What to Wear on a Plane?
11 Apr 2024
Flying is a complicated experience. Not only do you have to prepare months in advance by buying tickets, booking hotels and transfers, but you also have to think about your clothes on the plane. Who do you want to be when you land at your destination? Maybe you're flying to an important work meeting and want to look like a pro. Or are you heading to the tropics and want to set the mood for an easy vacation? Either way, clothing is important in realizing those travel dreams and recovering from jet lag. However, those flying "in style" must also consider the health, comfort, and safety regulations on board. And we have to make sure we choose clothes that can withstand the not always well air-conditioned, cramped and often dirty accommodations.
It would seem that why think about it, but... sometimes it won't even be unreasonable. Especially for those flying for the first time, from winter to summer or summer to winter. And especially for girls. So, the basic rule is that flight clothes should be comfortable, non-marking and practical. Often, you can see recommendations to put on yourself in the plane voluminous loose clothing. However, this is not always justified. For example, if you are flying to a warm country (especially with a connecting flight). You will want to undress, and then all this load must be carried. However, it should be remembered that to make the flight easy and comfortable, first of all, you need to choose comfortable clothes. To find out how to dress properly for the plane - see below.
It would seem that why think about it, but... sometimes it won't even be unreasonable. Especially for those flying for the first time, from winter to summer or summer to winter. And especially for girls. So, the basic rule is that flight clothes should be comfortable, non-marking and practical. Often, you can see recommendations to put on yourself in the plane voluminous loose clothing. However, this is not always justified. For example, if you are flying to a warm country (especially with a connecting flight). You will want to undress, and then all this load must be carried. However, it should be remembered that to make the flight easy and comfortable, first of all, you need to choose comfortable clothes. To find out how to dress properly for the plane - see below.
How to Dress for a Flight?
Layers, layers, layers
Air travel often combines different microclimates, and you will suffer from heat or freezing. Avoiding discomfort can be helped by having plenty of layers of clothing. A cotton or pashmina shawl, cardigan, sweatshirt, vest and light jacket are ideal if worn on the plane. You can also use rolled-up soft things as pillows. Also, the more clothes you wear, the less you must put in your luggage. If you get hot, put the extra clothes in a lightweight folding bag and put it under the seat in front of you. Then, when you get cold, pull it out again.
Breathable fabrics
Keeping comfortable and clean during the flight will help you to wear clothes made of breathable fabrics - cotton, silk, linen and fine wool. Moisture-wicking man-made fabrics are also a good option. Just don't wear clothes made of synthetic fabrics, in which you will start sweating in the heat of the airplane. Otherwise, you must look for a shower and laundry room immediately after landing.
Support or compression
Doctors recommend pregnant women wear supportive or compression stockings or socks on a plane. People with varicose veins, long-haul travelers, and those who fly frequently should do the same. Such socks or stockings promote blood circulation, prevent leg swelling and help protect against deep vein thrombosis.
Comfortable and simple shoes
It is best to wear very comfortable shoes without heels on a plane, which are easy to remove and put back on when going through security at the airport. For women, it can be sneakers; for men, it can be loafers or other light and breathable shoes without laces and buckles.
Clothing with lots of pockets
Clothing that also serves as a small bag is a must on a plane. Plenty of jackets and vests are on sale for traveling, and there are many pockets of all kinds. You can also wear loose pants with spacious patch pockets. This way, during the flight, you will always have a variety of necessary small things at hand, and you will not have to constantly look in your bag.
Loose clothing
To reduce the risk of getting deep vein thrombosis, we recommend that travelers avoid tight clothes they want to wear on a plane, things made of nylon or socks with tight elastic bands that leave marks on the skin) because this can restrict venous blood flow. So leave the tight jeans at home and wear light, loose-fitting pants, either an A-silhouette skirt or a loose dress.
If you don't like pants , wear a knit dress
You don't have to wear pants on a plane if you don't love them - you can opt for an equally comfortable dress. "I recommend knit ones, which can be stretchy and comfortable for traveling - just don't choose a model that's too tight," says the flight attendant.
