Our point of view for travel wear is to strategically dress for the trip ahead. Short haul flights vs. long haul flights will affect many decisions. The same goes for road trips. The guidelines we utilize are always fluid depending on the time of year and climate to climate. Our hope is to help you get where you’re going feeling your best and looking even better. This is a generalized overview of what to wear for travel for your personal style. Don’t really know your personal style? Check our lifestyle blog posts to help discover your personal style. Once you have that you can check per destinations for specific suggestions regarding must have additions.
The Challenging questions
Where are you going and what time of year are you going? What is the climate where you are going? What is your main mode of transportation? What type of activities are you planning? Are you a dedicated “carry on only” type of traveler or do you plan extra time with your layovers that you have the flexibility to check your bag (s)? Time to check into the airport lounge and relax? Remember you want to arrive at the airport looking great and arrive to your destination looking great too.
These are questions to ask and answer before you start planning what to wear and ultimately what to pack. With airlines currently adding additional fees for checking luggage even more people will be carrying on their bags.
Breaking down what to wear for travel.
Airline travel. Airports…. What a melting pot of humanity and definitely a place to see it all, and be seen. Literally. However, if you are part of the boomer generation and reading our blog you most likely wanting to be seen as a well put together individual and traveler. You’re not comfortable looking like you just rolled out of bed and wearing rumpled, ill fitting clothes. Hey, it doesn’t take a lot of time. Just a little planning.
Luxury Travel Wear for Boomer Women.
Athleta has several different lines of clothing that work amazing for travel. They fit fantastic and look great on any figure and keep their shape, even after sleeping in. Senior boomers will love the versatility with that style of clothing. Whether you try Athleta, Zella or another brand of athletic type clothing make choose clothing that fits well and makes you feel great. My number one suggestions for bottoms would include “jogger” pants with pockets or a nice high waisted sweat pant. I also found a wonderful pair of really high waisted sleek, lightweight pants made by Zella. They absolutely don’t look like athletic pants and I will be wearing these a lot. For tops think t-shirt or light sweater and then layer with either a cardigan, zip front/ pullover, lightweight jacket or even a blazer to dress up a bit more. I always choose an exterior layer that has pockets.
If you are the type of boomer that finds themselves chilled on planes and airports, consider a large scarf/shaw. I have a great one in a wool blend and neutral colours that is both warm and soft, that I occasionally bring to wrap around my shoulders. I can also tuck my chin into it as well if I’m napping. That’s an added bonus if you’re traveling during cold/flu season because you can cover your face! 
Recap: look for clothing that is classic, comfortable, wrinkle resistant and has an athletic aspect to it. It can actually double down for hiking, city walks, even going to the gym.
Shoes and Socks.
Travel socks are a must. Look for compression knee high socks. These should be a priority for everyone, especially us seniors. How many times after a flight are your feet and legs swollen and your shoes have suddenly become really tight? Sitting in planes, cars and other extended sitting situation can cause this unhappy situation. The compression in these socks help keep the circulation moving in your legs, therefore, reduces swelling and discomfort. Happy boomer feet and legs! There are so many brands, but get something fun and cute. I absolutely LOVE Bombas. They can be purchased through their website or other outlets, such as Nordstrom. Their company philosophy is a heart seller for me as well. They donate socks for every pair purchased. The rest of your socks for the trip can be of your choosing.
Choosing shoes for travel you will want to look for something comfortable that you know you will wear at your destination. For obvious reasons, I usually wear my bulkiest pair on the plane. However, if they won’t work if you have to run to a gate, either pack them or leave them. A great pair of comfortable, stylish sneakers, loafers or booties (for cooler climates) will hit the mark every time.
A great pair of comfortable, stylish tennis shoes will hit the mark every time. For a classic, casual sneaker, I love Paul Greens “Carly Low Top” sneakers. I have been wearing them for a couple of years and wore them all over Europe. New Balance 327 is another sneaker that is comfortable right out of the box. Sneakers are having their day now and a pair that I picked up this year are Linda Paolo’s “Selma Platform. They look great with jeans, shorts, skirts, and dresses. There are so many excellent brands that are also very comfortable. Check back for blog updates. I purchase a lot of shoes from Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack not only because of their terrific customer service, but they carry so many brands.
