Airports are unpredictable places. You see all kinds of interesting behavior from fellow travelers. It’s the only place where sleeping on the floor, imbibing at 9 a.m., and lugging around a dog in a carrier are all simultaneously acceptable.
You’ll also see all kinds of outfits, from celebrities embodying the epitome of fashion to adults in athleisure to kids in their pajamas.
There are so many articles about what to wear to the airport that it can get overwhelming! Instead, we’ve narrowed it down to 14 things you should not wear.
New or Fancy Clothes
The airport is a busy place where you’re surrounded by hundreds of people. You never know what kind of damage can befall your outfit.
Whether it’s a turbulence-induced spill, a sleeve torn in the security line, or a suitcase rolling over a shoe, your clothes are at risk. That’s why it’s not a good idea to wear anything new or fancy to the airport.
Jewelry
When visiting your aunt across the country, you might want to wear the necklace she got you for Hanukkah. Or maybe your new bracelet compliments your airport outfit.
Unfortunately, though, it’s better to leave any jewelry in your suitcase. You’re going to have to take it off when you go through security anyway, and there’s a possibility that these meaningful accessories will be lost in the mix.
Complicated Shoes
Taking your shoes off while walking through security has been a common practice for years now. With that in mind, why make this time-consuming process even worse? That’s why complicated shoes are not recommended to wear to the airport.
No matter how cute the shoes are, straps, laces, and buttons are going to complicate the process. Instead, wear shoes that slide on and off easily and save yourself, and the people behind you in line, some time.
High Heels
High heels are for the fashion runway, not the airport runway. High-heeled shoes aren’t comfortable or well-suited for long flights, and they’re not easy to walk around in when rushing towards your gate or making your way down the plane aisle.
Instead, fit high heels into your carry-on and change when you arrive at your destination. They’re not something to wear to the airport!
Itchy Fabric
This might seem like common sense, but anything that’s mildly itchy is not something to wear on a plane.
Maybe it’s a super cute sweater or pants that go perfectly with the ensemble, but you’ll regret the decision an hour or two into the flight. Itching and adjusting is the last thing you want to be doing on a plane!
Overalls or Rompers
There’s no denying that rompers are adorable, and overalls are making a comeback. But we all know how inconvenient it is to take them on and off when using the bathroom. Can you imagine doing that in a bathroom the size of a refrigerator? Almost impossible!
Not to mention, there is almost always someone waiting their turn. You don’t want to be in that cramped bathroom longer than you have to, so skip the romper and shorten your bathroom breaks.
Long Skirts or Dresses
Speaking of airplane bathrooms, it’s no secret that they’re not the cleanest. This is just one of the reasons why wearing a long skirt or dress isn’t a good idea! It’s going to drag along the floor and potentially dip into unidentified puddles or crumbs. You can also expect it to be stepped on by someone in the airport crowd.
Save yourself some frustration and stick to average-length items when deciding what to wear to the airport.
Flip-Flops
When wearing flip flops, your feet are completely exposed to your surroundings. While they’re ideal for relaxing poolside, they’re less ideal when walking through an airport filled with people.
It’s sad but true: Airports are germ-infested places, and you don’t want your bare feet out in that environment. This is especially true when you take your shoes off at security! You’re also likely to get your foot run over by luggage or stepped on by a fellow passenger.
For these reasons, it’s best to go with practical, closed-toe shoes.
Pajamas
While you want to be comfortable on your flight, you should still make a bit of an effort. You’re in a public place, after all! This is why we don’t recommend wearing full-on pajamas to the airport.
Sure, you might be ready to relax, but there’s more to traveling than that. You’re taking cabs, checking into hotel rooms, meeting new people, going out to eat, and more. You shouldn’t be wearing anything on a plane that you wouldn’t wear in public.
If you’re taking a lengthy, international trip, you can get away with changing into pajama pants during the flight. But other than that, you shouldn’t be rocking PJs, no matter how cute they are!
Heavy Cologne or Perfume
Airplane passengers are sandwiched together like sardines, which is why heavy cologne or perfume can be overwhelming. Dousing yourself in fragrances creates an uncomfortable experience for those around you.
The same goes for those who haven’t showered or done their laundry lately. Make sure what you’re wearing is clean to avoid introducing any type of strong smells into the airplane.
Tight Clothing
A tight outfit isn’t ideal when you’re sitting for an extended period of time. Not only is it uncomfortable to wear, it can have side effects you’re not even aware of. The change in cabin pressure combined with sitting in tight clothing for a long period of time impacts your circulation.
Plus, if the heat on the plane is cranking or you have to run to catch your flight, all that sweat is going to be sealed in and could irritate your skin.
Overall, it’s best to let loose. Wear relaxed clothes during your journey.
Anything Difficult to Remove
Not only can tight clothing be uncomfortable, but it can be difficult to take on and off.
A form-fitting leather jacket with lots of zippers? A bodysuit tucked into jeans with an excess of buttons? These pieces are not your friends when you’re passing through security, using the bathroom, or trying to cool down during a hot, stuffy flight. Save these fashion-forward pieces for your destination.
Summer Clothes
While you may be traveling during the summertime, you still need to wear layers to be comfortable. Your journey might take you from the hot sun to an ice-cold taxi to a stuffy airplane.
Don’t base your outfit solely on your starting point or destination, but on the stops in between. You can always adjust along the way.
Winter Clothes
Similar to traveling in the summertime, don’t opt for super warm clothes when taking a trip in the midst of winter. You don’t want to be sweating away in a down coat, heavy sweater, and thick pants in the airport.
Even if you’re heading to a snowy getaway, account for the temperature of the airport and plane. If you dress for a snowstorm, you’ll probably end up peeling away layers along the way.
Choosing the right flight outfit saves time, allows for comfort, and is more convenient. It’s not hard to craft the ideal getup if you keep these factors in mind when choosing what to wear to the airport.
Remember, if there is a potentially uncomfortable piece of clothing or accessory that you really want to wear when you land, pack it in your carry-on! This way, you can experience your flight in comfort and still look great when you arrive.