Whether your flight will last fewer than 60 minutes or several hours, picking an outfit for a plane ride can be challenging. You probably want to be comfortable, practical (especially for the dreaded airport security), and dress for your future destination’s weather. But that can be easier said than done, and many of us get stuck choosing the best and most appropriate clothing.
To help, here is a list of the top-five items to avoid wearing while flying, and five alternatives to keep you comfy and confident.
Top items to avoid wearing while flying
Jeans
A stiff denim waistband isn’t ideal when you’ll be sitting in a small, cramped seat for hours. Jeans can quickly get uncomfortable, which can put a damper on your entire travel experience. Plus, wearing tight jeans can actually increase your risk of deep vein thrombus (DVT) which are blood clots in the leg, so stiff, tight pants should be avoided.
Shoes with open toes, laces, buckles, or high tops
While they may be your regular go-to footwear, sneakers, boots, sandals, and Converse are not ideal for a trip through the airport. First of all, it’s likely you’ll be asked to remove them when you go to security. Laces and buckles can slow you down, and if you wear open-toe shoes or sandals, you’ll be exposing yourself to the dirt and germs on the floor. Plus, feet are prone to swell on long flights, so tight shoes can quickly become uncomfortable.
A romper or jumpsuit
These can be cute, comfortable options for your outfit of the day. However, their all-in-one style can be cumbersome when it comes to bathroom breaks, either at the airport or mid-flight. Accidentally allowing a strap to touch the floor or toilet is not worth it.
Fragrance
Be kind to your fellow passengers who may have sensitivities to fragrances. While you don’t want to smell bad while you’re traveling, try to avoid wearing anything too strong that could be irritating to the noses of others around you. Keep in mind that scents can spread far and wide when you’re in an enclosed place like an airplane cabin, and your favorite perfume or cologne could be overpowering and unpleasant to others.
Lots of makeup or accessories
While airport security scanners won’t go off if you’re wearing good-quality silver or gold jewelry, they will alarm if they detect magnetic metals, often found in fashion jewelry. To get through security the fastest, keep jewelry to a minimum.
When it comes to makeup, a dry environment and the stress of traveling partnered with heavier makeup, like foundation, can create a good environment for acne and breakouts. Plus, some makeup can dry out your skin even more, resulting in flaky, dull skin. Wait until the plane is descending before applying makeup or make a moisturizer and sunscreen the first step in your makeup routine.
What should you wear on a plane?
Multiple layers
Always board a plane with a scarf, wrap, jacket, sweatshirt, or cardigan. Many conditions in airports and on the plane are out of your control, and you can quickly get overheated or freeze. You can either wear your layers or use them as a blanket, and when you don’t need them, roll them up into a pillow, use them as an eye cover if you’re sleeping, or toss them into your carry-on.
Stretchy pants
Instead of jeans, opt for a stretchy pant. While sweatpants and leggings can be a great option, if you want to up your game, try trousers with drawstring or an elastic waist. Styles in light fabrics, like cotton, or that curl up in a jogger style, are great for a long-haul flight. Or, if you love your jeans, try a relaxed boyfriend cut or other style with decent stretch.
Breathable tops
Soft, stretchy, loose, and breathable tops will help you feel comfy and stress free. Fabrics like cotton, silky materials, or thin knits work best. Fabrics that don’t allow air to circulate will hold in sweat, making you feel dirtier faster and potentially even generating some body odor. Tight clothing can also restrict your overall circulation and make you feel uncomfortable.
Compression socks
One of the most well-known perks of compression socks is how they can help prevent blood clots, a worry for many when traveling by air (especially during longer flights). These socks can work to stimulate circulation in the lower legs, which can also help alleviate symptoms of leg fatigue and discomfort.
Comfy shoes
Pack your tennies in your carry-on luggage and instead, opt for a sturdy pair of shoes that you can easily slip on and off, and it’s even better if you can wear socks with them (at least until you get through security). You should be able to wear the shoes for several hours and they also should be comfortable enough you can get from one side of the airport to the other without pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should you avoid wearing jeans on a plane?
Stiff jeans can get uncomfortable during long flights because you are sitting in a cramped seat for hours. Tight jeans may also increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis, or DVT.
What kind of shoes are best for flying?
Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off and comfortable enough to wear for several hours. Avoid open-toe shoes, bulky high tops, and complicated laces or buckles.
Is a romper or jumpsuit a bad choice for air travel?
Rompers and jumpsuits may look stylish and feel comfortable, but they can make bathroom breaks more cumbersome during a flight.
Should you wear fragrance on a plane?
It is best to avoid strong fragrances because airplane cabins are enclosed spaces and scents can bother nearby passengers.
Do makeup and accessories matter when you fly?
Yes. Keeping jewelry to a minimum can help you move through security faster, and heavy makeup may contribute to dry skin and breakouts in the cabin.
What should you wear instead of jeans on a flight?
Stretchy pants, breathable tops, and layered clothing are usually more comfortable choices for flying. Compression socks and easy-to-remove shoes can also help.
Why are layers such a good idea on a plane?
Airport terminals and airplane cabins can change temperature quickly, so layers help you stay comfortable throughout the trip. Scarves and jackets can also double as blankets or pillows.
Are leggings a good choice for a long flight?
Yes, leggings can be a comfortable option if they are breathable and not overly tight. Pairing them with layers can help you adapt to cabin temperatures.
Do compression socks really help on flights?
Compression socks may help support circulation during long flights, especially if you are prone to swelling or sitting for several hours.
Are sandals or flip-flops a bad idea for airport security and boarding?
Sandals and flip-flops are usually not the best choice for air travel because they leave feet exposed to dirt and germs and may become uncomfortable if your feet swell during the flight.