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

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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.  
4. 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.
5. 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?

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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. 
5. 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.