A pilot's wife and experienced traveller has advised passengers to avoid wearing certain items of clothing on flights, including white garments and stiff denim. Laurie, who runs the YouTube channel Travel Tips by Laurie, shared her recommendations in a video, urging practicality over style when choosing in-flight attire.
What to avoid wearing on a plane
In her video, Laurie detailed the garments to steer clear of while flying. She said: "In the airplane, I recommend not to wear white. I did twice in my 23 years as a pilot's wife at the beginning, and I got smudges on my jeans from bringing my luggage down from the overhead bins and pizza stains inside the airport that some other passenger had eaten and dripped some on the boarding gate seats."
She also advised against complicated jumpsuits, explaining they can add stress, especially in a cramped airplane lavatory. "My travel tip is to pack that outfit and avoid wearing it in the airplane. Do not wear stiff leather or stiff denim, because it restricts your blood flow," she added.
Why denim is a poor choice
Laurie's advice aligns with expert warnings about denim and other stiff fabrics. Cabin pressure causes abdominal bloating, and rigid materials can restrict movement and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Tight waistbands can become uncomfortable as the body swells, and heavy denim and belts may cause delays at airport security checkpoints.
Laurie recommends opting for cosy, stretchy, and versatile garments, such as joggers or leggings, to maximise comfort from boarding to baggage claim. While wearing jeans might seem like a way to save luggage space, the downsides often outweigh the benefits, making loose-fitting clothing or athleisure the safest option.
