Holiday Gift Guide 2021: The Best Loungewear For Travelers

Being comfortable can make your favorite traveler’s journey so much easier. Wearing the wrong clothes on a flight, for example, can result in them being stifling hot or freezing cold, or unable to move around because what they’re wearing is too tight or too bulky.

Loungewear – “informal clothing usually designed to be worn at home,” according to Merriam-Webster – became a pandemic trend and has simply moved outside as people re-enter the world. No one wants to give up the clothes they’re most comfortable in just because more people will now see them.

Here are some of the most comfortable clothes my husband and I have found for travel. They make ideal gifts because they’re all multi-taskers that look and feel great in so many situations.

Vermont Flannel Company Flannel Lounge Pants

These flannel pants are the very definition of loungewear: soft, super comfy and equally at home, whether your favorite traveler is sleeping in your bed or on a plane. Handcrafted from 100% cotton, the pants come in 10 different colors and prints and will become their go-to, wherever they’re going. Price: $43.80

Free People Easy V Sweatshirt

More sweater than sweatshirt, this slouchy v-neck is soft and comfy. It comes in five colors and can be worn by itself or as a layering piece. Thrown over leggings, it’s the perfect travel outfit. Price: $98

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Relaxed Zip-up Hoodie

If she wishes she could carry her Barefoot Dreams blanket on her travels, she will love this hoodie version of it! Made of the same ultrasoft polyester microfiber, it’s roomy and indescribably soft so she can huddle under the hood and cocoon herself. It’s like giving her a hug. Price: $121

WVN Ribbed Oversized Cardigan

Taylor Swift waxed poetic about cardigans on Folklore, and this beauty shows why. Oversized and gently draped, it’s made of organic cotton and wool for a casual yet sophisticated look. It comes in four colors and is even GOTS certified so she knows it’s officially eco-friendly. Price: $158

Free People School Boy Cashmere Cardi

While we’re talking about cardigans, this softie is made of 100% cashmere and is luxe yet casual. It comes in nine colors, and has a slouchy silhouette, ribbed trim and unfinished edges for effortless style. Price: $198

UGG Annona Sherpa Travel Cardigan

UGG is all about coziness – as this luxurious piece proves. It will keep her warm – without the bulk of a coat – on chilly flights and works as a soft jacket outdoors. Made of the cuddly Sherpa for which UGG is beloved, it’s like wrapping her in a cloud. Price: $128

Felina Lightweight Leggings

The only bottoms I wear when flying (and when working out and when going about most of my daily life), these leggings are so comfortable, I have half a dozen pairs of the black ones alone and know that any traveler would be happy to receive them. They’re flattering and have just the right amount of stretch, whether she’s lying flat in first class or squishing herself into a middle seat in coach. An Amazon’s Choice with more than 6,000 five star reviews, they can be dressed up or down and take up next to no room in her carry on. Do her a favor and buy a multi-pack. Price: From $34.95/2 pairs

Cozy Earth Men’s Ultra-Soft Bamboo Jogger Pant

My son pretty much lives in these joggers when he’s traveling and it’s easy to see why. They are as comfortable as sweatpants but so much nicer. Made of sustainable viscose from bamboo, they’re soft and slim but stretchy. The breathable, moisture-wicking fabric makes them an ideal travel companion. Price: $145

Tommy John Charcoal Henley Lounge Henley & Jogger Pack

This set should be a men’s travel wardrobe staple. Made of soft, tri-blend fabric, both the henley and the joggers are soft and stretchy yet totally flattering. They’re easy to move in and can be worn together or separately for lots of outfit options. Price: $158

TravisMathews Open to Close Pant

If he needs a more structured pair of pants, these are the ones to get him. Versatile and midweight, they’re just as appropriate for work as they are for time off – and are still stretchy and comfy enough for a long journey. Choose from seven colors or buy him one for each day of the week. Price: $124.95

Revtown Men’s Crate

Revtown’s jeans have an almost cult-like following because they are actually comfortable enough to wear on a flight. This brilliant crate comes with two pairs of jeans in a variety of cut and color options, two shirts in a variety of style (including tees, polos and henleys) and color options and a free tee. It will pretty much get him through a whole trip. Price: $247.97

Mizzen + Main Fairway Pullover

Quarter zips are a great travel option because they can be worn alone or over a t-shirt or shirt. This bestseller is made of performance fabric and is lightweight and moisture-wicking. It comes in half a dozen colors and is likely to become one of his favorites. Price: $128

Southern Tide Backbarrier Heather Performance Quarter Zip Pullover

Here’s another great quarter zip that’s moisture-wicking and quick-drying – plus, it even features UPF protection if he’s heading to a sunny destination. It comes in a handful of colors and has a classic fit that will make him look and feel good whether he’s on a plane, a golf course or taking a staycation. Price: $110

Long Wharf Supply Co. Wellfleet SeaFleet Sweater

This gorgeous sweater is a real conversation piece – not just because of its good looks but because each one reseeds up to 30 oysters and naturally filters up to 1,500 gallons of seawater every day. Made with recycled materials, it’s anti-microbial, odor resistant and moisture-wicking. Available in four neutrals, it’s sustainable and stylish. Price: $148