how-to
What to Wear in Business Class: A Practical 2026 Guide
Business class has no dress code, but what you wear affects your comfort and lounge experience. Here is our practical guide from agents who fly weekly.
The golden rule: comfort first, style second
There is no dress code for business class. You will not be denied boarding or lounge access based on what you wear (with the exception of some restaurant-style lounges like the Qantas First Lounge, which request smart-casual attire). The priority should be comfort — you are going to spend 6-18 hours in a seat that converts to a bed, so dress accordingly.
Our recommended approach: smart-casual layers. A comfortable pair of trousers or joggers, a quality T-shirt or lightweight sweater, and a layer you can easily remove. Slip-on shoes are essential for the security line and for comfort in-flight.
What our agents wear on business class flights
Sarah's go-to outfit: Lululemon Align joggers, a cashmere crew-neck sweater, and slip-on sneakers. Comfortable enough to sleep in, presentable enough for the lounge.
James's approach: Chinos or stretchy travel trousers, a merino wool polo, and loafers. He changes into airline pyjamas (provided on most long-haul business class flights) after takeoff.
Most airlines provide pyjamas on flights over 8 hours. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Etihad all offer high-quality sleepwear. You can change into these after dinner service for maximum sleeping comfort.
Lounge dress code considerations
Most airline business class lounges have no dress code. However, the following premium lounges have smart-casual expectations: the Qantas First Lounge in Sydney, the Cathay Pacific Pier First Class Lounge in Hong Kong, and some Amex Centurion Lounges. In practice, clean casual wear is always acceptable.
For business meetings immediately after landing, consider wearing your business attire on the flight and using the airline pyjamas to sleep in. Many business class passengers change into or out of business clothing using the onboard lavatories, which are significantly larger in business class than economy.