Travel days can be exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. We’ve all experienced the exhilarating rush of embarking on a new adventure, only to be met with the daunting obstacle course of airport security.
We know it can be a pain to stand in line in your stylish travel outfit, just to have all your accessories removed and searched. But have no fear, we found the best products to add to your travel wardrobe that are a symphony of style and simplicity, including several that are Shop TODAY Travel Gear Award winners.
Travel and fashion experts also break down how to make it to your departure gate without sacrificing fashion or function. They get into the good, the bad and the best tips on what clothes to avoid and prioritize so you can get on your way to your vacay.
What to wear to make airport security a breeze, according to experts
While airports may be busy, our experts say what you wear can impact how long lines can become. Here are some clothing alternatives you can wear to get through security faster.
Travel sets and jumpsuits
For most people, the top priority when traveling is comfort. Our experts couldn't agree more. If you have a long-haul flight, Koch says your travel clothes double as your pajamas, so you want them to be comfortable.
Choosing an elevated or coordinated sweatsuit set can make you look more put together as you travel to your destination.
Whether you prefer to stand out in the crowd or go for a more classic look, this tracksuit is right for you. With over 30 hues, this color block long-sleeve set is an easy and chic outfit to throw on before heading to the tarmac.
"I wore this jumpsuit on a full day trip to DC and love how comfortable it is," raves writer Jannely Espinal about this Shop TODAY 2025 Travel Gear Awards winner for best overall jumpsuit. "The design is stylish, cozy and breathable. You can layer with a jacket and heels for a chic aesthetic, or wear sneakers and a hat for a casual look. The snap button is easy to reach and the overall design is easy to pull. The interior has a thick texture that feels good even if you sweat. Currently, it's my go-to outfit to run errands, go for a walk or a last-minute outfit change."
Associate editor Allie Wise raves about these tights with four-way stretch. Wise says the quality is top-tier and can make a long travel day a bit brighter.
"I typically pair them with an oversized sweatshirt and pair of sneakers for the flight," she says.
Want a travel outfit that feels “pajama-esque”? Our editors love Quince’s SuperSoft pants so much they were previously awarded the best budget travel pants award in our 2023 Travel Gear Awards.
“The material is soft, gentle to the touch and very breathable,” Espinal says. “It’s a great piece to wear for traveling as it features pockets and a wide silhouette that allows flexibility to move around.”
"These sweatpants are so comfy and the perfect amount of baggy," says production associate Audrey Ekman's boyfriend Noah. "They also look so nice, I actually wore them into the office and no one noticed they were sweats."
"This is hands-down the most comfortable dress I've ever worn," raves Ekman. "It's made from a jersey material that reminds me of super soft bedsheets (in the best way) and it's so flowy and stretchy. The fitted waist and asymmetic ruching keep it feeling modern and fashionable. I was nervous the maxi cut would be too long on me (I'm 5'1") but it just skims the tops of my feet in flats. Plus, it has pockets! The generous coverage up top means it's bra-friendly, and I'd definitely suggest wearing one since the top isn't designed to offer much support."
"This dress is super cute and easy to style,'' says writer Emma Stessman. "I could 100% picture myself throwing this on under a jean jacket for a casual day walking around or wearing it with a nicer leather jacket to dress it up for dinner. It comes in so many different colors and the price is great. Plus, who doesn’t love pockets? The material is slightly heavier than I expected, but it’s still pretty lightweight."
This brand is a favorite of Ekman's because of its attention to detail and high-quality fabrics.
“Being petite, I was worried this set would run large on me," she says. "I’m so glad I was proven wrong. It has the perfect cut and the soft fabric fits perfectly around my body. I recently wore this set on a road trip and was comfortable the entire time.”
Our team of boyfriends and husbands alike were tapped to share their insights on a number of products during Shop TODAY's 2025 Travel Gear Awards, including these sweats that have a "premium" feel, according to associate editor Sierra Hoeger's boyfriend, Austin.
They're made out of a polyester, modal and spandex fabric blend, that work to provide him with a stretchy, soft and comfortable fit.
"This hoodie has a nice fit and is fairly flattering," says editor Kelly Vaughan's husband. "The downside is that the length (torso and sleeves) were too short on my 6'1" husband, so you may need to size up. That said, I'm told it's lightweight, comfortable and not restrictive in the neckline."
Editorial assistant Madison San Miguel's boyfriend appreciated one of the hidden features of this hoodie — a designated pocket for your phone in the large front pocket!
We're big fans of Abercrombie at Shop TODAY — from their denim to their dresses, we're loving every moment of the revival they've been having. This jumpsuit was well-loved by reviewers who tried it during our Travel Gear Awards due to its versatility and how well it fit petite frames.
