What To Wear To The Airport - Tips & Tricks For Traveling

SHOP THE VIDEO:

So the big question is, what should you wear to the airport and why should you do it?

Obviously, dirty sneakers, shirts with holes, and sweatpants are acceptable and if that's what you want to wear, go for it, however I like to say luck favors the prepared and if you're dressed up at the airport, it can still have a number of advantages. Now the easy thing is because everyone else is so dressed down, you can just get a rather casual ensemble that makes you immediately stand out from the crowd.

The other reason you want to dress up when you fly is that your luggage can get lost. That happened to me just last year on the way to my best friend's wedding where I was the best man. If I had not worn a nice pair of pants that would actually fit me, I would not have been able to attend that wedding without looking like a complete douchebag.

So what are the specific pieces you should wear when traveling?

I would say find a compromise between comfort, functionality, and stylishness.

First, let's start with the jacket. I always wear a jacket when I travel because I can easily take it off, maybe use it as a blanket, or just have an additional layer to keep me warm because you never know how hot or cold it's going to be on a plane. I like a very unstructured jacket that is extremely comfortable, no shoulder padding at all, and something that you can just throw into the corner that doesn't wrinkle easily.

Next up is the shirt. I try to go with a dress shirt, in this case, I am wearing a button-down collar shirt because it doesn't require a necktie and it is made out of a fabric that is very hard-wearing.You definitely always want long sleeves but avoid French cuffs because the metal may set off the metal detector, you may have to go through stuff again and it's just annoying. Another really great option for air travel is a long sleeve polo shirt, specifically, a white one. Now if I go on a longer trip, I always either wear a tie because my luggage can get lost or I try to wear a bow tie or keep one in my pocket because that can be a lifesaver if I need to go to a more formal occasion later on.

In terms of shoes, of course, I go with leather that matches the belt but in the airport travel case, I usually opt for a loafer. It could either be a penny loafer it could be a Gucci loafer. Alternatively, you can also go with a monk strap shoe but opt for something that comes off easily and quickly so no laced derbies or Oxfords.

For pants, I like something that is easily washable so usually, I don't opt for wool dress pants instead, I go with cotton chinos and khaki because they are very neutral, can be combined with a lot, and they can be easily washed if I stain them along the way. Alternatively, during the warmer months of the year, I really like seersucker because it's very lightweight, it's comfortable to travel in yet it doesn't wrinkle very easily and always looks neat.

If you're on really long flights, I suggest you invest in a pair of over the calf compression socks because it compresses your veins and makes sure the blood keeps flowing and you don't end up with a blood clot that might be lethal. That's especially true if you're an older gentleman; if you're younger and you don't worry about it, I still suggest wearing some nice over the calf socks I particularly like the shadow striped socks from Fort Belvedere because they're easy to combine, they're always stylish, and provide a nice contrast between your pants and your shoes.

In terms of a carry-on, I usually bring a computer bag which also contains my camera and all the stuff I need and if I don't check luggage, I bring a carry-on with really good wheels that is stable enough so I can put my bag on top of it and just maneuver the airport and the cities I am in very easily.
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Gentleman's Gazette
#whatoweartraveling #traveltips #notsponsored

[johnstephenandrew]

'You don't get a second chance to make a first impression' is the old expression, well articulated informative video and your travel attire is perfect for any gentleman.

[geadxd]

I work at an airport and I always find it very pleasing when I see men dressed well.

[reverv]

In my experience in dressing well for travelling, I've been upgraded to first class a few times. Simply by also being friendly to the staff they will treat you like you belong in first class.

[attilavarga]

Once when I was waiting in the security line in München, I saw a well-dressed gentleman who was ordered to remove his shoes. Most probably the metal shank in his shoes triggered the detector. When he removed his shoes, his socks were full of holes, you could see his toes far away. This was a really unpleasant situation. Poor guy.
So good socks are important because normally you should never take off your shoes, but this is an exceptional situation. On some airports, the metal detector equipment is very sensitive, so you have either remove your shoes and put it next to your other stuff, or be screened by security (which is a good option if you want a fast free feet massage). I heard, some shoe company make shoes with wooden shanks (they broke with time), or even better, with carbon fiber. These are good options for frequent travelers. I think Chelsea boots are the best travel shoes. They look great, work with both casual and formal clothing. They are also loose fitting so you can wear them for a long time without killing your foot. You can also run in them if you have to.

