Why you shouldn’t wear a T-shirt on a plane: What to wear

In a couple of weeks, I’ll be taking my first plane trip of my life. Naturally I’m scared of it, and not just because I’m afraid of heights. Preparations before travelling are always challenging. When it comes to packing, I’m naturally nervous because on a plane you have to be very careful about what you take in your suitcase, what’s in your hand luggage and what you’re not allowed to take at all. However, I’ve also been thinking about what I’m going to wear on the plane.

In most means of transport, one is expected to wear a sweatshirt or jacket depending on the weather, and in case of heat, one will strip down to a t-shirt. But what clothes are ideal for the plane? Apparently, a T-shirt is not the best idea. Why? So what is ideal to travel in to make the trip comfortable and safe for you?

Why not wear a t-shirt on the plane?

If you travel by plane, you will probably come across a number of people wearing a short-sleeved t-shirt. Some airlines have specific rules; for example, you cannot go barefoot or wear see-through clothing on the plane. But no one is banning T-shirts. Still, they are a very bad idea for air travel.

Depending on the air conditioning settings, it can be quite cold during the flight as there is quite a strong draft through the cabin. So if you’re wearing just a T-shirt, you run the unnecessary risk of being cold or even catching a cold during the flight.

The second reason to choose clothing other than a short-sleeved shirt is safety. In the event of an evacuation of the plane through the emergency chutes, you could get badly injured. Friction can occur, causing burns or scratches to unprotected parts of your body. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s much better to keep your hands protected.

So how to dress properly for the plane?

When travelling by plane, it’s best to wear a long-sleeved T-shirt as a base layer, over which you can throw a sweatshirt or jacket in your hand luggage in case you get cold.

“The best thing to wear in an airplane emergency is loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton or linen. These materials burn quickly so they won’t melt onto your skin in the event of a fire. This can save you from serious burns and maybe even save your life altogether,” says Christine Negroni, an aviation safety expert.

Last but not least, it’s a good idea to avoid oversized shoes or loose shoes such as sandals or flip-flops. Again, these can be cold, but they are also impractical in case something happens and you need to evacuate quickly.