7 Things I Never Wear on a Plane (and What I Wear Instead)
Travel days have a way of exposing every bad clothing decision we make. Shoes that seemed comfortable at home start rubbing halfway to the gate, a waistband suddenly feels two sizes too small, and anything dragging on the floor becomes horrifying the minute you step into an airplane restroom.
I’ve made enough of these mistakes over the years to know what I don’t want to wear when I fly. I still want to look pulled together, but not at the expense of being comfortable for several hours in a cramped seat.
Here are the seven things I usually leave at home, and what I wear instead.
What Not to Wear on a Plane
1. Wide-Leg Pants That Drag on the Ground
I love a good pair of wide-leg pants, but I leave the extra-long ones at home when I fly. Between airport floors and airplane restrooms, I don’t want my hems anywhere near the ground.
If I wear them, I make sure they’re short enough to clear the floor with my travel shoes.
2. Brand-New Shoes
Shoes can feel perfectly comfortable at home, but walking long concourses, standing in lines, and rushing to catch connections can prove your shoes weren’t ready for prime time.
One of my favorite pairs of travel shoes that don’t require much breaking in is my Hokas . I reach for them when I know I’ll be walking all day and comfort matters most. I went up a size so my toes have plenty of room, especially with thicker socks. I find the extra cushioning much easier on my feet during a long day of walking.
3. Flip-Flops
Most airports require far more walking than we expect, and flip-flops don’t provide much support. They’re also not my favorite choice for public restrooms or crowded terminals, and they can be downright painful if someone rolling a suitcase gets too close for comfort.
Flip-flops certainly make getting through security easier, but that’s about where the advantages end.
STRAW SQUISHEE PACKABLE HAT / SIMILAR STRETCH SHIRT
If it’s warm outside, I’d much rather wear a comfortable sandal with a secure strap, like my ECCO Flowt 2 Band Sandals, or a supportive slip-on sneaker like these Ecco Soft 7 Sneakers. Both are easy to get on and off, but still practical for all the walking airports require.
4. Tight Waistbands
Even if your jeans feel comfortable at breakfast, they may not feel quite so friendly after several hours in an airplane seat. I look for pants with a little stretch, or some give in the waistband, so I’m not counting the minutes until I can unbutton them. I also shared my travel pants for women that work well for long travel days.
SIMILAR KNIT BLAZER / NAOT COMFORT SANDALS / BEIGE TOTE BAG
5. Sleeveless or Short Sleeve Tops Without a Layer
Airplane temperatures seem to have a personality all their own. You may be perfectly comfortable walking through the airport, only to find yourself wishing you’d packed another layer once you’re cruising at 35,000 feet.
WAIST BELT BAG / TOTE BAG ON TOP OF ROLLER
I almost always bring a lightweight cardigan, wrap, or denim jacket. If I don’t need it on the plane, I’m usually glad to have it later in an over-air-conditioned restaurant or hotel.
6. Too Much Fragrance
I enjoy fragrance, but I use a very light hand or skip it when I fly. We’re sitting close to other people for hours, and what smells subtle at home can be overwhelming in a confined space, especially for someone who’s sensitive to fragrance.
What I Wear on a Plane
I don’t have one travel uniform. What I wear depends on the weather, my destination, and how long I’ll be traveling. Here are a few outfits I’ve worn on recent trips that worked well for me.
LARGE UNDERSEAT TOTE BAG
PACKABLE HAT / EXPANDABLE SHOULDER TOTE BAG
A Few Final Things Before You Head to the Airport
I also look for fabrics with a little stretch that don’t wrinkle easily. Soft knits, cotton blends, and performance fabrics usually hold up much better after several hours in a seat than anything that creases the minute you buckle your seatbelt.
I try to keep my carry-on fairly light too. A heavy tote only gets heavier after a few terminals, so I carry what I actually need and let my rolling bag do most of the work.
Should You Dress Up for the Airport?
Years ago, flying felt like an occasion. People dressed up, and airports had a very different vibe than they do today. That’s changed, but I still don’t think the answer is showing up in pajamas…which I see surprisingly often.
I want to be comfortable when I travel, but I also want to look polished. For me, getting dressed with a little care is a form of self-respect, and a small courtesy to the airline staff who are taking care of us along the way. I’m perfectly happy to dress up a bit for a flight, as long as I can still sit, walk, and haul my suitcase comfortably.
