This summer, holidaymakers are packing £405 worth of clothes and accessories in their suitcases, with men’s holiday wardrobes costing 7% more than women (£420 vs £393).
Airport outfits alone cost £110, as 54% of holidaymakers say it makes them feel good to dress up for the departure lounge. More than three in five (61%) have bought something new to fly in for their 2026 summer holiday. And it’s not just about themselves. Nearly half (48%) have also bought their partner or children new looks specifically for their flight.
Men are not only the biggest holiday wardrobe spenders, they are also most likely to have bought new items to wear on their flight this summer (65% of men vs 57% of women). Men are motivated to dress up for the journey because it makes them feel good (53%), they want to make airside social media content (27%) and also hope to bag an upgrade (17%).
Clearpay has teamed up with fashion expert, supermodel and presenter, Leomie Anderson on its Runway Ready campaign to showcase what Brits are wearing on their travels this summer. Leomie interviewed jet setters about their airside looks revealing box t-shirts, maxi-dresses and ballet flats were popular looks being worn.
These trends are reflected in Clearpay’s own sales data with year-on-year data showing a rise in sales of box t-shirts (+40%), sandals (+67%) and maxi-dresses (+50%).
The investment in airport outfits is often to get noticed. Nearly two in five (37%) Brits say they post pictures and videos of their airside fashion on social media. In fact 7% have filmed a Get Ready With Me (GRWM) video while getting glammed up for the airport, and a further 5% have even brought a ring light with them to take better photos of themselves airside.
Leomie Anderson, Clearpay’s fashion epert, said: “I love to make a statement at the airport. It’s the start of an exciting trip away, so why wouldn’t you want to dress up for it? My go-to look is classic comfort – jeans and vest, dressed up with a stylish jacket. I’ve loved getting the inside track of what other jet-setters are wearing to fly this summer.
“What’s most important is to wear what you want. If you feel great in the outfit you’re travelling in, you’re going to enjoy your trip from the moment it starts.”
