What to Wear to the Airport | 5 Travel Style Tips for Men

This video is all about what to wear to the airport to be comfortable AND stylish. Your travel outfits should be comfortable, functional and stylish. You don't need to wear a suit like Don Draper, but you also shouldn't look like a frat boy schlepping his old backpack back from spring break.
There's a middle ground, in terms of style, and that's what I want to help you achieve with these five tips:
#1: Wear accessories
#2: No t-shirts
#3: Wear pants (not shorts)
#4: Slip on shoes
#5: High-quality luggage
If you follow these five tips as best you can, I guarantee you will look better than 90% of men in the airport. If you have any questions about travel outfits, leave a comment below.
Thanks to Original Grain for sponsoring this video.
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I'm 5'6" with shoes on and about 123 lbs after dinner. I have a 34" chest; I usually wear XS tops and 28x28 pants (sometimes hemmed to 27").
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Contains affiliate links // Stay stylish!

[@erikjuarezdk2367]

If you're a businessman going on a business trip, I see the point in being stylish, but I have never ever looked at another person at the airport and thought to myself "Damn hes way underdressed for this flight".. Maybe overdressed, but never underdressed. 😅

[@laner.845]

I've looked at thousands upon thousands of people and thought, "I hope I don't sit by them, they're a slob." It seriously takes minimal effort to wear something other than sports shorts and a band tee. And for the love of all humanity, DO NOT wear open-toe shoes on a plane. Not men. Not women. Maybe very little kids/babies. No sandals, no crocs, no strappy mostly open high heels, and NO FLIP FLOPS. Put that crap in your bags to wear after you get to the beach.

[@johnd2442]

@Erik I couldn't agree more.

[@ForTheLoveOfSuits]

That’s because they’re looking at you thinking that.

[@2.5chainz]

@@laner.845 what’s wrong with slides and crocs at the airport?

[@laner.845]

@@2.5chainz no one wants to see or smell someone's feet. It's 100+ folks cooped up in a metal tube. Be courteous to them. Just because it doesn't bother you personally doesn't mean it isn't rude and disgusting.

[@v1d300]

I agree on everything except the luggage part. If I can get away with a back pack I would do that as its far more convenient than a messenger bag. If its a work trip which requires a messenger style bag then it makes sense to carry that but otherwise a backpack is such an efficient way to keep your hands free and yet carry all the necessary stuff close to you.

[@Talkofthetown321]

Yes I agree with you. Comfort and style, best way to travel.

[@janprowell2216]

For summer travel I usually do the following: Blazer/sport coat (I carry most things in my jacket pockets instead of my pants pocket until after I clear security. It is just faster that way) Jeans (I prefer wearing my bulky pants) Plain fitted tshirt (I use this tshirt for workouts each morning. It saves me from having to carry yet another shirt for that.)

[@lmartinez3633]

Jan Prowell I also like to carry the stuff on a jacket or blazer until passing security

[@leraisonandtheseason]

You don't imagine how you helped me with your hints that I merged with my personal taste to make an unique look for my next vacations trip to Brazil, Chile and Australia. Just passing here to thank you!

[@badbeatking80]

Hey brotha, I travel like a mad man and all your points are spot on. Couldn't agree on quality luggage. I upgraded my luggage to Tumi across the board and never looked back

[@turnpikedivide]

On my recent trip from SC to NYC, I wore a pair of van's slip on's but packed my pair of Doc Marten's, kept them in my carry on luggage, and after crossing over through the TSA checkpoint, put the Doc's on. Saved room in my book bag, and looked stylish and comfortable!

[@BrockMcGoff]

Solid strategy.

[@jwsems]

Solid work as always Brock. Fully agree with your advice. I purchased an OG "Barrel" watch when it was a concept on Kickstarter. It's a bit clunky however the one you share is a simple alternative.

[@rajkrish9347]

Thanx for the style tips.... find them very useful, and i resonate with some of the fundamentals - no shorts, wrist watch etc.

[@schlachthaus5]

As a mature, professional male traveling throughout Asia, I found that my most stylish, comfortable and practical traveling clothes consisted of a navy blazer; white, button-down Oxford cloth shirt; skinny jeans with a black, leather belt; and a pair of Mark McNairy dirty buck shoes. This look also agrees with the Asian style aesthetic so that you don't look like a tourist. Gives one a feeling of confidence, too. You are definitely treated better and with more respect when you appear professional in that part of the world. I also agree that shorts are definitely out.