Wear elastic pants
Space on an airplane is already tight, so don't complicate your trip with things that will limit you even more. "As a passenger, I always wear ponte pants - a hybrid of leggings, traditional pants and skinny jeans that are stretchy and stylish. You can also look for a denim model with elastane in the composition that stretches," Amy advises.
Complete them with a breathable top
To complete the pants, we recommend a top made from a breathable natural fabric worn on a plane, such as cotton, silk, wool or linen, that keeps its shape but is comfortable. She considers moisture-wicking synthetics a less successful option: "They can make you smell stronger - bacteria breed faster on such fabrics.
Don't forget the cardigan
The best style for an airplane is layering because you never know if the cabin will be too hot or cold. Another benefit of layering is that it can free up space in your suitcase or carry-on.
Air travel often combines different microclimates, and you will suffer from heat or freezing. Avoiding discomfort can be helped by having plenty of layers of clothing. A cotton or pashmina shawl, cardigan, sweatshirt, vest and light jacket are ideal if worn on the plane. You can also use rolled-up soft things as pillows. Also, the more clothes you wear, the less you must put in your luggage. If you get hot, put the extra clothes in a lightweight folding bag and put it under the seat in front of you. Then, when you get cold, pull it out again.
Breathable fabrics
Keeping comfortable and clean during the flight will help you to wear clothes made of breathable fabrics - cotton, silk, linen and fine wool. Moisture-wicking man-made fabrics are also a good option. Just don't wear clothes made of synthetic fabrics, in which you will start sweating in the heat of the airplane. Otherwise, you must look for a shower and laundry room immediately after landing.
Support or compression
Doctors recommend pregnant women wear supportive or compression stockings or socks on a plane. People with varicose veins, long-haul travelers, and those who fly frequently should do the same. Such socks or stockings promote blood circulation, prevent leg swelling and help protect against deep vein thrombosis.
Comfortable and simple shoes
It is best to wear very comfortable shoes without heels on a plane, which are easy to remove and put back on when going through security at the airport. For women, it can be sneakers; for men, it can be loafers or other light and breathable shoes without laces and buckles.
Clothing with lots of pockets
Clothing that also serves as a small bag is a must on a plane. Plenty of jackets and vests are on sale for traveling, and there are many pockets of all kinds. You can also wear loose pants with spacious patch pockets. This way, during the flight, you will always have a variety of necessary small things at hand, and you will not have to constantly look in your bag.
Loose clothing
To reduce the risk of getting deep vein thrombosis, we recommend that travelers avoid tight clothes they want to wear on a plane, things made of nylon or socks with tight elastic bands that leave marks on the skin) because this can restrict venous blood flow. So leave the tight jeans at home and wear light, loose-fitting pants, either an A-silhouette skirt or a loose dress.
If you don't like pants , wear a knit dress
You don't have to wear pants on a plane if you don't love them - you can opt for an equally comfortable dress. "I recommend knit ones, which can be stretchy and comfortable for traveling - just don't choose a model that's too tight," says the flight attendant.
Wear elastic pants
Space on an airplane is already tight, so don't complicate your trip with things that will limit you even more. "As a passenger, I always wear ponte pants - a hybrid of leggings, traditional pants and skinny jeans that are stretchy and stylish. You can also look for a denim model with elastane in the composition that stretches," Amy advises.
Complete them with a breathable top
To complete the pants, we recommend a top made from a breathable natural fabric worn on a plane, such as cotton, silk, wool or linen, that keeps its shape but is comfortable. She considers moisture-wicking synthetics a less successful option: "They can make you smell stronger - bacteria breed faster on such fabrics.
Don't forget the cardigan
The best style for an airplane is layering because you never know if the cabin will be too hot or cold. Another benefit of layering is that it can free up space in your suitcase or carry-on.
What to Avoid Wearing on a Flight?
Planning a trip? Check the list of items you should never wear while flying.
