I agree about the Chico's stuff although it is polyester/nylon/rayon. Not always the most breathable, but it is comfortable when sitting in the same position for hours. My all time top travel tip for comfort would be these amazing new slipper / socks from Karen Neuberger. They are the softest, coziest things ever. I took two pair in my carry on on our last trip and a pair of slip on slippers (the slipper socks do not have any soles). They made flying a dream. You can find them online or at Nordstrom.

I always wear my Chico's travel stuff and I always layer it. A short-sleeved T or top with a jacket over it. Also agree about socks and clog-type shoes that are not tight.

I have bought almost all of my Chico's stuff on sale, which makes it quite reasonable. Even at full price, this stuff is worth it. It's like wearing pajamas but it looks stylish and put together. (Betsy, maybe we should organize an SF Fodors Field Trip to the Chico's outlet in Vacaville?)

Andrea, I always wear an underwire and have not yet set off the metal detector. But I certainly appreciate your tips and will try the arm across the body one in future.

sansdieu,
It is so funny that you mentioned the bra-----I meant to, but forgot. I, too, can't stand to wear a bra on a long flight, so wear a camisole with a built-in bra under my Chico's Travelers or velour warm-up suit. And I always throw a pair of socks in my carry-on. Along with an eye mask and an inflatable neck pillow.

Being female, I always wear a skirt when I travel, 'cus I HATE the balancing act required when wearing pants in the 1' x 1' airplane restrooms.

Hey, Marilyn! There's even a closer Chico's outlet at the Great Mall of Milpitas! A few weeks ago I found a black jacket from their travelers line that I love. It's long enough to cover my, um, derriere and has lots of eentsy hooks and eyes all the way up the front. Originally $88, it was at the outlet for $22--one of my better buys there. I'm headed back soon to find pants to match.

Maybe closer for you, Betsy, but I'm in west Marin. I know your jacket -- great buy! My fave is zip front and styled like a sweatshirt. I live in it all winter here, but it's perfect for traveling. Covers what needs to be covered and has large pockets.

I prefer cotton, in layers, like a jumper & shirt-NO bra-take a change of underwear with and change in airport when I freshen up. Also, Magellans has a travel store in Santa Monica and always has several rackes of sale clothing, some of which is cotton.

The American economy revolves around women buying cloths because you can't figure out what to wear. OK, not PC but true, IMO.

OK, jor, what do YOU wear when you fly? I've worn more or less the same clothes for flying for about the last 5 years, so I'm certainly not doing much to help the economy in that respect.

It is recommended that flyers wear cotton or other natural fibers and no pantyhose in case the plane crashes! A fire in the plane would turn synthetic fibers into melting goo and cause tremendous bodily harm, that is if you survive the crash in the first place.

Marilyn, I wear whatever isn't dirty in my to-be-washed basket. The Gross National Product doesn't go up when I wear my skid-proof underwear for more than two days at a time. The chics pay my way and that's what drives the economy. LOL

I remember what I wore for the first time I flew from St. Louis to Paris. I wore a t-shirt and shorts. Not a good idea!!! I froze to death! Now that I am more experienced (I'm going to Paris this May), I will be wearing something much different. I'll wear comfortable, yet stylish knit pants, a knit camisole top, and a lightweight form-fitting belted cardigan. New York & Company is a great place to shop for clothes for an overseas trip. I recommend women to look there! Bon Voyage!

My preference comes from Chico's also: the loose-fitting yoga pants. They are cotton with a little lycra, a wide comfy elastic waist - an little to no wrinkling. I think they are called Zen Pants. Perfect comfort for sleeping on the plane. Thick comfy socks are good, too. Layers on top for warmth and hiding the slept-in look.

I wear no bra at all when flying. It's the first piece of clothing I take off when I come home after work, well, after my shoes. And yes, I can take it off without removing my shirt. Granted I am not very large but told my mother she would be more comfortable bra-less flying over here for the first time this spring.