[@phenylmusic]

your tan suede shoes would go better with a tan suede belt or at least a belt that matches in color. though its true the other way around black shoes would probably be too formal for the airport lol. its best to match the leather and metal shades (more importantly) and textures (less importantly but still ideally) in your outfit

[@schlachthaus5]

Business travelers do not have the luxury of bringing their entire closet. Wardrobe must be kept to a minimum, and every item must serve at least two purposes. In Asia, black belt, black shoes, white shirt, dark suit, and plain tie are de rigueur. Travel is arduous; to do so in comfort while still looking respectable is a challenge. What you may consider a style faux pas, I prefer to think of as sprezzatura. Viva Italia!

[@mikegehre570]

Good video. On international flights, I wear a V neck t in a color, lightweight sport coat, jeans and slip on shoes - yeah, I add the watch as well. It's comfort and style.

[@drewsykes8152]

I love watches too but that's a cheap oversized fashion watch

[@keshavbhola2236]

Ikr, but the guy is just getting extra cash on side. So, we can cut him some slack.

[@Malibukenn]

😂😂😂

[@ArunprasadC]

Broc - Based on your video I bought The fifth watch I love it man! This video is also equally good and clean presentation and more than that excellent tips...

[@juliocrodriguez4922]

Appreciate your work! And totally agree with you

[@careyivery6656]

Brock I use a very nice travel back pack ( Van Heusen) for my laptop and tablet. Its very comfortable and not as cumbersome as a messenger bag. Sometimes you can't avoid running through the airport. Also it matches perfectly with my luggage.

[@AZrakoon]

Awesome advice Brock....it will come in handy when flying in a couple of weeks from now....keep up the good work:)

[@frederickdalusim5136]

Great tips...Totally remember that, thanks 👍🏼

[@luiscals]

Thanks for the video. Great advise. Greetings from Puerto Rico.

[@AnneMB955]

Good tips thanks. I agree - comfort then looking good is a bonus.

[@danielmatamoros]

Awesome tips! I travel on business twice a month and personally think the easy on and off shoes are overrated. Taking the shoes off is just as easy and putting them back on takes 30 seconds more in order to tie them. Plus usually, at least in my case, once I'm past the security line, I have more than enough time to wait for my flight.

[@TheBrooklynHustle]

It also depends on the destination. NYC to London is going to have better dressed passengers (Business Professionals) than a NYC to Jamaica flight (Vacation Passengers).

[@BrockMcGoff]

+Matthew Crespo great point!

[@dougm659]

Take that thought one step further, Paris or Milan to New York.....there’s where you’ll see some style! Not so much the other way round, very few Americans can honestly be called stylish, they still think Brooks Bothers is the shit....pfft!

[@soulademics]

Man, I was flying to Cleveland from Los Angeles and I put my Movado in the lil tote going through security and forgot it was in there and somehow my Movado flung up in the air and smashed on the floor....

[@dougm659]

soulademics OUCH! Airport security staff can be such dickheads, I had two of them take my Zenith Type 20 Pilot out of the tray and stand looking at it and discussing it....”FFS put that down it’s not a toy” I told them

[@soulademics]

lol wow, have you tried going through security without taking your watch off? I did that a few weeks ago with an apple watch and security didnt say anything.

[@graceh9405]

I agree about not looking like a complete slob on the plane: you should look good and smell good, especially if you're travelling for work. However, I also think that some of your travel tips are limited for the length and purpose of your flight. The moment you take a 16 hour long-haul flight + connecting flights is the moment you realize that comfort and ability to run through an airport is key.

[@TcRiverrat18]

Very classy video. Thanks for these tips!

[@syedmammar1]

Great advice!

[@rameshdeepan8042]

Thanks.I will try it

[@kevinngomez2461]

When I went to NYC for the first time, I was coming from NC, and I wore a sportcoat and I got upgraded to first.

[@joshuachia2328]

Thanks for the helpful tips

[@elchekaner]

Thank you!!

[@Ramiro63]

Wearing a blazer with two inside pockets (Put the passport in one and wallet in the other). Once traveling to Ecuador the economy seats were full. The flight attendant asking some people to stand up, he choose me to.... and put us in first class ! Bonus to take care of your outfit when traveling

[@gregorydevictor769]

Nice video. Thanks.