More Travel Style Tips
If you’re planning a trip, you may also like my guides to travel bags and suitcases for women, supportive travel shoes for women over 60, and wrinkle-free travel clothes.
What do you usually wear when you fly, and is there anything you’ve learned never to wear on a plane?
Jennifer your suggestions for travel are great for living period. At 81, I find I’m wearing structured pants and jeans far less. They just are not comfortable when I sit down. I don’t travel anymore, my kids come to me. Happy birthday! Those decades are always the big ones. You will enjoy the freedom that comes with the 70s. Wear what suits you and is comfortable and do whatever the heck you want. That is my motto.
Thanks Sydney!
Great topic, Jennifer
I will confess to wearing flipflops on a plane – but only on short island-hoppers from Kona to Honolulu or such that are not associated with mainland travel.
Other than that, I am very mindful of airline safety recommendations. You need a real shoe that stays on your foot and does not impede your mobility in exiting the plane in an emergency, be it through the cabin door or into an airport emergency slide. Your shoes also need to be able to stay on your feet once you get to ground to efficiently run away from the plane. Truly, flip flops, wispy sandals, heels or boots you have taken off during the flight are not good.
I had some favorite Lands End travel pants but they stopped putting good side pockets in them so now they are off my list. For a longer flight, I will take a long-sleeved Lands End fleece top for the cold cabin air. I also always wear my heaviest coat, which is usually a waterproof zip-front jacket, so I am prepared for any inclement weather at the other end without having to get into my bag. Of course, my carry-on has a full extra set of clothes and 2 sets of underwear.
I’ve been stuck in the situation where no roll-on carryons were allowed in the cabin and the bags had to be checked. Even though the bag was on the same plane, it somehow didn’t make the luggage carousel and I had to leave the airport with my travel group and it wasn’t until the next day that the bag was delivered to the hotel!
Hawaii island hopping is pretty different :). Oh no, I hope you had a nice-sized handheld bag with you.
Great tips! Thank you for mentioning that not all of us can tolerate other people’s fragrances. Not only does my nose get congested, but I get headaches and even asthma when in close proximity to strong scents. The problem is real!
I know. Someone seem to bathe in their perfume and don’t notice how strong it is.
You really covered everything. I can’t think of anything more not to bring but I do know to always bring a sweater or jacket because of AC and I always keep my meds with me at all times.
My meds are always in my handheld bag. Always.
I leave in 3 weeks for France, so this was a well-timed article. Lots of excellent reminders and tips. You look very put together and comfortable in the Athleta Endless High Rise pants, so I just ordered a pair in tall. I will be the Jennifer Connolly doppelganger on this trip.
As an aside, regular flip-flops are terrible for our feet, plantar fasciitis being one miserable side effect. Look for flip-flops with support or only wear for pool or gym.
They’re the most wonderful pants. Have a wonderful trip!!
What do you think of the Spanx Air Essentials? I’ll be going to Japan. Looong flight and I don’t want to have my pants touch the floor. But Joggers seem not appropriate and zip up doesn’t give you the choice to control the climate. Yet people rave about them.
I tried on the rag and bone but they looked messy. Look good on you though.
I really likes the Spanx Air. Nordstrom’s Zella brand is great too
Smart ideas! I just returned from long travels and I find my usual “uniform “ style to be black. Black stretch pants that stay put at the ankles in airplane restrooms, black tank top and long black lighter weight sweater. Super comfortable and practical. Faux lace up sneakers, usually white or light grey, black lightweight nylon crossbody purse with zippered pockets in front, pearl stud earrings and a watch. A young man sitting next to me said I looked chic. Loved that. Don’t forget if you use mascara to make it waterproof!
Your outfit sounds very chic Pat. Bravo
I avoid light colored tops when flying. You never know when turbulence will cause a coffee disaster. I also love a slip on shoe, though we seem to be taking off shoes fewer times these days.
My go-to travel outfit(s) are Anatomie Kenya jacket and matching pant —I have 3 different styles, all pieces in navy or gray. They stretch, stay wrinkle-free, and are super comfortable, even for overseas flights. Pockets are deep and zip.
Good loafers with no-show socks or supportive sneakers work. Scarves are a must and versatile. Rothys tote.
Why have I never heard of that brand? Thank you, Paula…I’ll be checking them out.
