Travel Pants/Clothes-What Are They? And What You Need to Know

It's all the rage to advertise clothes as TRAVEL PANTS/CLOTHES---why didn't I think of that? Here are these old sweats-I'll call them "travel or airplane pants" and charge $200-BOOM!

Okay, there are a few great companies who make clothes with travel in mind, but you should know a few IMPORTANT things about dressing for the plane!

There is a company is advertising pants described as The Jet Travel Skinny Pant features 5 pockets, including a discreet zipper pocket, a no-dig high-rise waistband, and the most comfortable fit for all-day wear. So many problems with this, but the most is SKINNY--you don't want to wear tight clothes on planes.

These are TIGHT SKINNY LEGGINGS which are VERY dangerous to wear on planes. Last year, in 2022, I chatted with them, and they said they" just know that women like tight pants and never thought about any medical issues". This means they are putting people in danger. The pants look awesome but NOT FOR PLANES.

Please, folks, do NOT wear tight pants on planes for the simple reason that our bodies naturally swell when we fly. You want to avoid cramping by moving around in your seat and the aisles whenever possible. Restrictive clothing does not pair well with bloating, also, common on airplanes. You want to be able to move comfortably, encouraging healthy blood circulation and avoiding deep vein thrombosis—blood clots in the legs.

DVT is very real and can happen at any age.

Do you remember hearing about Lady Gaga having a medical emergency/DVT when she wrapped herself up in saran wrap and got on a plane?? Then another time she wore high heels and a skin-tight Alexander McQueen outfit, and the flight attendants had to make her change. READ THE ARTICLE HERE

I love Lady Gaga but seriously, she needs to take her health more seriously.

There are good companies who make "travel pants" that are loose---like PASKHO

You want your travel clothes to be warm and breathable.

I'm over companies advertising as travel or airplane clothes but have no idea what that means except putting that label on it makes it more expensive.

I swear some executive saw that episode of FRIENDS when Jill, Rachel's sister was in town and not supposed to be spending money and she went shopping. Her line was "I got these new, don't you want to rent me this apartment pants" and Phoebe messed it up calling them 'apartment pants' and Rachel, working in fashion pretended that she knew what they were and then later this happened.

Someone saw that and was like, this is brilliant!! But let's call them travel pants!

SIGH--

Again, some companies like Paskho actually do their research and create pants and clothes that are breathable and comfortable for a long day in the airport and on a plane.

Now, I love Paskho, but they are expensive. You don't need to spend a fortune to find something great to wear on the plane.

Here are some tips.

1. Wear your heaviest and or thickest outfit for travel on the plane if you are traveling with a carry-on only. If not, you can skip to the next one.

2. Sweatpants and loose pants like cargo pants or even wool or linen or cotton pant would be great to travel. Some companies advertise wearing your "lounge" wear on a plane, that's fine. PJs are comfortable and, most of the time, breathable.

3. NEVER wear leggings or tight yoga pants, or tight jeans, for the risk of blood circulation issues DVT

4. Always choose breathable and natural fabrics-here is a quote from a great article about how to dress on a plane and the dangers of leggings, yoga pants and cheap fabrics. You can read the whole article HERE

"Everyone is wearing yoga pants on planes now, but I avoid all artificial fibers because they are more likely to burn and stick to you if there is a fire.

"I’d advise wearing cotton clothes or anything made of natural fibers."

Now, let's talk shoes!

Ladies---skip the heels, and skip the flip-flops!

Why?

What if the plane makes an emergency landing? You have to be able to move. And again, swelling will make your pumps so uncomfortable.

ALWAYS-no exceptions-have your shoes on during take-off and landing.

The two most dangerous times on a plane are the first 8 minutes of flight and the last 20 so keep those shoes on, in fact, just don't take your shoes off on a plane--it's gross on every level.

Choose shoes that are again breathable and natural so if there is a fire, your feet won't go up in flames.

Men----NO FLIP FLOPS---find a pair of trainers and where those!

Skip the shorts and short skirts as planes are cleaned but not thoroughly washed between flights, for sanitary reasons, pack the short stuff and wear pants.

I fly a lot, and I've been a flight attendant, and my father worked for the airlines for more than 25 years, and here is a typical outfit for me.

Loose pants of some kind. Usually, lightweight, sweats or something like it. I've worn jeans, but most of mine are tight, so I pack them. Cargo pants and convertible pants work well on planes.

Sneakers/trainers. Thin socks as feet swell on flights.

A tank top with a bra built in, and a loose shirt of some kind.

I stash a hat and scarf into my personal bag, so if it's cold, I have them on hand.

There are so many trendy fashion articles and twits on social media--how to be a fashion icon on a plane.

SIGH

I don't want to be a fashion icon in the emergency room or in the morgue.

So, please ignore all those social media ads popping up advertising "travel pants" and travel outfits unless they are truly made for an emergency and are loose fitting!!

Thanks for reading; please share with other travelers in your life!!

XO Stephanie

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