Airport Fashion: A Quick Guide on What You Should and Shouldn’t Wear When Traveling

Leave the high heels in your luggage.
by Meryl Medel | September 27, 2022

With borders opening up and everyone gearing up for revenge travel, airports have recently been more crowded than ever. It could take you quite a while before you get through check-in, immigration, and security — then you also have to sit through hours inside the plane. This is why you should dress appropriately, whether it’s for a quick trip or long-haul flights. You should prioritize comfort and convenience, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Here are some do’s and don’ts when choosing your airport fashion:

DO: Layers

No matter how much you check the forecast, the weather can be extremely unpredictable. It could be sunny where you’re from and rainy at your destination or vice versa. So it’s best to dress with layers to stay chic and cool no matter the weather. If you easily get cold, you could throw on a light jacket or bring a scarf that could also double as a blanket. And if it’s warmer, you could use it as a neck rest or pillow for a quick nap on the plane!

DON’T: Bulky silhouettes

While layers are convenient, you should also make sure you don’t wear anything that gives you a bulky silhouette. Such clothing may raise red flags among airport security because it seems like you’re hiding something. The same goes for anything with lots of pockets and zippers, since you’ll just end up bringing out everything inside them and you might even overlook something.

DO: Comfy bottoms

Sure, skinny jeans could make your legs look great, but they could also get stiff and uncomfortable after long hours. You don’t want that happening when you’re flying. So you should wear any comfortable bottomwear like leggings, wide pants, or even stretchy shorts. You can pair these with long tops or sweaters. If your comfy bottoms are still in the laundry, you can also grab a loose dress as an alternative.

DON’T: Belts

This is one of the most well-known reminders among travelers, but it doesn’t hurt to say it again: please leave the belt at home. Or at least in your luggage. Since it has metal, security will simply ask you to remove that belt if you wear it, and it’ll take much longer to get through the metal detector. Instead, as mentioned above, wear comfy bottoms that don’t require a belt.

DO: A head accessory

Ever wondered why some celebrities always use a hat when they just got off the plane? It’s all that static from the cabin air. This is why it’s important you bring any head accessory that could tame that frizz. A hair tie, a headscarf, or even a reliable cap works perfectly.

DON’T: Lots of jewelry

Since you need to pass through a metal detector several times, it would be inconvenient for you and your fellow passengers if you have to remove your bangles and bracelets and necklaces and the rings on each of your fingers. You can save those for your OOTDs at your destination, so just put them in your luggage.

DO: Socks

We know flip-flops or sandals are comfortable, but you don’t want to be barefoot when you go through airport security, so it’s best to wear socks when you’re traveling. It also gets cold on the plane, so you’ll thank your socks for that extra insulation. Pair it with sneakers or boots, and you’re ready to walk through the airport like it’s your runway. Or run, in some cases.

DON’T: Fussy footwear

Whether you wear socks or not, here’s a rule you should probably stick to: don’t wear any fussy footwear. Anything with fancy straps, lacing, or buckles would just get you a side-eye from airport security and fellow passengers. You could bring lace-up ballet shoes, knee-high gladiator sandals, or even your platform heels, but keep them in your luggage for a smoother airport experience.

This article was republished with permission from 8List.ph.