[@Sky1]

Agree with you 100%

[@jairustheadventurer3935]

I feel like some nice looking shorts are reasonable for hot climates in the summer. I live in Phoenix, and the plane can sit on the ground for a while. The plane ends up feeling like a toaster.

[@seruniramidevitoyani2909]

been addicted to watching your videos and I do agree we should look good wherever we are :D

[@raphaellwsh]

Great video!

[@olegshevyakov4514]

Nice tips , thank you much !

[@danielcastilo1840]

Great video , thanks 👍

[@JulianGomez-ng6nr]

very helpful and true!

[@ayazgul8362]

Your shirt is saying it all Brock ❤️

[@rubenfurcayg4673]

Great Advise. I like your style.

[@releonie]

Great video, thanks

[@henkviljoen3946]

Great video! For the benefit of your sponsor, Original Grain Watches, I have just bought the minimalist rosewood watch!

[@The-Cutmaster]

I fully agree with quick on-off shoes but I go the other way. I have a pair of Chelsea boots from Cole Haan that is easy to slip on and off and feels great. They have the added perk of looking even better after a quick shine at the airport and fitting with business or casual outfits at the destination. Great channel, I'm looking forward to browsing through your other videos this morning.

[@BrockMcGoff]

Chelseas are an excellent choice for air travel!

[@TECHNOBRIGHTON]

But the irony is most airports only require you to take off your shoes if they cover the ankle

[@The-Cutmaster]

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I have never had to take off these boots when going through security.

[@tubewatcher38]

One of my friends dressed up in a 3-piece suit to fly to Canada on a Saturday one time. Was stopped by customs, interrogated & delayed for 2 hours. lol

[@alp196]

Great video!! Thank you.

[@sharadsinghi8543]

Great tips ! I already follow them !

[@Mah_fb]

Great video...I'll upgrading my husband's travel outfit soon

[@neilcuneo2803]

Dark clothing all the time, lighter colours show stains or dirt too easy, especially when travelling, getting in / out of cars, planes, hotels etc. I wear cargo tracksuit pants because they are comfortable and practical. Also minimise metal, ie watches, big belt buckles etc as you get mucked around at security checkpoints. For a top, a polo shirt with jacket/ coat or hooded henley, this caters for different climates, particularly when you are travelling from Australia. My choice of shoe is Timberland boat shoes, comfortable and hard wearing and stylish 😉

[@sambiswas1265]

Fantastic.

[@kiranchristopher11]

Good one

[@gusherfelter1068]

Where did you get the bag from at 5:20 I love it. It looks really great with your outfit! Thanks for the tips!

[@BrockMcGoff]

It's from a brand called J Fold (available on Amazon, link in description). I got it from a department store for half off. I gotta say, it looks nice, but it's not a high quality bag. The leather is really cheap. Too bad!

[@TheDapperManUS]

I travel for work and I agree with all of your tips.

[@alexisknows6513]

The Dapper Man ...do you wear a suit on a plane?

[@TheDapperManUS]

Alexis Knows, I fly out on Sundays so I usually wear a nice pair of jeans, buttoned down shirt, suit jacket (to prevent wrinkles) and a hat that matches my suit. I try to dress it up a bit and still be comfortable.

[@yayicecream2600]

make a video about online made to measure suits! And how to measure yourself if you don't already have a well fitting suit to measure. Would be awesome.

[@devenkamtekar2050]

Thank...💗

[@TyroneBeiron]

Depends whether it’s an international or domestic route, and the type of airline one choses to travel on.

[@stefpix]

Great observation about shorts. I went to Mexico several times. I went to a city in southern Yucatan, Felipe Carrillo Puerto. No tourists. Even if it was hot, most men of all ages were wearing long pants. I took a photo of these 4 locals in their 20s, wearing nice, slim pants and nice t shirts. A contrast with tourists you see elsewhere wearing baggy shorts. I think a nice dark T shirt can look sometimes better than a polo, if worn with nice pants or dark slim / skinny jeans.

[@kentokyo]

You make great videos. Can you make a video for casual style more ?