1. Jeans
You'll know that legroom is important if you're a frequent flyer. Before boarding, determine which seat will give you the most room to stretch your legs out comfortably. What travelers often get wrong is what kind of pants to wear on a flight. One form of pants that flight attendants often warn against is tight jeans. They restrict movement and are uncomfortable, especially in cramped and dirty plane restrooms. Another disadvantage is the negative impact on health. As the air pressure in the cabin increases, the likelihood of abdominal bloating increases. Gas formation in the intestines will expand by about 30% of the condition on the ground. For this reason, it is best to avoid jeans that constrict the stomach and choose pants with elastic waistbands.
2. Tight clothing
Many experts warn against wearing any clothes that are too tight on a plane. While it is natural to want to look your best while traveling, it is better to wear breathable and loose clothing for comfort and health. In addition to a bloated belly, problems such as slowed circulation and blood clots can occur. Deep vein thrombosis is a common occurrence among passengers. It occurs in the hips, pelvis, legs and arms and can lead to disability and even death. If you happen to be wearing clothes that are too tight, try to drink plenty of water and walk around the cabin whenever possible.
3. Jewelry
Small jewellery is not a problem. But wearing large pieces of jewellery on a plane is an inconvenient thing to do. Large ones, on the other hand, can "falter" when trying to pass through metal detectors. They can break or be confiscated during inspections (when large items are placed in boxes and left unattended for a couple of minutes). So, the smartest choice is simply to forgo the large piece of jewellery.
4. Tops and shorts
If you're traveling to hot countries, you may be tempted to wear lightweight clothing such as tops and shorts. But there are two practical reasons why this is best not to do. The first reason is temperature regulation. An airplane has a lower air temperature. An overheated plane puts passengers at risk of hypoxia, which is when the body reacts to a lack of oxygen, and a person can faint. To avoid this, airlines set cabin temperatures quite low. You (and your children especially) will be uncomfortable in light short clothes. And on arrival, you may catch a cold.
5. High heels
Many passengers don't realize that wearing high heels can cause problems in the long run. Airports are "beautiful" places with understaffed and technical issues that can prolong your time at the airport. It's not uncommon for stranded travelers to curl up on the waiting room floor because of plane delays. Or when tired passengers run at full speed to catch a flight after being delayed at security checks. If you wear high heels in these situations, you'll probably curse them and long for a worn-out pair of sneakers. Safety is something to consider, too. And while running up and down stairs and escalators and, heaven forbid, evacuating from an airplane, they make things very difficult. Heels can puncture a slide during an evacuation and injure other people.
6. Long coats
Avoid wearing long, bulky coats on a plane. You may not have to worry about hypothermia in this case, but you won't be happy with the experience of sweating and overheating either. Ease of travel is another good reason why down jackets should be left at home. If you are traveling on an economy ticket, you will sit in a row of cramped seats. You will have a hard time squeezing in. There will be other passengers nearby. Constantly manoeuvring around your large garment, such as when you take it off and stow it on a shelf, will probably annoy your neighbours.
7. Flip-flops
If you don't have the most comfortable flip-flops, it's better to fold them in your suitcase and save them for the beach. Traveling in such shoes is not the best idea, because your feet tire in them. It is not safe; they can come off while walking or evacuating. Another passenger from behind can step on them, resulting in your injury or torn shoes. So, opting for sneakers or comfortable shoes on a plane is better. If you're worried about possible odour, use a refreshing foot spray and don't forget a spare pair of socks.
1. Jeans
You'll know that legroom is important if you're a frequent flyer. Before boarding, determine which seat will give you the most room to stretch your legs out comfortably. What travelers often get wrong is what kind of pants to wear on a flight. One form of pants that flight attendants often warn against is tight jeans. They restrict movement and are uncomfortable, especially in cramped and dirty plane restrooms. Another disadvantage is the negative impact on health. As the air pressure in the cabin increases, the likelihood of abdominal bloating increases. Gas formation in the intestines will expand by about 30% of the condition on the ground. For this reason, it is best to avoid jeans that constrict the stomach and choose pants with elastic waistbands.
