We will briefly introduce you to the 5 golden rules when choosing clothes for a flight.
Rule 1: Be sure to wear simple and comfortable clothes.
When traveling by plane, you should carefully consider your clothing. Clothes should be comfortable and practical — this will not only help you have a pleasant trip but also increase your chances of safety in case of an emergency.
Choose simple and comfortable styles that do not restrict movement, but are not too loose either — in the event of evacuation, overly loose clothing could hinder you. You can wear jeans or lightweight pants. Women should avoid skirts. On top, it’s practical to wear a straight-cut shirt, a jacket, or a long-sleeved T-shirt.
As for the length of the pants, it is recommended that they be long, even in warmer seasons. Airplanes have powerful air-conditioning systems — you can easily catch a cold. Another benefit of long pants is that in an emergency, it's better to keep as much of your skin covered as possible — the fabric helps protect against smoke, fire, and debris. Additionally, in extreme cases, you can quickly use the fabric as a makeshift bandage.
Choose your clothes with special care when you have a long flight ahead, and if you are traveling with children — their wardrobe should also be considered in every detail.
Rule 2: Safe clothing materials.
Today, many people prefer wearing synthetic fabrics — they are comfortable and low-maintenance. However, when flying, it’s worth making an exception and choosing clothes made from natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen. These allow your skin to breathe and do not melt in high heat, making your flight more comfortable and safe.
In emergency situations, cotton and linen are far safer than synthetic fabrics because they are thicker, burn less easily, and offer better skin protection. Polyester and nylon, by contrast, can ignite quickly and melt, which may lead to severe burns. That’s why we recommend opting for clothes made from safe, natural materials.
Rule 3: Minimal decoration and accessories.
Hoods, puffy sleeves, fringes on collars, long belts, and other decorative elements are not suitable for air travel. In an emergency, these can slow you down and obstruct a quick evacuation. Even during a regular flight, such features can be uncomfortable — for example, making it harder to sit properly in already cramped airplane seats.
The same goes for accessories like scarves, headbands, oversized watches, handbags, and more. Avoid wearing bulky jewelry — bracelets, necklaces, and earrings — as they can get in the way during the flight.
Rule 4: Wear clothes with practical pockets instead of relying on hand luggage.
Unfortunately, many people overlook this rule. But pockets can be extremely useful in an emergency, helping you avoid wasting precious seconds searching for your hand luggage. They also offer better protection against theft or accidentally losing documents, money, or your phone.
Standard pockets in jeans or pants typically don’t hold much, and no one wants to sit on their phone or passport. Shirt pockets are also not very practical — they don’t hold much either.
The ideal option for flights is pants with side pockets located on the hips, preferably with zippers. These will hold everything you need securely, without wrinkles or risk of falling out, and allow you to sit comfortably throughout the flight. In an emergency, your hands will be free, and you won’t need to retrieve your carry-on.
If you can’t find pants with suitable pockets or simply don’t want to wear them, you can purchase a travel pouch with straps from any travel store — it can be securely fastened to your shoulder. Just don’t try to substitute it with a belt bag.
Rule 5: Wear sports shoes.
Finally, think carefully about the shoes you’ll be wearing on the flight. Sneakers, trainers, or lightweight flat shoes are definitely the best choices. Boots and flip-flops are not recommended, as they may be uncomfortable and impractical in an emergency evacuation.
We recommend closed-toe shoes, so pack your sandals or slippers in your checked luggage. Don’t buy a new pair of shoes just before the flight — they might feel tight and cause discomfort during the entire journey.
By the way, you may notice a symbol in the airplane’s safety instructions: a crossed-out shoe. Many people think it means you can’t evacuate while wearing shoes. In fact, it usually refers only to high heels, which are unstable, may cause injury, and can damage the evacuation slide.
Yes, as long as they are comfortable and not too tight. Avoid styles with many zippers and thick seams.
Natural fabrics like cotton and linen don’t melt in case of fire, allow your skin to breathe, and are safer overall.
Closed-toe athletic shoes or sneakers – easy to move in and safe for evacuation.
It’s not recommended. Bulky accessories can hinder emergency evacuation and cause discomfort.
Choose soft, breathable clothing with long sleeves and pants. Add a jacket, a scarf, and wear clothes with pockets for documents and your phone.