[@patrisio3]

This is all good for domestic flights that are 1-5 hours long and I will take some tips from this. But when I am on a flight for 11-16 hours straight (I have done many times), I have to wear sweat pants and a short sleeved cotton shirt. I hate "booty bite" that jeans and slacks give when I move around in my seat because of the coarser and less elastic material...not to mention they are not as porous as sweats. So my body breathes better in sweats and in short sleeve cotton shirts. You don't want your body to get congested to where it starts to become moist and smelly. If I get cold, I just use the blankets that the airline provides. On very long international fights, no one really cares what you are wearing...they are dressed down themselves and are more concerned about their comfort on such a flight over how someone else looks. And I love airlines that provide disposable slippers on very long flights (like Korean Airlines and Turkish Airlines).

[@sangamsubba9770]

Thanks bro.. 👍

[@jimjerry1525]

Awesome tips

[@he1461]

All of this advice sounds good and the looks is surely nice. However... I like to travel comfortably, especially in the summer. To me, this means a polo shirt over bermuda shorts and Birkenstocks on my feet. That’s it. Of course I’m always clean and properly trimmed. In the colder months, a pair of jeans and comfortable slip-on loafers will do.

[@michaelcannon128]

Good Info😃

[@AM-yt3xd]

Subbed.. Are there any other stylish carry ons you would recommend other than Tumi or Briggs and Riley?

[@ahmedzakaria1993]

Agree with u mate.

[@Virru112]

All about comfort at the airport for me. I'll wear a fitted black hoody and joggers along with some comfortable slip on trainers.I'll prob have a cap too. I'll add an Apple watch (I use it for the gym and the airport), along with a bag, passport/organiser holder and some headphones. Also, the reason behind the hoody and joggers is that it saves me taking off too many items in security such as belts. I like to look good and presentable, however i've also realised you shouldn't care what everyone else thinks, sometimes you should just do you. if it's a business trip then of course you dress accordingly.

[@BenRangel]

My top tips: I tend to get sweaty while travelling. Wear a dark shirt that doesn't show any signs of sweat. Bring a cologne in your hand luggage. And bring loose pants with decent pockets so you can easily take stuff in and out of pockets while sitting.

[@nanthiny8634]

Could you do a video on Colour coordination / combinations ?

[@BrockMcGoff]

+N Anthiny yup, you can also check out some of the ones I've done (the webinar one is pretty in depth)

[@avinashbhujan1376]

Thank you. But can you please tell me what to wear if I'm traveling with a mountain backpack?

[@BLAZE084]

Thanks! It's nice to see I'm not the only one who dresses that way when traveling. Good advice! And love the watch!

[@zohankhan7536]

Hello there: May I know what you suggest to wear in summer time while travelling abroad? And also let know sharp dress down style while touring different countries. Many Thanks in advance

[@bgoldych]

Love the videos and the blog. How do you feel about moccasins? I am very fond of Pikolinos, I have a pair of the Jerez in brown and one in black. They are my go to for traveling, but tgey are definitely more casual than the loafers.

[@BrockMcGoff]

I like them! Been looking to grab a pair for myself. I'll check out the brands you recommended.

[@afhollister19]

If you travel at least twice a year then I would invest in TSA precheck or Global Entry which includes TSA pre so you don’t have to take your shoes or belt off. I guess that applies more in a non-pandemic era but still solid tips!

[@Eddie91361]

Ha ha! In summer, I dress like the guy heading home on spring break. T-shirt, shorts & flip flop or slides. I fly comfortable

[@devangsharma3402]

You are the best out here

[@kenneth7826]

Good advice..i almost never fly..but when i have its always shirt tie and jacket....have i gotten compliments from other passengers..to my surprise ..yes...my response is always..thank you...you mademy day

[@travisAz12]

I've found shorts to help a bit with airport security, you look a little less suspicious(plus no belt). Of course there are obvious cons to think about, like the ones you mentioned in the video.

[@markledesma3251]

i go for comfort so shorts, a t-shirt and slippers, i bring socks as planes can get cold and a light sweater

[@maar3250]

This comment is about carry on luggages. I live in countries where majority of the airlines only allow 7kg carry ons. Packing week worth of clothing in cabin sized luggage will usually get me beyond the 7kg limit (usually an empty cabin sized luggage weight approx 2.5 - 3 kg.) My go to setup is usually a 40L osprey Porter backpack. But of course it doesn't look as good... Would you be able to suggest any solution that will address both style and airlines carry on rules of 7kg? BTW, your channel rocks and I have been getting compliments by following your tips!

