Travel writer Natalie King, a frequent flyer, has shared five clothing items she advises against wearing on planes, regardless of the destination. Based on her extensive travel experience, she highlights how certain comfortable ground outfits can become impractical or even unsafe in the air.
Maxi Skirts and Dresses: A Bathroom and Security Nightmare
King warns against wearing maxi skirts or dresses, despite the temptation to arrive in holiday attire. She recounts a personal experience where a long dress snagged on armrests and became cumbersome in the narrow airplane lavatory. Additionally, the fabric emerged heavily creased after a short flight. Beyond practicality, she notes that flowy dresses can trigger security concerns: according to a viral post by Travel Tips by Laurie on Instagram, the air pocket created by loose fabric may appear as a dense area on security scanners, potentially causing delays.
Shorts: Risk of Burns and Sticky Seats
While shorts are comfortable and breezy, King advises against them for two reasons. First, in the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation via slides, bare legs can suffer friction burns from the slide material. Second, direct contact between bare skin and vinyl airplane seats, especially in hot cabins, can be unpleasant. She suggests wearing shorts that reach the knees to avoid sticking to the seat.
Rompers and Jumpsuits: A Bathroom Struggle
King recalls wearing a black jumpsuit on a work trip, thinking it was both comfortable and smart. However, she found it extremely difficult to remove and put back on in the tiny airplane toilet, describing the process as requiring near-dislocation of her shoulder. She now recommends sticking to two-piece outfits for easier bathroom breaks.
Strappy Tops: Temperature and Modesty Issues
Plane cabins can fluctuate between extreme heat and cold. King once wore a vest top only to be blasted by air conditioning, forcing her to borrow her husband's hoodie. She advises light layers, such as a long-sleeved thin fabric t-shirt, to adapt to changing temperatures. Additionally, she points out that low-cut strappy tops may expose too much when flight attendants pass by with the trolley.
Light Colors: Prone to Stains
King recommends avoiding light-colored clothing, as flying is a messy affair. She admits to spilling coffee and panini fillings on herself, though she jokes that she cannot blame her children for all the stains. She suggests opting for patterned fabrics or requesting extra napkins to avoid arriving at the hotel with visible marks.
In summary, King emphasizes that while comfort is key, practicality and safety should guide airport attire choices. Her tips aim to help travelers avoid common pitfalls and enjoy a smoother journey.