"I appreciated the petite option, which fit in a way that felt proportional to my shorter torso and overall height," says senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. "The material is nice and breezy, which was great for the unseasonably warm day I spent wearing this jumpsuit while running errands on foot. I also appreciated the flattering cinched waistline and the pockets."
"It’s really cozy and surprisingly warm," says writer Danielle Murphy of this half-zip. "It has a “weighty drape” that feels expensive and is pretty stretchy. The brand says it shows water marks easily, but [it] comes out in the wash."
Lululemon Softstreme High-Rise Pant
"I appreciate these pants because they're more comfortable and forgiving than leggings, but still really flattering thanks to the slim silhouette," says Cocchi Zabloudil. "The material is super soft and definitely feels high quality in comparison to that of your average pair of sweatpants or joggers. As a shorter person, I also appreciate the length — while they don't fully taper like joggers or leggings, they're short enough that they don't drag, which gives them travel-friendly points in my book."
Varley is one of Koch's favorite brands for elevated basics. The oversized cut and detailed stitching draw your eye to the stylish yet simple cowl neck detail. You can also use the drawstring in the jacket's hem to customize the fit around your hips.
Comfortable shoes
For a day on your feet, you want to make sure your feet are comfortable. Our experts say wearing practical shoes is the key when going through TSA.
"To get in and out of TSA with the most ease, choose shoes that are no fuss to take on and off," Koch says. "Shoes that slip on are ideal, as well as good quality and like second nature to your feet."
Dream Pairs Platform Chunky Fashion Sneakers
"This was my first time trying platform sneakers and I was pleasantly surprised," says senior social media editor Kate McCarthy about this Travel Gear Award winner for best fashion walking sneaker. "They were comfortable enough to walk around in all day and not worry about my feet getting a blister or being sore."
These previous award-winning shoes were made for jetsetters (hence the name). The slip-on style makes them easier to pop on and off in airport security lines.
They deliver comfort while you’re on the move and have a built-in arch support and molded heel cup to support your foot.
"I also prefer slip on shoes that are light and comfortable," says Stephen Sabato, a United Airlines Captain. "Make sure they are ones that can be worn with most of the clothes you have." Doing so conserves space in your bags, he adds.
Koch recommends OluKai's slip-on sneaker to anyone looking for an easy on-and-off experience. What sets these sneakers apart is their elastic gore made to stretch as your foot slides in and out of the shoe.
Be kind to your feet and the planet. Rothy’s made these flats with a flexible recycled knit fabric and in 2023 their factory achieved TRUE Platinum certification, certifying that it’s operating with zero waste practices.
Curtis says having shoes like these that are easy to slip in and out of when going through airport security is essential.
"This was my second go-round with Brooks," says associate editor Kamari Stewart. "The first pair I ever tried, I hated because they pinched my ankles. I was hesitant to give these a try but I’m glad I did. As soon as I put them on, I was sold. They are super comfortable and provide a great balance between cushion and firmness. I’d recently heard you’re supposed to size up in running shoes to account for the swelling your feet experience when you run so I only went up a half size in these but I can feel the difference. Plus, the extra room also means I can wear them with thicker socks on walks."
Undergarments
Our experts say opting for bras with plastic underwire or a wireless bra may be a safer bet when going through airport security.
Target’s Auden line gives shoppers reliable basics at a more affordable price compared to other brands. Reviewers say they have become loyal shoppers of the brand due to this, paired with the fabrics high quality.
“I have purchased several of these wire-free bras from Target and I really do enjoy them. I’ve had mine for a while and they’ve held their shape quite well through washing and wearing,” one reviewer says. “Also, after breastfeeding, my breasts fit better in these than the wired bras; not to mention the cost of these bras is stellar!”
“I kind of hate wearing a bra, especially in summer, because I usually find underwires restrictive and pokey,” admits Ekman.
“I just got this full-coverage bra though for the days I need some support, and am so impressed. The the collection is literally called “Bali Breathe” and it earns its name with its lightweight construction and soft lining that keeps me feeling comfortable, cool and dry, even on 90+ degree days.”
I love that it [comes] with removable cups and actually feels supportive (it has a good range of clasps so you can adjust your fit),” says editorial operations manager Jill Ortiz of this wireless bra. “The fabric is light and breathable and doesn’t show through T-shirts. It is a bit harder to clasp from behind compared to other wireless bras I’ve worn/own but I appreciate how versatile it is.”
“I pretty much only wear Soma bras and this wireless one is super comfy and soft,” says Stewart.
