Alice, a flight attendant at a major European airline, has worked primarily in first class for the past 10 years and says, in the upper cabins, “people still tend to dress for the occasion as the level of service is an experience in itself.”
“I think, regardless of class, passengers should dress comfortably yet still adequate to the circumstance,” she tells Traveler. “I’m still baffled to see passengers show up in short leggings and crop-tops or sand covered toes.’’
Here’s how you can build flight-attendant approved plane outfits combining fashion with comfort.
Breathable, lightweight fabrics
My go-to fabrics for flying are loosely fitted linen, cotton, and merino wool. When possible, I avoid using synthetic materials such as polyester, which can induce overheating and skin irritation. As discussed in my previous column, our bodies are subject to bloating and fluctuating body temperatures when flying for extended periods in pressurized cabins, so loosely fitted, breathable clothing is your best choice.
“Opt for breathable, lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, and sustainable triacetate when traveling,” suggests Corentin Daudigny, founder of Corentin Christian, a boutique atelier in Barcelona. “These fabrics allow movement, regulate temperature, and keep you comfortable without compromising style.”
Layer up
Importantly, be sure to wear or pack multiple layers regardless of the weather conditions. Recent studies from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggest that long flights can disrupt the body’s temperature regulation due to low cabin pressure, reduced humidity, prolonged immobility, and limited airflow. At times (especially during boarding), you may feel overheated, whilst moments later in the sky, you will be wishing for a blanket and a warm cup of tea.
“Layering is key—pair a wardrobe staple with a standout jacket or scarf for versatility,” says Daudigny. “Always remember that fashion should nourish your spirit; wear pieces that feel authentic to you. When you stay true to yourself, comfort and style are never mutually exclusive.”
Comfortable shoes
When it comes to shoes, first and foremost, leave them on unless necessary, and by all means, never remove your socks. Airplanes are rarely deep cleaned, and most likely, the wet substance on the bathroom floor that you complained got your feet wet isn’t water.
For long flights, consider packing comfortable slippers or sneakers to wear on the plane, even if you choose not to wear them in the airport. I respect high heels—very classy, very demure—but even flight attendants will swap stilettos for ballerinas after boarding. That said, overpacking shoes can quickly take over the limited space in your carry-on baggage. For footwear that can double up as your walking shoes and plane kicks, check out our list of the best travel shoes. (If you’re heading to colder climes, one CNT editor argues that the controversial Ugg Tasman slipper is the perfect shoe for long-haul flights.) I personally go with an all-white sneaker.
Compression socks
Socks should be comfortable and most importantly, breathable, in order to accommodate the sweating and swelling that inevitably occur 35,000 feet in the air. That way, if you do decide to kick off your shoes, your fellow seat companions and flight attendants will be saved from any malodorous offenses.
An in-flight fashion choice that has become more popular in recent years is compression socks, especially for individuals at risk of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). According to the American Heart Association, compression socks help promote healthy blood flow in the legs by applying gentle pressure, reducing the risk of swelling, clotting, and discomfort. Prolonged sitting on flights can lead to poor circulation, and compression socks can alleviate some of these issues by encouraging blood to move more efficiently.
