A flight attendant has revealed the clothes 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 a variety of things to consider—from loose clothing so you don’t increase your risk of DVT to avoiding fringed pieces that could put you at risk in the unlikely event. fire on deck.
She also advised you to bring layers to be equipped for the cold temperatures on the plane, noting that scantily clad passengers usually end up begging the staff for blankets.
Here are her tips for dressing well for a smooth trip.
DO NOT WEAR TIGHT CLOTHING
Andrea advised against ‘anything that really restricts you’, telling the fashion publication: ‘You want to be as comfortable as possible to avoid cramping, swelling and anything that can affect you later’.
She explained that looser clothing is key to maintaining healthy circulation and helps avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which passengers are often prone to, especially if they are unable to move during the flight.
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A DVT is a condition where a blood clot forms in a vein, usually in the legs, as those are the limbs you’re least likely to stretch.
The flight attendant acknowledged that it can be difficult to move while seated, but passengers should pay attention, especially on long-haul flights.
For optimal safety and comfort, she warned against leather pants and suggested more flexible pants, perhaps with an elastic waist.
DO: DRESS FOR UNLIKELY EMERGENCIES
Andrea went on to address fire hazards in fashion, stating that clothing made from flammable materials poses a high risk to passengers in the event of an emergency.
“We’re going a bit to the extreme, but with long fringes there’s always a risk if the plane has a fire.”
Another top tip from Andrea was to cover up. Opting for long sleeves can help on the rare occasion that you need to go down an emergency slide as they are much more comfortable and have less skin on show.
DO NOT WEAR: HIGH HEELS
Perhaps the most obvious advice was not to wear high heels or even backless sandals, which could make it difficult to evacuate the plane in an emergency.
Besides being impractical, heels can also damage emergency compartments and injure other passengers in the event of a rush to exit.
Sticking to practical trainers is a much safer option.
DO NOT USE COARSE ACCESSORIES
If you’re a jewelry fanatic, you know how much of a pain it can be to be stopped by an airport metal detector.
The same goes for shoes, with Andrea telling Who What Wear that flyers shouldn’t wear studded shoes with lots of metal embellishments.
Some security personnel may not let you pass if you choose to wear these jazz shoes if any of the decorations look like they could be used as a weapon.
The same goes for elaborate or edgy rings and necklaces, so it’s best to remove your jewelry upon arrival and pack it somewhere safe.
DO: WEAR LAYERS
She said it’s rare that her flight doesn’t find someone half-naked, whether they’re wearing sweatpants or a sports bra — but often those are the same people who require blankets.
Andrea said it’s best to have extra layers in your carry-on, whether it’s a light cardi or a heavier hoodie.
And if you’re a chic traveler who’s worried about not looking chic, she emphasized that it’s possible to look luxurious and comfortable.
She said if you’re conscious of looking too casual, you can’t go wrong with this formula: a blouse and sweater paired with cropped pants that often have an elasticated waist.