Airline fashion "do's"

We’re written occasionally about fashion “don’ts” for airline travelers. Some things are pretty obvious, even though we’ve all seen them occasionally: pajamas, bikini tops, flip-flops, and so forth. But what about airline fashion “do’s”? CNN Underscored recently outlined some guidelines that seem pretty sensible

·         Fit. Avoid clothing that’s overly tight or too small. Loose-fitting garments are best. For things like women’s leggings, make sure the material is soft and stretchy.

·         Material. Stick to cozy fabrics that look nice, like cotton or cashmere. You’ll be sitting in your outfit for hours, so you want material that feels good against your skin, isn’t itchy and has some give or stretch.

·         Layers. You won’t have access to temperature control for some time when you’re on a plane or train, or in an airport. Wearing layers is the key to comfort during your trip. Always have something warm to put on; it’s easy to take off a layer if you’re too warm, but if you’re too cold and don’t have something to put on, you’ll pay for it.

·         Function. This is where thinking of the purpose of your trip comes into play. Leisure, or business? If it’s a work-related trip, choose fabrics like wool or cashmere that look professional but don’t need ironing. Leisure travelers have a little more leeway, but should select clothes that can be mixed and matched for variety. Backpackers or anyone not checking luggage should wear and pack items that can dry quickly in order to wash and reuse clothing items when needed.

It's also a good idea to remember where you’re going and pack accordingly. Americans tend to be more relaxed than Europeans, for example, but when we go over there, we need to remember that we’re not in Kansas (or Wisconsin) anymore. Many European restaurants have dress codes, and we’ve heard of U.S. visitors being refused seating at restaurants because one or two of the party were wearing tennis shoes or shorts, or both. Women visiting the Middle East should prepare to wear clothing that’s modest by our standards, regardless of the weather, along with shawls to cover their heads when visiting religious sites. Men should be aware that open-toed sandals, cargo shorts and tank tops may cut it in American summers, but they’re usually considered very poor taste when abroad.

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