“I’ve found that it provides good support for me and it’s definitely one of the bras I wear when I don’t want to wear one at all but the outfit needs one.”
Want to ditch the hassle of the dreaded underwire? Pepper’s FeelGood bra is made for people with smaller chests who want to say goodbye for good.
This T-shirt bra comes in multiple shades of nude to fit almost every skin tone. The racerback keeps everything stable, even when you’re running through the airport to catch your flight. If you’re between sizes, reviewers suggest sizing down.
“This is the first bra I’ve ever worn that properly fits me,” one reviewer says. “It is so comfortable and provides perfect shape. I couldn’t be happier. The fabric is soft and supportive.”
What items to avoid while going through airport security
Our experts say the worst thing to set off the scanner at security is metal. Personal stylist Jennifer Koch says even having an underwire in your bra can potentially be problematic, though not everyone experiences this issue.
She says airport security was not built for elaborate outfits, as highly unusual or voluminous clothing may set off the metal detector.
“I have this Australian sweatshirt with a puffy kookaburra. The TSA agent had a big laugh about it and told me best to never wear it to the airport again,” Koch says.
Clothes with excessive fur, volume or unusual materials may set off the scanner or may require searches from TSA agents.
“Wearing bulky or especially oversized clothing — whether to be avant-garde or super comfortable — can look suspicious to TSA leading to a pat-down,” Koch says.
To avoid holding up the security line, international flight attendant Justin Curtis says to avoid anything with excessive ties, laces and closures, particularly on shoes.
While cargo pants are the trend right now, our experts suggest taking them out of your airport outfit as the excessive pockets can also lead to suspicion. And, if you choose to wear a sweatshirt to the airport, remember to add a shirt underneath.
“If you’re wearing something skimpy under your jacket, like the trendy look of a bralette top under a blazer, TSA might ask you to take it off of the blazer,” says Koch. “This makes you rather exposed while in line.”
Experts suggest layering with a more conservative top to avoid feeling uncovered and too revealing.
Frequently asked questions
Curtis says watches, rings and earrings will not trigger the detectors if you have TSA PreCheck. For standard security, he advises removing watches and bracelets.
Koch also says any jewelry with cheaper metal that's magnetic "is going to be a nuisance at TSA by setting off the metal detector."
However, your wedding band and other fine jewelry should go through security just fine.
"Big statement necklaces, belt buckles and other costume jewelry are going to be asked to be taken off and placed in one of those small circular bins," Koch says.
Also, avoid bobby pins and hair pieces with metal.
"These scanners are unkind to fashionistas," she adds. "If you’re a maximalist jewelry wearer, you probably want to stick to less when you travel."
If you're going through the general line, you most likely will have to remove your shoes. To make that process as easy as possible, our experts suggest avoiding any shoes with laces and ties that require you to kneel or sit down to take them off.
Koch says also steer clear of flip-flops.
"Not only do podiatrists warn that [flip-flops] are terrible for your feet, but you have a higher likelihood to trip in line, or a cheap pair may break," she says.
If you have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, you typically won't have to take off your shoes.
However, if you wear high heels, these usually have metal in them and will alert the metal detector.
"If you are like me and prioritize fashion, wear your stylish shoes and just plan to take them off in the pre-check line," Koch says.
How we chose
Our experts filled us in on the best tips and tricks to get you in and out of airport security without the extra drama. In putting together our advice on what to wear through airport security, we looked at what works best for travelers, considering both style and practicality. Our experts know the ins and outs of fashion and travel. Plus, they recommended clothes that help you get through security smoothly while still looking chic.
They also dropped some gems about what items to avoid that can slow you — and the security line — down. With that in mind, we suggested products and advice that help you breeze through security with ease.
Plus, we polled our editors on what items they wear on a daily basis meet the specs above and included winners from our annual Travel Gear Awards.
Meet the experts
- Jennifer Koch is an international personal stylist and founder of the brand StyleGasm. With over 15 years in the fashion industry, Koch helps clients around the world activate their self-expression and next-level confidence using style as the catalyst.
- Justin Curtis is a U.S.-based international flight attendant for a commercial airline.
- Brady Schrock is a flight attendant for a commercial airline and also served on our panel of 2024 Travel Awards experts.
- Katie Jackson is a travel writer and expert, who also served on our panel of 2023 and 2024 Travel Awards experts.
- Jonathan Alder is a luxury travel planner and adviser, and also served on our panel of 2024 Travel Awards experts.
- Stephen Sabato is a United Airlines Captain and has flown with them for the past 20 years. He’s been a pilot for 30 years.
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