Travel can be challenging, especially when flying: you’re confined in a metal tube soaring through the sky with limited legroom. That’s why your fashion choices for air travel are so important. This article reveals clothing mistakes to avoid while flying and explains why they can be problematic.
Tight Jeans
While tight jeans might be stylish, they’re not ideal for air travel. Sitting for long periods is already uncomfortable, and tight denim only worsens the situation by restricting your movement. Choosing pants with more flexibility can improve circulation, reduce discomfort, and even lower the risk of health issues like deep vein thrombosis.
High Heels
High heels might look fashionable, but they can be a nightmare in an airport. Navigating security, walking long distances to your gate, or rushing during a layover becomes incredibly uncomfortable when you’re balancing on stilettos. Opt for comfortable and practical footwear like sneakers or flats to ensure a smoother travel experience from start to finish.
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Complicated Outfits
Outfits with multiple layers, zippers, or intricate fastenings might be trendy, but they aren’t practical for a flight. Picture trying to untangle yourself in a cramped airplane bathroom or struggling at security. Opt for simple, easy-to-remove layers instead. This will allow you to adapt to fluctuating temperatures during your journey without the hassle.
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Metal Accessories
Wearing lots of metal jewelry and accessories can lead to headaches at airport security. You’ll need to remove each piece, slowing down the process, and you might even trigger unnecessary alarms. To avoid the hassle, opt for minimalistic accessories or pack your metal items in your carry-on until you’ve passed through security.
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Heavy Perfume
Wearing heavy perfume on a plane can be overwhelming for both you and your fellow passengers. In the confined space with recycled air, strong scents can intensify, potentially causing headaches or triggering allergies. It’s considerate to either skip the fragrance altogether or choose a light, barely-there scent to keep everyone comfortable.
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Open-Toed Shoes
Open-toed shoes might seem like a good choice for ventilation, but they offer no protection. If you need to run to catch a flight or if something heavy falls on your foot while handling luggage, you’ll appreciate having more coverage. Additionally, considering the cleanliness of airport floors and bathrooms, it’s best to keep your toes covered and protected from those less-than-ideal surfaces.
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Anything Uncomfortable
Comfort is essential when flying. While super tight jeans or an itchy sweater might look stylish, wearing them for hours can feel like torture. Go for breathable fabrics and relaxed fits, allowing you to sleep, stretch, and move without discomfort. Since you’ll likely be sitting for extended periods, the last thing you want is clothing that digs into your skin.
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Short Skirts
While short skirts can be stylish and fun, they’re not the best choice for plane travel. Maneuvering in and out of your seat or going through security can become awkward quickly. Additionally, planes can get chilly, so you’ll appreciate the extra coverage to stay warm. Choose something more comfortable that allows easy movement and keeps you appropriately covered in all situations.
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Bulky Jackets
Bulky jackets can be a hassle in the limited space of an airplane. They take up valuable room in overhead storage or under the seat, and navigating tight aisles becomes cumbersome. Instead, opt for layering. A cozy, lightweight jacket with additional layers you can add or remove is much more practical. This way, you can stay warm without the bulk.
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Tight Belts
Tight belts can be very uncomfortable during long flights, digging into your waist and restricting movement while seated for hours. Plus, you’ll need to remove them at security, adding unnecessary hassle to your journey. Instead, choose an elastic or relaxed waistband to maintain comfort throughout your trip.
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Low-Cut Tops
While a low-cut top might be stylish or comfortable, it can lead to discomfort while flying. Planes can get chilly, making you feel the drop in temperature more acutely. Additionally, modesty issues can arise when you’re trying to nap or move around. Opt for tops that provide more coverage to help you stay warm and comfortable during your flight.
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Expensive Jewelry
Wearing expensive jewelry on a plane can be risky. High-value items are easily lost or damaged during security checks, turbulence, or transport mishaps. Additionally, flashy jewelry can attract unwanted attention and make you a target for theft both on the plane and at your destination. It’s wiser to leave your valuable accessories at home and choose simple, practical pieces that won’t weigh you down.
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Ill-Fitting Bras
Ill-fitting bras can make your flight uncomfortable. A too-tight bra will dig into your skin, causing discomfort and even pain during a long journey. On the other hand, a loose bra won’t offer the necessary support, which can lead to back discomfort or an awkward fit under your clothes.
