technically labelled as pyjamas, this cotton set can work way beyond the bedroom. Made from a soft, lightweight fabric with a breezy fit, it’s a comfortable option for travelling while still looking put together. Just remember: aeroplane AC can get aggressively excited, so layer a cami underneath the button-down top for added warmth.
Best for: a minimalist look
For a sleek ‘quiet luxury’ look, this Mango set is an easy win. The minimalist silhouette and soft-stone hue make it an incredibly versatile co-ord. You can wear it with trainers and a messy bun in the airport, or style the pieces separately for a more elevated look.
Best for: girls' trips
If you prefer a sporty look, turn to this ensemble from ASOS. While the pieces aren’t sold as a set, these flared capri leggings simply need a black vest or halter to complete the look. Pair with an oversized tote and white trainers for an off-duty airport look.
Best for: lightweight layering
When it’s warm outside but freezing on the plane, airport layers mean you can layer up without compromising on style. Capes and ponchos are perfect for the job – simply throw one over a cami or vest for additional warmth, then remove it once you land. We love the chocolate brown hue of this H&M number – and it can seamlessly transition to the beach bar if needs be.
Best for: short-haul day flights
next.co.uk Funnel Neck Quarter Zip and Short Co-Ord
next.co.uk Funnel Neck Quarter Zip and Short Co-Ord
Next knows exactly what it’s doing when it comes to airport outfits. This striped sweatshirt and shorts combo is a particular favourite. It will work just as well for day-to-day lounging as it will for the airport – though we’d save this for short-haul flights, as you’ll likely appreciate full-length trousers for a long haul.
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.