[ballsfallsadm]

Your story is very relevant. I was getting a travel visa and ended up walking outside in the govt district in my full tweeded gear, cashmere coat, leather bag, etc (all thrift shop purchases by the way).. heading to get a nice lunch as a treat at an expensive hotel and a major lawyer partner was crossing the street at the same time. Seemed like a nice guy, he just started talking to me thinking we had met before and that I was going to the well known establishment gentleman's club near by. The conversation continued as we walked so I learned a great deal about him and left him wondering who I was but we would inevitably soon meet up again (since we must certainly travel in the same circles... not). Had I been in jeans and a parka (it was snowing at bit) he would not have given me the time of day I expect. LOL

[gohantanaka]

Good advice. I usually dress down to have people avoid me. I may have to reconsider after your story. Luck favors the prepared.

[mr.comments]

Yes! I'm going to Vienna by train this summer and was already thinking about what to wear to look as dapper as possible! This video comes at the perfect time.

[xtradelite]

Still, to this day, people underestimate the value of dressing-up when at the airport. No matter where you are from in the world, you will be treated nice. In some instances, you may even be mistaken for boarding first class, and be put in the faster line!

[TheRealUnconnected]

Also helpful for scoring upgrades or lounge access. Just recently I was returning from a funeral overseas with my two sisters, one is a frequent flyer and has lounge access for herself and one guest. Thankfully because I was dressed well they allowed us all into the lounge.

[johnnyryu]

Unstructured jacket and slacks with side adjusters are my favorite. To avoid the TSA nonsense, I always opt for a bowtie and loafers. Nothing save my passport and boarding pass will be on my body; everything else goes into my briefcase.

[XdreamR]

I was taught to always dress well when traveling. I never knew why, I just did. While doing so for work one time I was waiting for my boarding and an older gentleman befriended me cause he was also dressed well. He said "I'm glad there are still some people that dress up when they travel", "why do people dress up anyways"? I asked. "Well, you never know, if the plane goes down at least you'd be well dressed, think of the plane as a huge coffin". We laughed.🤣😭

[LarryJL]

Groom: "Sven just sent me a message. The airline lost his baggage.
Bride: "Damn, is he gonna have anything to wear in the wedding?"
Groom: "Did you not hear me? *SVEN* just sent me a message. *SVEN.* "

[robertusaugustus]

I love the whole outfit! Looks very Ivy/Trad inspired, natural shoulder looks great!

[Tradwoodworker]

I love this channel, whenever I hear people from the US talking about airports and travel it always amazes me how heavy the security is, nothing that intense in Australia. There was an American in the line infront of me at the airport once and he started taking off his shoes, belt and everything and the airport security asked him why he was getting undressed in public.

[MrPolfavela]

Amazing, just makkng the preparations for a comming trip. Now I know exactly what to do. And how to do it with style.

I loved that at the end of the day the well dressed man will pass trough security faster than the others.

[ATStillAutobiography]

Great advice! I have had good results with many of the same principles you’re teaching.

[tessat]

I used to work for an airline-owned company and we got travel benefits. Whenever we or our family members used our benefits, we were required to be dressed in business clothes or business casual. We were also supposed to make ourselves available to assist cabin crew in case of an emergency. That never came up. However, being dressed well often got me upgraded and once, when the meal service was canceled due to a delayed departure and a fast transit to try to make up some of the delay, the cabin crew gave me a crew lunch when they found out that I was an airline employee and I had missed getting food before we left because my incoming flight was delayed. There was a kerfuffle a couple years ago in the media that two teenaged girls were denied boarding on a flight because they were only wearing leggings and sweatshirts. What got downplayed or dropped from the stories was that the girls were flying space available on industry family passes. It gets drilled into us at work and we are supposed to stress to our kids and family members that, when traveling on a pass, you dress appropriately. If they had been boys wearing tee-shirts and board shorts they would have been denied boarding as well.

[thelegendofdarius]

Thank you sven for the tips and your channel is my favorite YouTube style Channel it's the best style tips

[rileywallace]

i just found out about your channel and i like it a lot, i can tell you put a lot of thought into them. i actually plan on investing in a tuxedo sometime in the near future

[StephenDavisMonsignor]

Great tips, Sven!! Personally, I try hard to look stylish when I travel (which is very frequently) which helps with upgrades! Well, status also helps BUT I have been upgraded before because of my look/dress.