Comfortable clothing is extremely important, especially for long flights where you have to stay in one tight space for a long duration. Before traveling, normally you’d be struck with questions such as what to wear on the plane? Which climate to dress for? And whether to prioritise comfort over formality.
These are all valid concerns and this article will delve into just that! By discussing relevant factors, we will discuss what to wear on a plane. Keep reading to learn all the essentials and get ready for a cozy travel experience.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Your Traveling Clothes
Consideration is imperative when narrowing down your travel wardrobe. You should take some specific circumstances and external factors into consideration. Some examples are given below.
Flight duration
Naturally, the distance you are traveling should be the first and main concern. Whether you have a short-haul flight or a long-haul flight should influence your decision. If you are going to be sitting in one cramped seat for a long trip then you should try wearing something cozy and comfortable. Comfortable matching sets are never the wrong way to go.
Destination
Your final destination (or that lay-over place) should also affect the clothing. Make sure to consider that place’s cultural norms and dress accordingly. You wouldn’t want to disrespect the culture upon landing. You should also check the expected weather of the destination and decide on your travel outfit as per that.
Comfort
Everything aside, your comfort level should be the main priority. Air travel is stressful enough with baggage, airport security, and boarding concerns, you should always wear something that will work to your convenience. Avoid wearing clothes that restrict movement as that will make it difficult to navigate through the airport. You can wear jerseys, tank tops, simple cotton shirts, etc
Practical clothes
Along with comfortability, there should also be a certain level of practicality in your clothes. That means you should wear simple clothes that have pockets, aren’t too tight, and are minimal. Layers that are easy to remove will come in handy as well.
Airline policies
Make sure to check your specific airline’s policies regarding dress code (if they have any) to avoid last-minute problems. You can do so by checking their official website or contacting customer service.
How to Ensure Comfort and Practicality on a Plane?
When it comes to making sure that your outfit is comfortable enough for a plane, there are some tips you can follow.
- Breathable fabrics: you should always choose clothes that have a light fabric like cotton, jersey, or knitwear. Airplane cabins are going to be closed off so you may get claustrophobic in thick fabrics. Breathable tops and stretchy fabrics will allow you to stay comfortable.
- Loose-fitting: prioritize loose clothes over tight clothing as they enable easier movement. Avoid wearing tight waistbands as they can get really uncomfortable when you have to keep sitting for a long period.
- Layering: it’s always a good idea to incorporate layers such as light jackets, shawls, cardigans, or even warm socks into your outfit. If they are easily removable, you can adjust clothing throughout your trip and dress as per temperature variation.
- Comfy shoes: a rule of thumb is to always wear comfortable shoes while traveling. Not only will you have to sit in one space for a long period but you’ll also need to go through the airport before and after landing. Wear shoes that allow you to do both. Sneakers and comfortable slip-on shoes are great options while sandals are not recommended due to their lack of stability.
What are Some Travel Essentials?
When it comes to a comfortable airport outfit, there are some essential items that you must keep in order to experience a smooth experience.
- Leggings and pants: remember that airplane cabins are not necessarily subject to the outside temperature. Air-conditioned airplanes will be cold even if it’s warm outside and vice versa. Keeping that in mind, you can always carry an extra pair of leggings in your carry-on bag and wear them later on. Furthermore, it is much better to opt for stretchy pants.
- Breathable layers: layers will make it easy for you to adjust to different temperatures. You can remove or add something if the temperature shifts.
- Cozy socks: you can expect the airplane to be freezing. Even if it’s warm outside, consider bringing cozy socks for the flight. Better yet, wear some compression socks to reduce swelling on long haul flights. Wearing slip-on shoes will give you the option of removal if your feet swell.
- Headphones or earplugs: these can be the most essential travel accessory while air traveling. If you want to ensure your peace, make sure to carry some. In any case, you can request the flight attendants for earplugs as well.
- Accessories: you can always accessorize to look more presentable and add a polished look to your outfit. However, don’t wear anything that will set off the metal detectors and cause trouble.
Specific Outfit Ideas
Here are some outfit ideas for specific situations
Business trip travel outfit
In case you have to dress business appropriately and attend to professional affairs straight after landing, you’ll have to incorporate comfort and a formal look into one outfit.
For this specific situation, you should always wear wrinkle-resistant fabrics that will remain presentable even after a flight. Consider carrying a blazer and wearing dress pants to strike the perfect balance. As for footwear, you can carry your professional shoes or high heels in the carry-on luggage and slip them on after landing.
Warm weather outfit
As mentioned above, the airplane temperature can be unlike the outside weather. If your destination country is supposed to be warm then you should expect the plane’s temperature to rise towards the end. In any case, you should be dressed adequately when you step off the plane. Layering is one of the best options to achieve this because you can remove your jacket or hoodie as soon as the temperature shifts.
Cold weather outfit
A lot of people traveling to cold destinations prefer layering on the plane and saving space in the luggage. Since winter clothes can be bulky, it’s a good idea to stuff your large personal items in the overhead bin instead of checked baggage. To avoid unexpected colds upon landing, carry your travel scarves and jackets with you. A change of clothes can help you adapt more quickly.
Special Needs and Circumstances
Another main thing to consider while choosing one’s travel outfit is specific needs. If you have any extraordinary situation like medical needs, pregnancy, mobility issues, or even if you are traveling with an infant, then you should choose clothes correspondingly.
In either case, your outfit should be breathable, comfortable, and practical. Avoid wearing things that lack support and always go for a balance between comfort and practicality.
Airplane Dress Code
Most airlines have a general dress code that requires passengers to wear appropriate and non-offensive clothes. Your outfit must not be obscene or lewd and it should cover your body. Airplanes do not allow bare feet unless you are under 5 years old or have a special circumstance. For safety reasons and consideration of other passengers, some clothing restrictions are put up by every airline but you should always check your specific requirements.
Depending on your destination country, current country, or airline, you may be subject to cultural/ religious restrictions too. Other than that, some airlines do not allow casual wear in their first-class lounges and impose dress codes for premium services so make sure to check that as well.
Conclusion
In the end, we can say that “what to wear on a plane” can be narrowed down to a few rules. As long as your outfit is comfortable, breathable, practical, and appropriate, you are good to go. Remember to prioritize your convenience over anything else and aim for a perfect balance.
We hope this article helped you understand travel clothing to some level and cleared any concerns. If you have any further questions or lingering doubts, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
Did You Like This Article About What to Wear on a Plane?
Sign up for our newsletter to receive more exclusive tips and insights straight to your inbox!