MomSkoop
Flying can be exciting, but what you wear on a plane matters more than you might think. After years of traveling for work and spending countless hours in airports, I’ve learned which clothing choices make flights comfortable and which ones create problems.
Some outfits look great but turn into nightmares at 30,000 feet, while others seem boring but save you from discomfort and hassle. Here are the fashion mistakes I always avoid when boarding a plane.
1. High Heels or Stilettos
Walking through security checkpoints becomes a real headache when you’re wearing fancy heels.
You’ll need to remove them multiple times, and navigating long airport terminals in uncomfortable shoes means sore feet before you even board.
Airplane aisles are narrow and bumpy during turbulence, making heels impractical and potentially dangerous.
Your feet also tend to swell during flights due to cabin pressure changes.
Those tight stilettos that fit perfectly on the ground become painful torture devices after a few hours in the air.
Sneakers or slip-on flats offer comfort and convenience without sacrificing your ability to move quickly if needed.
Save those gorgeous heels for your destination instead.
2. Tight Skinny Jeans
Restrictive denim might look stylish, but circulation problems become real when you’re sitting for hours.
Blood flow gets restricted in your legs, increasing the risk of swelling and discomfort.
Ever tried sitting in a cramped airplane seat for five hours while your jeans dig into your waist?
It’s miserable.
Stretchy pants or loose-fitting jeans allow your body to relax and adjust to the seated position naturally.
You’ll also appreciate the flexibility when you need to bend down to grab something from your bag or shift positions frequently.
Comfort beats fashion when you’re trapped in a metal tube flying through the sky.
Choose pants with elastic waistbands or soft fabrics instead.
3. Clothing with Excessive Metal
Security lines move slowly enough without adding unnecessary delays.
Jackets covered in zippers, belts with large buckles, and jeans with metal studs guarantee you’ll set off the metal detector.
Each beep means another pat-down or additional screening, wasting precious time when you’re rushing to catch your flight.
I once wore a studded leather jacket and regretted it immediately when security asked me to remove it three separate times.
Simple clothing without metal embellishments helps you breeze through checkpoints effortlessly.
You’ll thank yourself later when you’re relaxing at the gate while others struggle with their complicated outfits.
Keep accessories minimal and metal-free for stress-free travel.
4. Contact Lenses
Airplane cabins have incredibly dry air that makes wearing contacts feel like sandpaper against your eyeballs.
The recycled air system removes moisture, leaving your eyes irritated and uncomfortable within the first hour of flight.
Removing contacts mid-flight in a tiny airplane bathroom while dealing with turbulence is practically impossible.
Glasses are far more practical and comfortable for air travel.
You won’t need to worry about dry eyes, and you can easily remove them if you want to sleep during the flight.
Bringing contact solution and cases also takes up valuable space in your carry-on bag.
Did you know that eye doctors actually recommend avoiding contacts during flights?
Trust me, your eyes will appreciate the break.
5. Complicated Layers or Rompers
Picture this: you’re desperate to use the bathroom, but your outfit requires complete undressing to accomplish this simple task.
Rompers and jumpsuits create bathroom nightmares in those cramped airplane lavatories.
You’ll find yourself practically doing gymnastics in a space smaller than a closet, trying not to let your clothes touch the floor.
Temperature changes happen constantly on planes, so layers make sense, but keep them simple.
A cardigan over a t-shirt works better than complicated button-up shirts under sweaters under jackets.
You want clothing that’s easy to adjust without creating a wardrobe malfunction.
Two-piece outfits give you freedom and flexibility throughout your journey.
Simplicity wins every time.
6. Strong Perfume or Cologne
Scents intensify in the enclosed space of an airplane cabin, affecting everyone around you.
What smells pleasant on the ground becomes overwhelming at 35,000 feet when you’re sharing recycled air with hundreds of passengers.
Many travelers suffer from allergies or sensitivities to strong fragrances, and your perfume could trigger headaches or breathing problems for your seatmates.
Airlines actually discourage wearing heavy scents for this exact reason.
Being stuck next to someone drenched in cologne for a six-hour flight ranks among the worst travel experiences.
Skip the fragrance or apply it very lightly if you must wear something.
Fresh, clean clothes without added scents show consideration for fellow passengers.
Save your signature perfume for after landing.
7. Shorts or Short Skirts
Airplane seats aren’t exactly known for their cleanliness, and bare legs touching those fabric surfaces is genuinely gross.
Think about how many people have sat in that exact spot before you, and suddenly covering your legs seems like a smart idea.
Planes also get surprisingly cold, especially during overnight flights when they lower the temperature.
Those tiny airplane blankets never provide enough warmth, leaving your exposed legs freezing for hours.
Long pants or maxi skirts offer protection from both germs and chilly cabin temperatures.
You’ll feel more comfortable and protected throughout your journey.
Lightweight pants work perfectly even in summer since airports and planes blast air conditioning year-round.
Coverage equals comfort and hygiene combined.
8. Brand New Shoes
Breaking in shoes during travel is asking for painful blisters and regret.
Airport walking involves miles of terminals, stairs, and rushing to gates, which is terrible for untested footwear.
I learned this lesson the hard way wearing new boots on a trip to Chicago.
By the time I reached my hotel, my feet were covered in bandages and I could barely walk.
Stick with shoes you’ve worn multiple times and know won’t cause problems.
Your feet will already deal with swelling from the flight, so don’t add friction and pressure from stiff new shoes.
Comfortable, broken-in footwear makes travel infinitely more pleasant.
Save those fresh kicks for day two of your trip instead.
9. Valuable Jewelry
Wearing expensive jewelry on planes creates unnecessary stress and risk.
You’ll constantly worry about losing pieces, especially during security checks when you’re removing items and placing them in bins.
Airports and airplanes attract thieves who specifically target distracted travelers wearing flashy accessories.
Rings can slip off swollen fingers during flights, and necklaces can break if you fall asleep in awkward positions.
There’s also the issue of drawing unwanted attention to yourself in unfamiliar places.
Keep valuable pieces safely packed in your luggage or better yet, leave them home entirely.
Simple, inexpensive jewelry works fine for travel without the anxiety.
Your peace of mind is worth more than any accessory.
10. Anything Too Revealing
Airlines maintain dress codes, and overly revealing clothing can actually get you denied boarding.
Beyond policy issues, comfort matters when you’re sitting for extended periods surrounded by strangers.
Low-cut tops and see-through fabrics create awkward situations, especially when leaning over seatmates or reaching for overhead bins.
Temperature fluctuations make layering essential, which doesn’t work well with revealing outfits.
You want to feel relaxed and confident throughout your journey, not self-conscious about wardrobe malfunctions.
Modest, comfortable clothing shows respect for shared public spaces while keeping you properly covered.
Travel days should focus on reaching your destination comfortably, not making fashion statements.
Save bold outfits for your actual vacation activities.