Air travel has come a long way from the days of dressing up for the cabin. Today, comfort reigns supreme—but not every cozy outfit choice is a smart one at 30,000 feet. From circulation concerns to cabin temperature swings, what you wear on a flight can impact more than just your style. We asked experts what clothing items to avoid when flying—and what to wear instead for a safer, more comfortable journey.
Stay away from clothing that’s too tight.
The experts we spoke with agreed on one thing: tight clothing has no place on a flight. “For long-haul flights, avoid super-tight clothing like leggings,” Natalie Houston, an airline employee and one-half of the Adventures of Matt and Nat, shared with Travel + Leisure. “Your body naturally swells at altitude, and restrictive clothes can make that even more uncomfortable.”
Etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts echoed the sentiment, adding that while tight jeans may look polished at the airport, comfort and circulation matter far more in the air. “Loose, layered clothing not only helps prevent deep vein thrombosis but also keeps you comfortable when cabin temperatures fluctuate,” Grotts said.
Steer clear of clothing that drags on the floor.
Houston also warned that while planes may get a quick vacuum between trips they may not be as clean as you think, which is why you want to ensure a proper hem. “Think of a plane as part gym floor, part mystery zone. Those carpets and bathrooms do not get shampooed nearly as often as you would hope,” she said. “That is why long dresses, pants that drag, shorts, or crop tops are not the best idea. You will end up brushing against surfaces you would rather not.”
And, trust us, no rompers.
Once again, rompers, like tight jeans, may be cute on the ground, but have no place on a plane, especially if you have any desire to use the bathroom midair. “They are fun in theory, but wildly impractical when you are wrestling with them in a tiny airplane bathroom,” Houston said.
Avoid bulky outerwear.
According to Travis Turner, the vice president of guest experiences for Cirrus Aviation Services, explained that bulky outerwear may be best stowed in a carry-on or checked bag, as they could be dangerous in an emergency. “Large coats or heavy puffer jackets can impede movement during an emergency evacuation,” Turner explained. Instead, he shared that lightweight layers are safer.
Keep the high heels in your checked bag.
“Stylish? Perhaps. Practical? Not even a little,” Whitney Haldeman, the founder at Atlas Adventures, shared about high heels. “Airports often mean long walks, unexpected sprints to your gate and the occasional trek up airplane stairs when there’s no jet bridge (not exactly stiletto-friendly terrain).”
Additionally, Haldeman added, in-flight, heels and slippery soles pose real safety risks. “They can slow you down in an emergency and even damage evacuation slides,” she shared. “I always recommend a chic flat, a supportive sneaker or an elevated loafer: something that blends comfort, style and common sense.”
Stow those flip-flops while you’re at it.
Like heels, flip-flops may be cute for vacation, but not for the plane ride to get there. “You should never wear flip flops, or ideally never wear any kind of sandal,” Steve Schwab, CEO of the vacation rental company Casago, said. Close quarters mean exposed feet can be unpleasant for fellow passengers, and unsecured shoes can easily slip off. “Sandals, especially ones like flip-flops that aren’t secure to your feet, are never ideal to wear in an emergency,” he added. “They come off easily and can trip you up.”
And definitely avoid anything clothing that could get you kicked off the flight.
Ari Wohl, president and founder of Tribeca Jets, notes that airlines can deny boarding—or even remove passengers—based on what they’re wearing. “Airlines reserve the right to enforce dress codes that will protect the comfort and safety of all passengers on board,” said Wohl. Clothing with offensive language, political messaging, or provocative graphics can violate airline dress codes, which are designed to maintain passenger comfort and safety. (Private flights, he adds, are a different story.)
As for what to wear instead, Expedia travel expert Melanie Fish recommends practical layers. Opt for comfortable, wrinkle-resistant clothing, skip white in case of spills or turbulence, and aim to look put-together.
“And finally,” she adds, “look nice—a rule from my mom I feel obligated to pass along.” One more reason to look sharp? As Fish said, “It’s a nice way to remember that travel was once a special occasion to dress up for, and if you look like a slob, you are sure to run into the person you had a crush on in 7th grade.”
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