Flight Attendants Spill on 10 Things You Should Never Wear on a Plane

Flights are kept cold to prevent passengers from fainting, and your shoes may set off airport metal detectors. A comfortable flight is a must. No one wants to get off a plane feeling stiff, agitated, or tired. And what you decide to wear to the airport may be a contributing factor to how smoothly your trip will go.

Bright Side understands how stressful traveling can be. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of 10 things not to wear on a flight so that your trip can go as smoothly as possible.

1. Tight clothes

Your skinny jeans may look great, but they may make for an uncomfortable flight. You want to wear something that allows for proper blood circulation. Furthermore, longer flights may put you at risk of deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot that typically occurs in the leg). This condition could be exacerbated by tight clothes.

Our bodies also tend to swell when we’re 42,000 feet in the air, so your figure-hugging clothes may begin to feel like a second skin instead of a fashion statement.

2. Contact lenses

The air in a plane is different than the air on land. This is because cabin air is circulated, and high altitudes result in lower humidity. This dry air can be irritating to the eyes, especially for those who wear contacts. For this reason, it’s suggested that passengers wear their glasses instead.

3. Flammable materials

Although flight emergencies are uncommon, it’s always good to be prepared. Some materials are flammable, such as fringe and thin fabrics, like cotton and linen. Thicker fabrics are generally considered safer to wear in case of a fire.

4. High heels

Have you ever been out of breath by the time you reach your flight gate? That’s because airports are big places, making wearing comfortable walking shoes ideal. High heels can be especially troublesome in emergency situations.

Additionally, high heels are not made of stretchy fabric and can often be tight. On long flights, our feet tend to swell, so comfortable, spacious shoes are preferable.

5. Not enough layers

Flights are often kept on the colder side to help prevent fainting. You may also feel colder than necessary because you’re not moving. This is why it’s wise to wear more than one layer of clothing so that you can adjust to the temperatures accordingly.

6. Metal accessories

There might be metal in places you wouldn’t expect, such as shoes, chewing gum wrappers, and the underwire in your bra. You can get through airport security faster if you choose not to wear these items or remove them and store them in your carry-on beforehand. Setting off metal detectors can really slow you down, and no one wants to rush.

7. Complicated outfits

You don’t want to find yourself having to use the restroom on a flight only to get stuck trying to take off your jumpsuit. Complicated outfits don’t just make going to the bathroom harder, but they can be very uncomfortable to sit in. You don’t want to have to re-adjust your clothes every 5 minutes, so make sure you wear something that has been tried and tested as comfortable.

8. Perfume and cologne

You may love the smell of your perfume, but others on your flight may not. Air is circulated on flights, and you can’t just crack a window to let the smell out. You also won’t know if people have allergies to the ingredients in your perfume/cologne or if anyone on your flight has asthma triggered by perfume.

9. Itchy fabrics

A fabric might not feel too itchy when you wear it to the shops and back, but not all fabrics are great to sit in for hours at a time. Wear fabrics that are breathable and soft to prevent chafing or skin irritation on your flight.

10. Offensive slogans or graphics

You want your flight to go as smoothly as possible. This is why it’s better to avoid T-shirts with expletives or offensive graphics on them. You could get kicked off a flight if you’re dressed too inappropriately. There are also children on flights, and you never know what people will find offensive, so it’s best to play it safe.

What, in your opinion, is the worst thing to wear on a plane? What tips do you have that help make a flight more comfortable?