2. Tight clothing
Many experts warn against wearing any clothes that are too tight on a plane. While it is natural to want to look your best while traveling, it is better to wear breathable and loose clothing for comfort and health. In addition to a bloated belly, problems such as slowed circulation and blood clots can occur. Deep vein thrombosis is a common occurrence among passengers. It occurs in the hips, pelvis, legs and arms and can lead to disability and even death. If you happen to be wearing clothes that are too tight, try to drink plenty of water and walk around the cabin whenever possible.
3. Jewelry
Small jewellery is not a problem. But wearing large pieces of jewellery on a plane is an inconvenient thing to do. Large ones, on the other hand, can "falter" when trying to pass through metal detectors. They can break or be confiscated during inspections (when large items are placed in boxes and left unattended for a couple of minutes). So, the smartest choice is simply to forgo the large piece of jewellery.
4. Tops and shorts
If you're traveling to hot countries, you may be tempted to wear lightweight clothing such as tops and shorts. But there are two practical reasons why this is best not to do. The first reason is temperature regulation. An airplane has a lower air temperature. An overheated plane puts passengers at risk of hypoxia, which is when the body reacts to a lack of oxygen, and a person can faint. To avoid this, airlines set cabin temperatures quite low. You (and your children especially) will be uncomfortable in light short clothes. And on arrival, you may catch a cold.
5. High heels
Many passengers don't realize that wearing high heels can cause problems in the long run. Airports are "beautiful" places with understaffed and technical issues that can prolong your time at the airport. It's not uncommon for stranded travelers to curl up on the waiting room floor because of plane delays. Or when tired passengers run at full speed to catch a flight after being delayed at security checks. If you wear high heels in these situations, you'll probably curse them and long for a worn-out pair of sneakers. Safety is something to consider, too. And while running up and down stairs and escalators and, heaven forbid, evacuating from an airplane, they make things very difficult. Heels can puncture a slide during an evacuation and injure other people.
6. Long coats
Avoid wearing long, bulky coats on a plane. You may not have to worry about hypothermia in this case, but you won't be happy with the experience of sweating and overheating either. Ease of travel is another good reason why down jackets should be left at home. If you are traveling on an economy ticket, you will sit in a row of cramped seats. You will have a hard time squeezing in. There will be other passengers nearby. Constantly manoeuvring around your large garment, such as when you take it off and stow it on a shelf, will probably annoy your neighbours.
7. Flip-flops
If you don't have the most comfortable flip-flops, it's better to fold them in your suitcase and save them for the beach. Traveling in such shoes is not the best idea, because your feet tire in them. It is not safe; they can come off while walking or evacuating. Another passenger from behind can step on them, resulting in your injury or torn shoes. So, opting for sneakers or comfortable shoes on a plane is better. If you're worried about possible odour, use a refreshing foot spray and don't forget a spare pair of socks.
What to Wear on a Plane for a Warm Weather Destination?
When choosing clothes for a flight from cold weather to warm weather, it is worth sticking to the principle of layering. First, put on a T-shirt or a T-shirt. A warm sweater or cardigan will keep you warm at altitude when the air temperature in the airliner drops. Afterwards, an outer garment. You can leave space in your hand luggage for "extra" layers in advance: you can take them off right on the plane and immediately put them in a backpack or a small suitcase.
From outerwear, a lightweight short-down jacket will do - you can take it off, roll it up and put it in a small bag. If the holiday is held in a tropical country, where it can rain at any moment, a waterproof fall or ski jacket is an excellent alternative to a down jacket. The trip from home to the airport and back most likely will be in a cab, so even in an autumn jacket, there is hardly a chance of freezing. But it will come in handy in the tropics - it won't take up much space in your backpack and will shelter you from the rain.
From outerwear, a lightweight short-down jacket will do - you can take it off, roll it up and put it in a small bag. If the holiday is held in a tropical country, where it can rain at any moment, a waterproof fall or ski jacket is an excellent alternative to a down jacket. The trip from home to the airport and back most likely will be in a cab, so even in an autumn jacket, there is hardly a chance of freezing. But it will come in handy in the tropics - it won't take up much space in your backpack and will shelter you from the rain.
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