A Flight Attendant’s Guide to Building Comfortable Plane Outfits
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The golden age of air travel is long gone. Glamorous Pan American Airways flight attendants dressed in Evan-Picones’s iconic uniforms no longer click heels at Idlewild Airport (now JFK). The Concorde, which once whisked the fashionable jet set between London and New York in under three hours, now lies dormant beside runway 27L at London Heathrow.
Nowadays, most passengers seldom dress to impress on planes. If anything, they dress carelessly as they drag themselves out of bed for that 5 a.m. departure to Fort Lauderdale. Who can blame them, squeezed into the awkward confines of today's economy seats?
Figuring out what to wear on a plane to stay comfortable without looking like a total slob can be tricky. Fear not—this month’s column is all about combining aesthetics and comfort with the right fabrics, layering, and, perhaps most importantly, the correct footwear—because airplanes and Crocs (yes, even the Balenciaga ones) simply do not mix.
As a seasoned flight attendant, I’ve seen all types of plane outfits: from the sweatpants and white socks graciously paired with hotel slippers to passengers dressed head to toe in vintage Dior. Some fliers value comfort, which is perfectly valid given the cramped seats and sodium-filled meals, whilst others strut down the aircraft aisle like it’s their personal runway. I prefer to find a balance, knowing that regardless of travel class, I'll likely experience discomfort and bloating, but a good outfit can do wonders for one’s overall mood and confidence.
“I once boarded a flight to Paris, and a petite elderly lady was dressed in a very fashionable way head to toe in pink. I complimented her, and she said, ‘Life is too short to conform to the fashion that society dictates your age bracket should dress in,’” Ignacio, a flight attendant for a British airline, tells Condé Nast Traveler. “To this day, whenever I choose an outfit, I think of that petite lady.”
While it’s always fun to inspire those around you, put-together plane outfits aren't just for impressing fellow passengers or flight attendants, or even the gate agent who may turn a blind eye to the size of your carry-on as a result. We do it for ourselves. Personally, I take pride in keeping my flight attendant uniform pristine, often changing into a freshly pressed white shirt mid-flight.
As a passenger, figuring out your own “flight uniform” (a.k.a. a trusted travel outfit you can revert to no matter the journey) can similarly help you eliminate the hassle of picking out clothes for each flight. A crisp linen shirt, loosely fitted pants, or nice skirt can go a long way in how you feel and yes, even how you are treated.
The air travel lore that dressing nicely can increase your odds of getting a seat upgraded has some truth to it: Although it’s scarce to be bumped up a cabin once you’re on the aircraft, I have noticed that those who do get selected are usually are dressed the part (the narrative, not the reality, because I’ve seen plenty of pajamas and sweat sets in first class, too).
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.
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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