This was a great article to read this morning! I’m flying to Vancouver today and will be wearing my new SPANX AirEssentials Side Slit Maxi Dress. I just recently purchased it and it is so comfortable! I also try to look polished when I fly and there are so many wonderful options out there to choose from. In addition to anything AirEssentials, Frank & Eileen is also a favorite of mine for travel.
Our weather is gorgeous, so have a great time!
Great tips and information on your air travel. I agree that I like to feel polished when I travel. Then, oops, I remembered that I’m not flying anywhere soon because I have surgery scheduled! So I circled back to a previous post about items that make your post op home care easier. Once again great suggestions to make life a bit easier once I get home. Thank you for all the information I received from you today!
Good luck Susan! You’ll be traveling again soon.
I love a crisp white top – they are so versatile and look a little polished… until they’re not all white anymore. Between bumpy plane rides and dusty luggage, I end up looking disheveled. How do you manage it?
Also – happy birthday from another 69-going-on-70er!
I guess I have been lucky. But if I do spill a big spill, I button my cardigan closed. Happy Birthday to you too Cindy!! For some unusual reason I’m excited to be turning 70!
Good morning Jennifer. Great article with some great ideas. The second I saw the title, I just knew those R&B sweatshirt jeans would be involved. I absolutely love mine. And will soon order a different pair, different style. I’ve been intrigued by that Quince quilted tote for months now, but it looks like you prefer the Away tote?
The Away is a tad smaller so I’m leaning into that one lately. It’s also a bit stiffer and since I always travel with my laptop it seems more protective of it.
Silly question: Where do you put your hat(s) when you are on the airplane?
I haven’t taken my hat cuz I didn’t know where to put it.
I put it in the overhead compartment after everyone has stowed their luggage. I’ve also been known to put it upside down on the floor under the seat in front of me, depending on what seat I get.
My rule of travel is to wear a dark top or something with dark/busy print. If I wear a white shirt or tee, somehow I inevitably wind up spilling something on it. The one day I tried a white tee shirt, I didn’t make it out of the hotel before I managed to get coffee on the front. Fortunately, I had a dark replacement in my carry on.
Lol, you’re certainly not alone with that one Molly.
Sometimes it’s necessary to dress for the destination… for example, we left home when the heat index was about 100 degrees, but because we wouldn’t check into our apartment until many hours after landing, I wore a quilted water-repellent jacket, Norwegian wool sweater, and wool Allbirds to get through the day. Looked crazy in the airport perhaps, but it worked out fine as airports and planes are usually cool. It surprises me to see people wearing flip flops on a plane, no matter the destination. Not only would my feet be too cold, but just thinking about trying to exit quickly in an emergency is chilling.
Agreed. Plus your feet would get so dirty!
Love these outfits and very similar to what I wear, though I am not brave enough for white anything! The matching sets are chic (have the same as yours in a dark berry) but you do kind of feel like you are in pjs. I have worn the Miramar sweatpant jeans the last few flights and really liked them, plus liked having them at the destination. Mine are long, but the fabric is substantial enough to roll up for the restroom. I wouldn’t wear flowy long wide pants on the plane. I wore Athleta Endless pants on a long road trip when it was hot and 🤌🏻. Perhaps your best recommendation ever. Your outfit with them above is so smart. My favorite travel layer lately (even in summer) is a light merino cardigan from Uniglo. Around the neck, around the waist, takes up no space, breathes, doesn’t stink. I have been expanding my merino items, dare I say I prefer them to cashmere! A merino tank dress is on the list!
I glad you brought up Uniqlo. I’m liking more and more or their staples. The quality and price is outstanding. I can’t say enough good things about the Endless pants. I wish I’d brought them on this bear watching trip!
I don’t wear pants that aren’t comfortable. But I prefer pants I can unbutton , hidden under my top. Stretchy pants/ pull on pants don’t always stretch enough for long overnight flights.
I love that Frank and Eileen black fleece travel set but the price is too much for my budget. Do you have any budget friendly alternatives? Thank you!
I can’t speak to the quality, and suspect it’s not as high as the F&E, but this one looks very, very similar.
I find that wearing something with pockets makes shuffling glasses, sunglasses, phones, boarding passes, passports and possibly a credit card and some cash for that snack prior to boarding easier when you don’t have to dive into your bags.
Agreed! That’s why I always carry a belt bag.