What to wear on a plane, according to flight attendants

Figuring out what to wear on a plane can be as challenging as deciding what to pack. So how can you be comfortable both on the plane and when you arrive at your destination, all without sacrificing style? We went right to the source – a flight attendant – to find out the best rules to follow when you fly.

“Remember, you are sitting in a piece of machinery with confined spaces, sharp objects and strangers,” says flight attendant, Amy Caris. “Don’t wear your best outfit, but wear something that is comfortable and can slightly stretch.

Space is already at a premium on a plane, so you don’t want to add anything that will make you feel even more confined. This is not the time for skintight jeans (although you may want to carry a jean jacket). “As a passenger, I always wear ponte knit pants, which offer stretch and are stylish,” says Caris. “You can even find jeans that have stretch to them.”

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When choosing what to wear on a plane, look for stylish tops made with natural fabrics, such as cotton, silk, wool or linen, which will allow air and moisture to pass through. Moisture-wicking man-made fabrics are an equally savvy option. “I avoid wearing synthetic polyester or rayon materials, as they retain body odour more quickly,” says Caris. “I like breathable tops that are just loose enough to keep my shape but are comfortable for sitting.”

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Sitting for a long time can restrict blood flow and make your legs swell. Compression socks are designed to help combat leg and foot soreness as well as prevent deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots in the legs. Thankfully, they are so much more fashionable than in the past. “Put them on before boarding,” Caris suggests, “because it can be a challenge to get them on in a confined space.”

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Aeroplane dressing is all about layering. You never know if it’s going to be too hot or too cold when deciding what to wear on a plane, so a light cardigan is always a great choice. Caris suggests wearing your layers while boarding to avoid filling your carry-on bag space.

You don’t have to trade in dresses for pants just because you’re flying. “I don’t recommend wearing skirts and dresses that are restrictive, but some knit dresses can be long, stretchy and easy to travel in,” says Caris.

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Flight attendants agree that the best shoes to wear on a plane are flats, although Caris points out that if you do prefer to wear heels, block heels are the most stable. Closed-toe shoes are best to protect your feet, as Caris learned the hard way. “I’ve broken my own rule and worn sandals before,” she admits. “As I was standing in the aisle waiting to get to my seat, the person in front of me backed up onto my foot and bent my nail back. Ouch. It was a good reminder as to why I should stick to my rules of flying!”

A thick or lightweight cashmere or wool shawl not only adds flair to your outfit but does double duty on the plane as a blanket, pillow or extra layer, without taking up too much extra space in your carry-on bag. Just remember not to cover your seat belt with the wrap. “This way, [flight attendants] won’t need to wake you up if they’re required to conduct a compliance check during the flight,” says Caris.

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If you’re traveling for business, you can save time and reduce stress about what to wear on the plane by dressing in your work outfit before you get on the flight. “It’s easy now to find business-looking yoga or stretchy pants and blazers for both men and women,” says Caris. “If you have to head straight to the office or a meeting after your flight, it’s not ideal to change in the lavatory or an airport bathroom stall. And it’s one less thing to worry about, especially if the flight gets delayed.”

If you’re flying overnight, it’s important to be able to get a few hours of sleep. But that doesn’t mean you should put on the same pyjamas you would wear at home. Opt for loungewear, which looks as appropriate in public as it does in bed. “A nice pair of modal cotton sweats or a harem pant is acceptable,” says Caris. “Just make sure there are no holes in them!”