Accessories 
When deliberating what accessories to wear and pack look at the big picture of where you are going. Knowing that will help determine what jewellery to wear and bring. Minimal pieces that go with everything will always work. Handbags are such a personal choice. In my experience, I find that crossbody bags are an excellent choice. I love the ability to have my hands free. If our travels take us to a city, I may only bring the crossbody. If we will be traveling by car to different locations I will bring a tote bag and my crossbody which will fit into the tote for the air travel part of the trip. The tote is great for schlepping extra “stuff” without having to bring my backpack everywhere. Then for quick trips or dining, I’ll switch to just the handbag. Choices are vast for crossbody bags. If you’re into a bit of retro the multipurpose belt/crossbody bags are super cool. I’ll be adding one to my collection. Currently, I use a Patricia Nash crossbody, large wallet which holds my phone, credit cards and cash. My tote is a medium sized ostrich that I picked up in South Africa.
Travel Styles for Men.
Men of the boomer age are more challenged when it comes to travel wear. What should men over 60 wear for travel? It is so much easier to talk about what styles boomer aged men should not wear. Let’s dive into wardrobe choices that travel well, look great and are age appropriate.
Pants are the priority. First and foremost, find the pants with the correct fit for your body. As men age and change, so does their body. Measure for your pants correctly. You need to measure the waist, hips and inseam. However, you also need to measure the rise! That is the length from the crotch to the waistband. Armed with that information you can choose pants according to style and cut. For example; Tom is a slim man and has always worn a size 32X32. In his younger years that 32″ waist fit right at his waist. Fast forward to current times, his body has changed. He is still a slim man, however, he now sports a tummy and is very thin through the butt, hips and thighs. His 32″ “waist” now sits at his hips. If he sizes up in pants to fit at his waist (42″) he would have way too much fabric from the hips down. The waist size of pants dictates the leg opening as well. In addition if he chooses pants in regular or relaxed in his usual 32″ and worn at the hip level, there also will be a substantial amount of sag and looseness in the legs. Best choice is to opt for low rise, and slim fit. Alternatively, you may have gained some added “muscle” in areas you didn’t have before. Again, measure..measure…measure. If your body hasn’t really changed consider yourself lucky. Your choices are much wider.
Voila! You found the best option for fit and style.
Pants to maybe avoid would include sweatpants, and overall baggy pants. They may look hip on younger men, but not so much for the senior traveler unless the style and cut is more refined and the fabric is of high quality. Typically, that type of althleisure wear on boomer men tends to come off looking like they’re wearing pajamas. Not a look worth going for. Change the channel and go for a comfortable pant of high quality fabric with some stretch. We don’t think you can beat a great pair of soft jeans or twills that have just a bit of stretch. Always make sure the fit is right for you! If you’re a golfer, then golf pants work well too! If you absolutely want to go with a jogger style, first consider your overall fitness and shape. This style looks best on senior men that are more toned. With that said, look for a jogger of high quality fabric with a bit of stretch and in a classic no frills style.
For your top, think layers. Choose a great fitting quality t-shirt, polo or sweater. Keep your patterns and colours classic. Black is a great option. If you spill your tiny airline dinner on yourself or your neighbor does, no big deal. Wear a light weight jacket, blazer, cardigan or a half zip and you’re set. Layering a jacket or blazer with a t-hirt or polo will always look great.
Shoes doesn’t ever seem to be a big decision for Tom. Typically a pair of athletic shoes, dressier walking shoes or booties. If we’re incorporating golf, a classic hybrid golf shoe works great. As for socks, same as women! Compression socks, my friend. A pair for the plane are a must. You and your feet and legs will be happy.
You want to be comfortable during the transportation part of getting to your destination. Why not start and end your journeys feeling and looking great.