A flight attendant has revealed the clothing items to avoid if you want to stay safe and comfortable on board.
American Airlines flight attendant Andrea Fischbach told Who What Wear that there are various matters to take into consideration – from loose-fitting clothing so you don’t increase your risk of DVT to avoiding fringed pieces that could put you at risk in the unlikely event of a fire on board.
She also advised you bring layers so that you’re equipped for chilly plane temperatures, noting that scantily-clad passengers usually end up begging staff for blankets.
Here are her tips for how to dress well for a smooth journey.
A female flight attendant is speaking with a passenger sitting in the economy class (stock image)
DON’T: WEAR TIGHT-FITTING CLOTHING
Andrea advised against ‘anything really constricting’ and told the fashion publication: ‘You want to get the most comfortable you can be to avoid cramping, swelling, and anything that can affect you later’.
She explained that looser clothes were key to maintaining a healthy blood circulation and helped avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) which frequent flyers are prone to, especially if they fail to move around during their flight.
DVT is when a blood clot forms in the vein, usually in the legs as these are the limbs you’re least likely to stretch.
The flight attendant acknowledged that it can be tricky to move around when seated but travellers should pay heed, particularly on long haul.
For optimal safety and comfort, she warned against leather trousers, suggesting stretchier trousers, perhaps with an elastic waist instead.
DO: DRESS FOR UNLIKELY EMERGENCIES
Andrea next tackled fire hazards in fashion, citing clothes made from flammable materials as posing a high risk to travellers in the case of an emergency.
‘Going a bit extreme here, but there is always a risk with long fringe should the plane have a fire’.
Another top tip from Andrea was to cover up, opting for long sleeves may help in the rare instance you have to go down an emergency slide as these are much comfier with less skin on show.
DON’T: WEAR HIGH HEELS
Perhaps the most obvious bit of advice was not to wear high heels or even backless sandals, which could make it harder to evacuate the aircraft in case of emergency.
In addition to being impractical, heels can also damage emergency exists and injure other passengers in the event of a rush to get off.
Sticking to practical trainers is a much safer option.
Don’t wear high heels to the airport! Even if your flight goes smoothly, these impractical shoes will slow you down at the gate (stock image of a woman wearing heels)
DON’T: WEAR CHUNKY ACCESSORIES
If you’re a jewellery fanatic, you’ll know how much of a pain it can be when you get stopped by the airport’s metal detector.
The same goes for shoes, with Andrea telling Who What Wear that flyers shouldn’t wear studded footwear with lots of metal embellishments.
Some security staff may not let you through if you decide to sport these jazzy shoes if any of the embellishments look like they could be used as a weapon.
They same goes for elaborate or sharp rings and becklaces, so it’s best to take off your jewellery upon arrival and pack it away somewhere safe.
DO: WEAR LAYERS
She said it’s rare for a flight of hers to not find someone half naked, whether they were sporting hot pant or a sports bra – but finds these are often the same people who demand blankets.
Andrea said it’s best to keep extra layers in your hand luggage, whether it’s a light cardi or a heavier hoodie.
And if you’re a classy traveller worried about not looking chic, she stressed it’s possible to look luxe and comfortable.
She said if you’re conscious of looking too casual you can’t go wrong with this formula: a blouse and jumper paired with cropped trousers, which often have elasticated waistbands.
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