Fashion PR Director's Airport Style Secret: The Perfect Travel Sweatsuit
For years, my friend Ramona Czernekova has stood out as one of the most impeccably dressed individuals I know. As the director of public relations for designer Brandon Blackwood, she maintains a polished appearance even in casual settings. So, it was no surprise when she revealed a unique travel habit: every time she flies, she buys a fresh new sweatsuit to wear to the airport.
A Quirky Travel Ritual with Style
"I don't like travel days, but I look forward to dressing up," Czernekova explained, describing her endearing travel quirk. She has adopted the mindset that vacations truly begin the moment you arrive at the airport, and she treats the experience accordingly. However, her approach to dressing up for flights differs significantly from the formal attire common in the 1950s and 1960s.
Comfort remains her top priority. "I used to wear leggings, but I found sweatsuits to be way more comfortable, and especially a matching suit, which looks more formal and way more elevated," she said. "It makes you feel cozy, without looking disheveled and, somehow, gives you the illusion that you're put-together."
Affordable and Quality Finds
Czernekova acknowledges that this ritual could become expensive, so she has sought out brands that offer a perfect balance of affordability and quality. "I really like active wear from Old Navy and Aerie because you can get good material and designs at a reasonable cost, and I like some Amazon sweatsuits for when I'm traveling last minute and need something to get to me quickly," she noted.
If you have an upcoming trip or simply want to shop like a fashion insider, explore some of Czernekova's favorite matching sweat sets, as well as options she's eyeing for future travels.
Top Sweatsuit Picks from Ramona Czernekova
- Amazon Flared Lounge Set
- Available in over 16 colors and sizes XS-2XL.
- Includes a drop-shoulder crewneck and cropped flared sweatpants with a relaxed fit.
- Made from a soft cotton blend; Czernekova's most recent buy for an upcoming trip.
- Price: $40 at Amazon.
- Old Navy Half-Zip and High-Waisted Suit Combo
- Made from Old Navy's dynamic fleece, a medium-weight fabric that's soft, smooth, and easy to move in.
- Sold separately; the relaxed-fit half-zip features a hood and two zippered pockets.
- An identical alternative pair of high-waisted pants with wide legs and hidden on-seam pockets is available.
- Available in up to eight colors with sizing for petite, regular, and tall fits.
- Top: $27+ at Old Navy (regularly $55). Bottoms: $27+ at Old Navy (regularly $47).
- Aerie Baggy Crewneck and Joggers Fleece Set
- A near-identical alternative from Aerie, a brand Czernekova frequents.
- Part of Aerie's Offline brand, intentionally oversized with a cozy classic crewneck and baggy joggers with elasticized ankle cuffs.
- Made from medium-weight plush fleece, available in over 10 colors and sizes XS-2XL.
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Aerie.
- Top: $42 at Aerie (regularly $60). Bottoms: $65 at Aerie.
- Target Full-Zip and Joggers Set
- A similar duo from Target's All In Motion brand, available in up to three colors and sizes XS-4X.
- Features a hooded full-zip with a high neck that resembles lapels when unzipped.
- Cuffed joggers have a mid-rise, tapered fit, and are made with ultra-lightweight fleece.
- Top: $30 at Target. Bottoms: $30 at Target.
- Target Hoodie and Straight-Leg Set
- Czernekova has her eye on this lemon yellow sweatsuit from Target.
- Includes a plush oversized hoodie and mid-rise sweatpants with a straight, slim leg and open cuff.
- Available in sizes XXS-4X, made with soft mid-weight fleece; also comes in colors like espresso, cream, and muted cream floral.
- Top: $30 at Target. Bottoms: $28 at Target.
- Abercrombie & Fitch Plush Hoodie with Wide-Legged Sweatpants
- On Czernekova's want list, this "Sunday" sweatsuit is made from sumptuous, soft fleece.
- High-rise pants are wide-legged and slouchy; the sweatshirt has an oversized hoodie silhouette with kangaroo pockets.
- Preferred in blush color, but available in many other colors and prints, sizes XS-2XL.
- Top: $60 at Abercrombie & Fitch. Bottoms: $60 at Abercrombie & Fitch.
- Gap Factory Relaxed-Fit Crewneck Sweat Suit
- A timeless and streamlined option Czernekova admires from Gap.
- Available in bright and unique colors, sizes XS-2XL; features a crewneck with banded wedge hem and drop shoulder design.
- Pants are straight-legged with a relaxed fit throughout.
- Top: $38+ at Gap Factory (regularly $55). Bottoms: $42+ at Gap Factory.