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Flimsy Fabrics
Flimsy fabrics may seem appealing for their lightweight feel, but they can lead to more hassle than comfort on a plane. Thin materials can make you feel every bump and chill, and they wrinkle or tear easily. Instead, opt for more durable, wrinkle-resistant fabrics that provide comfort and protection against the varying conditions you might encounter during your flight.
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Non-Breathable Materials
Non-breathable materials like polyester can turn a flight into a sauna, trapping heat and moisture against your skin. This can lead to discomfort, sweat stains, and even skin irritation. Instead, choose breathable, natural fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking blends that help regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable regardless of the cabin conditions.
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Clothing with Large Buttons
Wearing clothes with large buttons may look stylish, but they can be a hassle on a plane. They might press uncomfortably against your skin or snag on the armrests, leading to unnecessary discomfort. Furthermore, these bulky buttons can make it challenging to find a comfortable position, further reducing the already limited comfort of economy class seating.
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Unnecessarily Layered Clothing
While it may be tempting to layer up for fluctuating cabin temperatures, wearing too many layers can make you feel hot and cramped in the confined space of an airplane. Plus, going through security can become tedious if you need to remove multiple layers. Instead, opt for breathable fabrics and bring a compact jacket or blanket to help regulate your temperature on board.
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Flip-Flops
Here’s a write-up for flip-flops:
While flip-flops are great for the beach, they are far from ideal for air travel. They provide minimal support for your feet, increasing the likelihood of discomfort or even injury, especially if you need to walk long distances within the airport. Moreover, they aren’t very hygienic for the cabin environment, where cleanliness can be a concern. Instead, opt for comfortable shoes that offer better support and protection for a smoother travel experience.
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Shorts
Wearing shorts on a plane might seem like a good way to stay cool, but they can leave too much skin exposed to the chilly cabin air, leading to an uncomfortable flight. Moreover, keeping your skin covered is more hygienic, as airplane seats are not the cleanest surfaces.
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Silk Anything
While silk may convey a luxurious image, it’s not the best fabric for flying. Silk is delicate and can easily crease, stain, or snag in the confined space of an airplane. Additionally, it doesn’t provide good insulation, which can leave you feeling too hot or too cold depending on cabin conditions. Instead, choose more practical fabrics like cotton or blends that offer breathability and durability for a more comfortable journey.
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Clothing That Stains Easily
When you’re flying, spills are almost inevitable, so it’s best to avoid clothing that easily shows stains. Whether it’s coffee, soda, or in-flight meals, accidents can happen. Opt for dark-colored or stain-resistant fabrics to maintain a fresh appearance throughout your journey. Trust us, it’s better to be safe than sorry when dealing with unpredictable turbulence!
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Huge Hats
While big hats may look chic at the beach or in sunny locations, they’re impractical on a plane. These oversized accessories can be uncomfortable for you and may inconvenience other passengers by blocking views or taking up space. Instead, choose a more travel-friendly hat that you can easily store in the overhead bin or your carry-on.
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Tiny Sunglasses
While tiny sunglasses might be trendy, they won’t provide much help on a flight. If you plan to catch some sleep or shield yourself from glaring reading lights, you’ll want more substantial eyewear. Consider packing larger, more functional sunglasses that offer better coverage and comfort during your journey.
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Cargo Pants
While cargo pants are known for their utility, they can be cumbersome on a plane. The extra pockets may seem handy but can make it challenging to sit comfortably in limited space. They can also complicate the TSA check process. Instead, go for simpler, more streamlined pants for a more relaxed travel experience.
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Clothes With Offensive Logos
Wearing clothes with offensive or controversial slogans and logos can make you stand out for all the wrong reasons. It’s best to avoid attire that might spark confrontation or discomfort among other passengers. Go for neutral, inoffensive clothing to ensure a peaceful and non-disruptive flight. Remember, flying high means everyone getting along!
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Midriffs
While crop tops may be on-trend, showing too much skin on a plane is not ideal. Airplanes often have fluctuating cabin temperatures, and what feels cozy can quickly turn chilly. Additionally, fellow passengers may not appreciate being in close quarters with so much bare skin. It’s better to choose a warmer, more practical top to ensure comfort during your flight.
