Feature

Matching sets take over PDX

Peyton Allen, News Editor • April 23, 2026

From early morning departures to long layovers, airports have become an unexpected place for fashion trends. One of the most noticeable styles taking over terminals and LHS is the matching sweat set.

Coordinated hoodies and sweatpants have become a go-to airport outfit for many travelers, especially teens and young adults. Instead of throwing together random comfortable pieces, people are now choosing sets in matching colors and fabrics. The result is a look that feels just as comfortable as pajamas but appears more put-together.

Matching sets are popular for several reasons, starting with comfort. Flying often involves hours of sitting, walking through terminals and waiting at gates. Soft fabrics, relaxed fits and stretchy waistbands make sweat sets ideal for long travel days. Hoodies also help travelers adjust to changing temperatures between warm airports and chilly airplane cabins.

Abby Lawler posing for a mirror photo in her matching set at PDX. (Abby Lawler)

Convenience is another reason the trend has grown. Putting together an outfit while packing for a trip (or waking up early for a flight) can be stressful. A matching set solves that problem. Travelers can simply put on one coordinated outfit and be ready to go without worrying about what pieces match.

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Social media has also played a big role in popularizing airport fashion. Influencers frequently post airport fit checks and travel vlogs that highlight stylish yet comfortable looks. Matching sweat sets fit perfectly into that aesthetic, offering a clean and coordinated appearance that photographs well while still being practical.

Another reason the trend stands out is its variety. Sweat sets now come in countless colors, materials and styles. Some feature oversized hoodies and baggy joggers for a relaxed look, while others are more fitted and minimal. Neutral tones like gray, beige and black are especially common, but brighter colors and pastel sets are also making appearances in airports.

Ultimately, the rise of matching sweat sets reflects a shift in how people think about travel style. Comfort no longer means sacrificing appearance. Instead, travelers are finding ways to combine both.

So the next time you walk through an airport, don’t be surprised if it feels like everyone coordinated their outfits. Matching sweat sets have turned one of the most hectic parts of travel into a casual but stylish fashion moment.

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About the Contributors

Peyton Allen, News Section Editor

Peyton Allen is a junior at Lakeridge High School. This is her second year doing newspaper and she is the News Section Editor. Peyton is on Teen Company at Metro Dance Academy and has been dancing for 13 years. Other than competitive dance, she spends her time photographing, at YoungLife, or picking the perfect outfit. Peyton would scour stores all over Oregon for a specific piece. She pushes herself to be the best she can be in every aspect of her life and one day hopes to attend a Journalism/Communication school to pursue Public Relations and study abroad.

Abby Lawler, Staff Reporter

Abby Lawler is a junior and it’s her first year on the LHS Newspaper. While not hard at work, she is either playing lacrosse, skiing or running in the woods. If you catch her skiing, she will be going down blacks with her dad or coaching kids how to ski. Although if she is playing lacrosse, it is most likely with Oregon Pride training to play in college. On the way to either of those, she is listening to pump up music or Taylor Swift. When Abby isn’t outdoors, she is playing with her dog, hanging out with family, or out and about LO with her friends blasting music.