[@georgebx]

I usually wear a suite when traveling for business but when on Holidays to Europe or North America it’s super casual as it’s a long flight from Sydney Australia. let’s be real it’s just a bus with wings

[@mahmodulhasan4820]

very good

[@anders7050]

Good for you master

[@DarkForcesLP]

Where do you buy trousers? I always find it hard to find elegant, good looking ones that fit in a modern style

[@erzsebetnilsson580]

AGREE WITH YOU 100 % YOUR OUTFIT IS RESPECTABLE AND WILL BE RESPECTED AS SUCH. IT DOES NOT NEED TO BE TO COST OF A MOST EXPENSIVE HOUSE FOR A OUTFIT FOR TO STILL BE RESPECTABLE AND STYLIS, PRACTICLE, HEALTHY, AND COMFORTIBLE.

[@yohsiwa5819]

Ok i will. Do That

[@jamiameliadior9129]

I’ve never flown on a public plane . I have to agree with your advice . I don’t think jeans are really acceptable either especially business or first .

[@bowhunterxxx]

A plane is a BUS with wings not a runway at a fashion show lol

[@Eddie91361]

Agreed

[@TheFujiwuji]

Great post, Brock. And I love that you include links to the stuff you're wearing. One of the things that drives me nuts about Antonio Centeno's videos is that he only randomly states what he is wearing or where he got it, unless it's a sponsor. So thanks for taking the extra effort to do that. I'll definitely check out the watches. (Parenthetically, this watch looks more stylish than "The Five" watches I keep seeing being pushed.) P.S. Who makes the polo shirt? (I know it's sold out). It's a nice look.

[@BrockMcGoff]

Thanks! Yeah, I'm going to include a list of everything you see in the video from now on. Agreed that these watches look good. I'm a fan of The 5th too, but I've never seen a watch quite like these (with the wooden ring around the face).

[@claudiohuttick9425]

The Modest Man - highly commend getting global entry - which also includes tsa pre-check - which also means no taking shoes off. 😀

[@davemaxs4136]

Backpacks work fine and are easy to use and load in overhead bins. Jeans are uncomfortable on long flights. The lighter your kit the better. Traveling isn't difficult or scary.

[@deepakbabu6633]

what messenger bag are you using? it's really very nice looking.

[@BrockMcGoff]

It’s an old one from some Amazon brand. Good looking but poor quality. I can’t recommend it 😕

[@MrFally2009]

Ralph Lauren t-shirt , Levi jeans, Clark shoes and buluva watch... I'm good

[@PicoFromTX]

I figured it out. you sound like Christopher Walken. this is great !

[@BrockMcGoff]

+Pico haha never heard that before, but I'll take it!

[@philosophicjourney9215]

It sounds fine... but it needs a little more cow bell

[@organ444]

I was reminded of Matthew McConnaughy!

[@BrockMcGoff]

I'll take it.

[@_aqeel_b2193]

Pico he sounds like a Disney character

[@Stan_sprinkle]

Ha! Are those chinos green? If so, I wore exactly that outfit from Seoul to Hong Kong two days ago: dark green chinos, navy polo, penny loafers

[@BrockMcGoff]

They're like a warm grey (with a little brown in it). Green and navy is a great combo!

[@tonyb731]

subscribed 👍

[@iwandayusup3868]

Terimakasih

[@fatmarashid3231]

Ordered the watch for my best friend...hope he likes it

[@ahmedal_taie9455]

collage style please ..

[@franciscozaragoza7193]

I fly to Cuba regularly. I wear the complete opposite of what is described in the video. But when I actually get there and it’s hot and humid and the AC at the airport isn’t the best. Shorts and chinos go out the window.

[@waheediqbal7407]

you're stylish man

[@JHulbert17]

Can you do a shoe collection video. Do you own a pair of chelsea boots? I'm trying to find a decent pair in a size 6.5 - 7 and its been a bit difficult.

[@BrockMcGoff]

Yes, I will do that. And yes I own one pair of Chelsea boots (dark brown suede, size 7).

[@davidvo3762]

What about sweats that are tight at the ankles? Or sweats in general

[@this-is-not-a-channel-]

I wonder if Original grain did not sponsor your vid which watch would you actually have on your wrist? I only wear Seiko automatic

[@BrockMcGoff]

At the time of this video, definitely. I wouldn’t have worked with them if I didn’t like the watch. Since then, my watch preference and collection has changed, a lot. Now my favorites are from Seiko, Rolex and Hamilton.