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Swimwear
Wearing your swimsuit might seem convenient if you’re heading to a sunny destination, but it’s far from practical. Airplane cabins are often cold, and bikinis or swim shorts provide little protection from the chilly air. Additionally, you never know when you might need to rush to the restroom or navigate security lines—situations where appropriate attire is essential for comfort and respectfulness.
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Fake Nails
While glamorous, extended fake nails can be a hassle on a flight. From struggling with seatbelt buckles to maneuvering in tiny restrooms, long nails can become a frustrating obstacle. They can also easily break when fumbling through your carry-on or pockets, adding unnecessary stress to your journey. Keeping your nails short and practical can help you avoid these troubles mid-flight.
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Glasses Instead of Contacts
Many people prefer wearing glasses daily, but flights are a different story. Airplane cabins are known for their dry air, which can make wearing contacts uncomfortable. Contacts can be more convenient for navigating the airport, as they don’t fog up and are less likely to get dirty compared to glasses.
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Revealing Tops
Super low-cut or strapless tops may be comfortable in hot climates, but they’re not suitable for flights. Cabins can often get quite chilly, and such tops provide minimal coverage and warmth. Additionally, reaching up to the overhead bin or adjusting in your seat can be awkward in these styles. Go for layers and tops that blend style with practicality to ensure you remain comfortable and appropriately dressed.
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Skintight Leggings
While skintight leggings may be trendy, they aren’t the best choice for air travel. These super tight pants can become uncomfortable during long flights, restricting movement and adding pressure to your lower body, potentially leading to cramps. Instead, opt for more relaxed and breathable pants to ensure a smoother and more comfortable journey.
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Unwashed Clothes
Wearing unwashed clothes on a plane isn’t just uncomfortable for you; it’s also unsettling for those around you. In the confined quarters with recirculated air, unpleasant odors can become more noticeable. Choosing fresh and clean attire not only makes you feel better but also helps maintain a pleasant environment for your fellow travelers.
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Shiny Fabrics
It might be tempting to wear something that stands out, but shiny fabrics can make your flight uncomfortable. These materials tend to stick to your skin as you sweat and often don’t breathe well, leading to a hotter and stickier experience. Instead, opt for fabrics that wick away moisture and allow your skin to breathe for a more comfortable journey.
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Very Bright Colors
Bright, eye-catching colors may be perfect for a night out, but they’re less ideal for air travel. These vibrant hues can easily show stains and dirt, which are almost inevitable during a long journey. Additionally, if you’re feeling queasy, loud colors can intensify your discomfort. Neutral tones avoid these problems while keeping you looking fresh and composed.
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Clothes That Wrinkle Easily
Flying already compresses space and time, so don’t complicate things by wearing easily wrinkled clothes. Garments that wrinkle easily can leave you looking disheveled by the time you reach your destination. Instead, choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics to ensure you step off the plane looking as put-together as when you boarded.
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Shoes That Are Hard to Remove
Air travel involves passing through airport security, where you’ll need to remove your shoes. Avoid laces and boots that take forever to undo. Slip-ons or loafers can save you time and hassle during those often stressful moments at the airport. Plus, they offer a more comfortable in-flight experience, allowing you to easily take off your shoes when seated.
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Thick Coats
Wearing bulky jackets on a plane isn’t a great idea. They take up unnecessary space in cramped seating, making both you and those around you uncomfortable. Instead, opt for lighter layers that you can easily remove if the cabin gets warm. This approach allows you to move around more freely and adapt to the plane’s varying temperatures with ease.
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Too Many Accessories
When flying, less is more. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry or accessories, as they can set off metal detectors and lead to delays or additional screening at security. Stick to simple pieces that keep you comfortable and stylish without over-complicating your outfit. Remember, every extra item can become one more hassle when you’re trying to settle into your seat or navigate through the aisle.
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Offensive Slogans
Clothing with offensive slogans or imagery should be left at home. Airlines reserve the right to deny boarding to anyone wearing inappropriate attire. It’s best to keep your outfit flight-friendly and considerate of fellow passengers. Opt for neutral messaging to ensure a smoother boarding process and avoid any unnecessary confrontations.
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Bulking Up
Wearing heavy layers on a flight might seem like a space-saving strategy, but it can lead to discomfort. The bulk can trap heat, making your journey uncomfortable. Additionally, navigating through narrow airplane aisles becomes a significant challenge. Instead, choose light, breathable fabrics that can be easily layered to ensure you stay comfortable and mobile during your flight.
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