When you’re on a plane, comfy always comes first. Well, while most airlines don’t have a strict dress code, did you know there are some widely accepted guidelines for what not to wear on a plane? Or do you know what you absolutely shouldn’t be caught wearing in the air? These rules and suggestions are not just about hygiene and comfort but also about safety.

If you’ve ever skimmed through an airline’s contract of carriage (their fancy rules), you’d realize there are some real requirements to follow. Ignoring them might just get you kicked off the flight.

Curious about what clothes might make your airplane journey painful? Wondering what not to wear? Before you jet off to the airport for your next adventure, take a good look at this list of absolute not to wear when it comes to airplane attire.

1. Jeans

Nothing feels more agonizing than being squeezed into a pair of tight, stiff denim, especially when you’re stuck in the cramped space of an airplane.

Experts strongly advise against wearing jeans during flights and caution, ‘Avoid tight jeans, especially on long flights. They limit movement and can be even more bothersome in the narrow, not-so-clean airplane restrooms.’

Jeans not only hinder your mobility and comfort but can also pose health risks while airborne. As the cabin pressure increases with the altitude, you’re more likely to experience abdominal bloating. Another aviation expert, a medical doctor, explains, ‘When the cabin altitude reaches 7,000 feet, the gas in your intestines expands by about 30%.’ Hence, it’s best to steer clear of any denim that might constrict your midsection and opt for pants with an elastic waistband. Look for lightweight and breathable fabrics, and joggers can be a great alternative.

2. Tight clothes

Just like those snug blue jeans that can be too confining for a comfortable flight, experts strongly advise against wearing overly tight clothes.

Beyond the risk of ‘jet bloat,’ squeezing into tight outfits while airborne can lead to more significant health issues. This includes poor blood circulation, swelling, cramps, and even blood clots, increasing the chances of developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis) during long flights.

If you realize your clothes are too tight mid-flight, a simple remedy is to stay hydrated and use the ‘loosen seatbelt’ sign as a cue to move around the cabin as much as possible.

3. Jewelry

When you’re heading through airport security, dealing with fancy jewelry can be more of a hassle than it’s worth.

It’s better to store those accessories in a special jewelry box. Just pop it into your carry-on before boarding. This way, your beautiful pieces can travel with you without any damage, loss, or getting all tangled up in the chaos of the airport.

If you do decide to wear significant jewelry while flying, make sure each piece is insured. But honestly, it might be smarter to leave the big bling behind when you’re taking to the skies.

4. Perfume

For the sake of everyone on board, it’s wise to skip the perfume when you’re flying. The confined space of the plane makes scents spread everywhere, and what you love might be too much for your seatmates or cause allergies.

If someone complains about your perfume during the flight, a quick fix is to head to the bathroom. Use a towel and lukewarm water to tone down the strong smell. It’s best to save the perfume for after the plane safely lands.

5. High heels

Unless you want to pass airport security barefoot, steer clear of high heels, lace-up boots, or shoes with lots of straps and buckles. While these shoes may be fashionable, they can bring more hassle when dealing with security checks and walking down the plane aisle.

Instead, opt for closed-toe slip-on shoes like loafers or flats. If you need to dress up a bit, make sure the shoes have rubber soles for added comfort and traction.

6. Shorts

You never know how many hands have touched that seat, and what it might have come in contact with. ‘You never know how clean it’s going to be, so if you don’t want to deal with those germs, opt for long pants when you travel.

7. Leggings

In the unfortunate event of a plane crash or cabin fire, leggings might be a deadly choice.

Avoid all synthetic fibers as they tend to burn more easily and stick to your skin in case of a fire. It’s recommended to wear cotton or any clothes made from natural fibers.

8. Earbuds

A pair of noise-canceling headphones is a must for long flights. Whether it’s a screaming baby or a fellow passenger loudly snoring next to you, headphones not only block out any unwanted sounds but also let you listen to your favorite playlist or watch movies during the flight.

However, despite the convenience of earbuds, many flight experts advise against using them in the air.

Compared to larger headphones or earplugs, in-ear headphones or earbuds have lower sound quality and offer less protection against those unexpected loud sounds. Better safe than sorry!

9. Wide-legged pants

Wide-legged pants might not be the best choice for your airplane journey. Not only can they pick up dirt from the plane’s aisle, losing their stylish appeal, but if nature calls during the flight, it’s not the most hygienic experience.

Regardless of your seat class, airplane lavatories are tight spaces. This means your fashionable pants are likely to encounter the not-so-clean restroom floor. Worse still, reports suggest the flush button on an airplane toilet alone carries around “265 colony-forming units (CFU) of bacteria per square inch.”

10. Flip-flops

Travel experts strongly advise against wearing flip-flops, and here’s why. While flip-flops might feel comfy for a beach stroll, they are not the best choice for air travel. The main reason is safety. In an emergency, wearing flip-flops can be a hazard, as they don’t provide adequate protection for your feet.

Plus, your feet could get chilly in the plane’s cabin. So, when it comes to flying, it’s best to leave the flip-flops behind and opt for more secure and supportive shoes.