slob

Since the average American spends most of their time dressed DOWN, how much more DOWN will they be dressed on a plane???????
Why not just show up in your pajamas?

James

Of course dress down. I try to be as comfortable as possible. You are stuck at that seat for hours.

SO

I agree with those who think jeans are uncomfortable. I almost never wear them. On planes, I dress casually and comfortably, but nicely, in natural fabrics. Recently, that's meant a silk sweater and cotton pants with rubber-soled leather shoes in which I can walk a long time (or run, if necessary). Underneath I have a pretty gym top (with a built-in bra) which is especially useful if I'm traveling from one climate to another - or if the air-conditioning isn't working. In my carry-on, I have a back-up and complementary set of clothes, in case I get cold or wet or dirty, plus some toiletries so I stay as clean and fresh as possible.

Make-up and perfume are minimal.

Stephanie P.

I tend to look nice for travel. I never wear sweats, jeans or tennis shoes, however I will wear something like black sandals, white shorts and a sleeveless silk black turtleneck, with big colorful black/white wrap like scarf. If people would only wear their true size and not try to squeeze into khaki pants or dress pants they would be comfortable. No need to dress like a slob in sweats.

dennis

I agree with slob, I always dress in my best for flights, and I carry a set of dental records for ID purposes. If the plane goes down I want to be sure that I picked the suit I am buried in....give it a rest slob, you are such a moron..."all you americans are always so dressed down" bite me! who are you trying to impress when you dress up for an airplane ride? NOBODY cares that you choose to wear your sunday best on your flight, get a life and stop worrying about what everyone else wears, it's all about comfort.

fashiongirl

Dennis, are you one of those fat, unshaven guys in sneakers, baggy shorts and a tank top I always see waiting to board a flight? You know, the ones with the chest, armpit and back hair on display.... I'm sure you're very comfy dressed (or half-dressed) like this but you're not real easy on the eyes for the rest of us. I agree with those here who are tired of looking at messy slobs in the airports, and everywhere else for that matter. You know what -- it looks like you just don't give a damn about yourself or anyone else when you appear that way. Have a little self-respect, for heaven's sake.

slob too

What exactly are you all dressing up for? SO that you can schlepp around luggage, stand in lines, then sit in a space that isn't fit for a human? Back in the day when air travel was a luxury and airlines treated their customers with dignity, people dressed up for air travel. But now that airlines treat passengers like cattle, I just don't see the point.

hmmm

A bit harsh aren't you fashion girl??
Dennis said he looks his best when he flies.
I have never seen those hairy guys you are talking about....Where where you going to?

annie

I also am one who flies in slacks and a nice top and definitely flat shoes.
I saw a program about crashes and emergency deplaing and also remember about the flight attendeant speaking about the pantyhose burning and sticking to her legs.
Cotton or wool slacks depending on time of year. Socks and shoes. Comfortable and classy

a challenge

The way I see it, you're treated with a little more respect when you don't look like a slob. That's a fact in our society that is very concerned with appearances. As a client, customer, passenger, etc. dressed nicely, bathed, friendly will be treated much more favorably than someone who is greasy, smelly, wrinkled and sloppy. You can present yourself nicely while being comfortable too. Some of you slobs should try this approach and see if you notice any difference. I hereby challenge you!

Joe

Interesting thread. I personally fly a lot, both for work and vacations. I prefer to dress comfartably in cloths that are natural fibers. no melting nylon or rayon for me.. I also wear shoes that stay on my feet, something that requires the ability to tie a bow. Thus making me a higher life form than hairy monkeys in tank tops But seriously, Safety is an issue and everyone should be aware of their surroundings, (9/11), listen to safety briefing and know where the exits are. I would rather contribute to the safety of the plane than be an impediment to survival.........

fashiongirl

To hmmm: I believe Dennis was being sarcastic, re-read his post. He's critical of those who dress nicely for travel. I'm not slamming him in particular or anyone, actually, just rhetorically asking why some people can't even brush their hair before they leave the house. I travel quite a bit and I've seen hairy tank-top guys (and their female counterparts) in Houston (especially Houston airport, not sure why) Dallas, Phoenix, JFK, New Orleans, basically everywhere. Some people come to the airport dressed like they're about to clean out the garage. It's a general trend I notice, a lot of people don't care about their appearance at all, they look the same whether travelling through an airport or washing the dog.

hmmm

I stand corrected, fashiongirl!
I fly alot from the east coast and I guess I am lucky about seeing those guys and their counterparts.
Maybe I need to be a bit more observant
Carry on...any other opinions?

Idontcare

Boy, I'm really glad that I'm one of those people who don't put too muc stock of what anyone else thinks of them.

I am a professional, neat, clean, thin, BUT my comfort is a lot more important on a flight than people's opinions of me.

When I flew from the East Coast to Hawaii a couple of years ago, I knew it was going to be a LONG, uncomfortable flight. I wore sneakers, sweatpants and a t-shirt. Big deal!!!

Hey, the only other time that I wear sweatpants is when I'm working out. I always try to present my best self. Yes, I shower before flights, put on some makeup, but I refuse to wear uncomfortable clothing on flights. It just doesn't make sense to me.

If it makes sense to other people, fine by me. I just don't where you people who criticize others for being comfortable come off. Let people be who they are comfortable being.

Geez!!!

xxx

I dress business casual to fly and if it is a long flight (more than 4 hours) I will bring sweats to change into.

Stan

Generally I go from the airport directly to my hotel to check-in. I have sometimes found that the way you are dressed when checking in can affect your hotel room assignment. So, I avoid the messy look when flying, but avoid uncomfortable clothes at all costs.

Mike

You could dress nice and still be comfortable. I always like to wear some nice shorts or kaki pants, with a collard shirt. I always tuck the shirt in, but my wife likes it out. She likes to wear a dress, usually denim. I think this looks nice and is presentable, but to some it may not. This is who we are, why try to be something you're not? And the people who really dress up, kudos to you. If you feel comfortable and feel good about your self thats great. Thats what makes going to the airport so much fun, is seeing all the different people.

try this

I am a 30 something, reasonably attractive, petite female and here's what I consider comfortable AND presentable: cotton white short sleeve top, red & white checked lycra/cotton capri pants and white keds. Totally comfortable yet "reasonably attractive". I love to people watch at airports and know many others do as well. I enjoy being pleasing rather than offensive if I'm being watched.

Cindy

Depends on the duration of flight.

On overseas flights, usually cotton knit
pants (maybe dark sweats--not ratty ones!-- if coming AND going to a cold climate) and a long sleeve cotton knit top or a short sleeve top under a cotton cardigan. Usually wear my heaviest shoes (flats or very low heeled rubber soled shoes)so as not to have to pack them, but bring slippers (stretchy black ballet slipper style) to walk around with on the plane.

Never shorts or sleeveless tops or sandals--much too cold on the plane!

On daytime domestic flights (average 1-3 hour flight) I dress in my usual casual clothes, what I wear to work and for travel--casual pants or neat jeans or a comfortable skirt, cotton top (long sleeve or with a light sweater), "regular shoes" (all flats or nearly so). Usually I assume that I will be going straight to my destination for touring and will wear what I plan to wear for the day.
If I were to travel on a high enough coach fare to have a chance for an upgrade, I would err on the slightly dressier side of my normal clothes.

anon

Some people just don't give a crap how they look no matter where they're going. These same people don't have much in the way of manners either.