I’m a menswear fashion writer and this is my go-to travel uniform

Every airport outfit needs a decent cap. It keeps those bad hair days in check, hides jet-lagged eyes, and gives you a bit of anonymity when you’re dragging a suitcase through T5. My favourite right now is this one from Uniqlo. Fitted with the Japanese label’s signature Dry tech, it wicks away sweat and disperses moisture fast. It’s got just the right amount of stretch, and at under £20, it won’t break the bank. There’s a brown version too, but black’s the one for me.

Look, if you’ve got space for two caps, I’d recommend packing this one as well. It’s the same silhouette Taylor Swift wears – and if it’s good enough for her, it’s definitely good enough for you. Embroidered with Polo Ralph Lauren’s iconic pony logo up front and matching lettering around the back, it’s crafted from soft, lightweight cotton twill. There are loads of different colours to choose from, but this bold green one’s giving serious Ivy League energy – and I’m all for it.

The right T-shirt is a travel essential. Breathable enough for a sprint to the gate, structured enough that you don’t look like you’ve been on a red-eye before you’ve even boarded. For me, nothing beats Abercrombie & Fitch’s cropped tee line. Made from 275GSM cotton, you honestly need to feel it in person to understand just how unbelievably soft it actually is. The fit’s slightly oversized and slightly cropped, but if you’re on the taller side, there’s a longline option, too.

Brad Pitt swears by these T-shirts from Sunspel – and I don’t blame him. Handcrafted in Portugal from the British brand’s buttery soft Sea Island cotton, it’s finished with a clean neck binding and a perfectly weighted drape that feels almost tailored. At £160, it’s definitely on the pricier side, but if you’ve got a little cash to spare, this would be my go-to tee. Just be warned: once you slip it on, you won’t want to take it off.

A jacket that slips off easily at security and goes back on just as quick is worth its weight in gold. Bonus points if it makes the whole fit look pulled together with zero effort. Carhartt WIP’s Detroit is a stone-cold classic. Worn by Austin Butler, Ben Affleck, Kit Connor, and just about every cool menswear guy out there, it’s made from organic cotton canvas and finished with a corduroy collar. Oh, and it’s built to take a proper beating – you can stuff it in the overhead locker and it’ll still come out looking as good as new.

…or you could go with the Heath. Cut for a short, boxy fit, this check option is dripped out in luxurious Italian knitted wool. Fully lined with a clean silhouette, it’s finished with welt pockets, button cuffs, and a neat two-way zip. It’s the kind of jacket that looks just as good thrown over a tee before boarding as it does layered up when you land. It’s from Wax London’s latest collection, so don’t expect your size to be sitting for much longer.

Trousers can make or break a flight. Too stiff and you’re miserable; too sloppy and you look like you’ve given up. For me, the sweet spot is a pair of tailored cargo pants from Polo Ralph Lauren. They’re smart but still streetwear-adjacent, so they’ll work with pretty much any fit you throw at them. And the best part? All the pockets – for your keys, passport, boarding pass, wallet… hell, you could probably fit that overpriced sandwich too if you really wanted to. There’s plenty of room (and then some).

If you’ve got the budget, grab these cargo trousers from Aimé Leon Dore. They’re made from durable cotton ripstop and cut for a loose fit with drawstrings at the hems so you can adjust the shape. ALD is one of the hottest streetwear brands right now, so even though you might be about to take on a 14-hour flight, you can still look cool while doing it. Feel free to thank me later.

A trainer that can handle miles of corridors, endless escalators, and a mad dash to the connection gate – while still looking box-fresh in the lounge – is non-negotiable. The Allbirds Wool Cruiser has been my daily driver as of late. Not only do they look great, they feel great too. Constructed from 100 per cent recycled Italian felt wool, they’re lined with the brand’s Featherbed memory foam, so it genuinely feels like you’re walking on clouds while you’re up in the clouds. And the best part? When you get home, you can just throw them in the washing machine – leaving all that airport grime behind in the arrivals hall.

Nike’s Zoom Vomero Roam is another fave of mine. Based on the legendary Zoom Vomero 5, the American sportswear giant has rebuilt it from the ground up, making it even more rugged than ever before. The upper combines mesh and suede and is secured with a toggle lacing system that keeps everything feeling snug. Underfoot, a Cushlon foam midsole teams up with the Swoosh’s Zoom Air tech for comfort that lasts from check-in to touchdown.

I know, I know – travel pillows aren’t the most stylish things in the world. But neither is drooling on your neighbour’s shoulder. Pack one and save yourself the regret. While most just wrap around the back of your neck, the space-age Ostrichpillow Go gives you 360-degree support. It’s made from high-density memory foam, it’s fully washable, and it comes with a neat little travel bag to stash it in. It’s also available in six colour combos, so you can pick the one that truly suits your vibe.

I get it – you probably don’t want to spend too much on a travel pillow. Check out this version from Typo. It’s got everything you’d expect: memory foam that moulds to your neck, a wraparound shape, and a roll-up design for easy packing. It even comes with a carabiner, so you can clip it to your bag and keep your hands free – no dramas.

Noise-cancelling headphones are the closest thing to first class when you’re not actually in first class. Flip the switch and the crying baby disappears. I’ve been really liking the Sony WH-1000XM5 lately. While the name’s definitely a bit overcomplicated – and a bit of a mouthful – using them couldn’t be easier. The noise-cancelling works like a dream, and with 30 hours of battery life, they’ll easily survive a red-eye or two. Unlike a lot of others in this category, they come with a hard case to keep them nice and safe.

Want noise-cancellation under £90? The Space One’s got your back. Anker’s probably best known for its plugs and power banks, but it turns out the company’s got a knack for solid audio too. While your music might not sound quite as crisp as it would through the Sonys, they’ll more than do the trick. With 40mm custom dynamic drivers and up to 40 hours of playtime, they punch way above their price tag. Plus, they look extremely premium, too.

Your suitcase says as much about you as your shoes. Get one that rolls smooth, fits overhead, and doesn’t scream “rookie traveller.” For me, this one from Osaka’s Master-Piece ticks all the right boxes. Crafted from ultra-durable corrugated polycarbonate, it’s resistant to impact, heat, and even flame – built to handle the wear and tear of serious air miles. It’s also fitted with four Hinomoto 360-degree wheels, a three-stage telescopic handle, and a smart interior layout packed with all kinds of pockets and compartments to keep everything perfectly organised. I’ve had mine for a few years now, and it still works like an absolute tank.

If polycarbonate’s not your thing, take a look at this one from Away. Sized to fit in the overhead bin of most major airlines, it’s housed in a super-tough aluminium shell. For those who don’t know, most aluminium carry-ons usually cost twice as much (if not more), so while £515 sounds steep, it’s actually decent value. There’s a reason these things keep selling out.