Air travel comfort is a priority for many passengers, but some clothing choices might be more dangerous than you realize. Leggings, that basic staple in any frequent traveler’s wardrobe, have caught the attention of aviation safety and health experts for reasons that go far beyond style or comfort.
The hidden fire hazard in your travel outfit
Christine Negroni, an aviation safety specialist and author on the subject, warns about the risk this type of clothing poses during an onboard emergency. As she explained in an interview with HuffPost, leggings are typically made with petroleum-derived synthetic fibers, making them highly flammable materials.
“If a fire breaks out during an emergency landing, the heat can cause these fabrics to melt onto your skin or cause severe burns,” Negroni cautions. In these situations, survival may depend on the ability to evacuate the aircraft quickly, which becomes complicated if you suffer burn injuries.
Have you ever considered what you’re wearing might affect your chances of surviving an emergency? Most of us pick our travel outfits based on comfort alone, not realizing there’s more at stake.
Blood circulation concerns during long flights
The danger of leggings doesn’t end with fire risk. Several medical specialists have also pointed out the consequences they can have for vascular health.
Patrick Kenger, a stylist and image consultant, notes that compression leggings, like shapewear types, can hinder mobility and become uncomfortable on long flights, especially if the passenger experiences swelling.
Additional health risks
Bariatric surgeon Rene Armenta adds that this type of tight clothing can even restrict breathing and exert constant pressure on the skin. But the most serious risk was explained by Dr. Hugh Pabarue, an expert in blood circulation, who warned about the possibility of suffering deep vein thrombosis.
This condition, which occurs when a clot forms in a deep vein in the leg, can be aggravated by the combination of tight clothing and many hours of sitting. It can also lead to syndromes such as meralgia paresthetica or compartment syndrome, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the extremities.
I remember flying from New York to Tokyo once and noticed my ankles were swollen after wearing compression leggings the whole flight. What I thought would keep me comfortable actually made things worse!
What you should wear instead
Given these warnings, experts agree that the best option for air travel is loose, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton, which also has a lower risk of igniting.
Negroni also recommends always wearing shoes during takeoff and landing, as in an emergency evacuation the floor may be hot, slippery, covered with fuel, or even on uneven terrain, such as a field. Additionally, she suggests choosing sneakers over heels or sandals, and giving preference to loose clothing over compression garments.
When planning your next flight wardrobe, consider these safer alternatives:
- Loose-fitting cotton pants or jeans
- Breathable natural fiber tops
- Layers that can be added or removed for temperature control
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes that won’t fall off in an emergency
- Non-restrictive undergarments
The comfort vs. safety balance
While comfort remains important, finding the right balance between feeling good and staying safe should be your priority. Many travelers don’t realize that what feels comfortable in the airport lounge might become dangerous at 30,000 feet or during an emergency situation.
“Most people select their flight outfits thinking only about the 99.9% of flights that go perfectly well,” says Negroni. “But smart travelers plan for that rare emergency too.”
How airlines are addressing passenger attire
While most airlines don’t have specific dress codes regarding leggings or synthetic materials, some flight attendants have started subtly educating passengers about safer travel attire options.
Flight attendant Sarah Michaels, who has worked in the industry for 15 years, tells me she often gets questions about what to wear. “I always recommend natural fibers and clothes that don’t restrict movement. You might need to move quickly in an emergency, and your clothes shouldn’t hold you back.”
Some airlines have also begun including brief safety clothing recommendations in their pre-flight materials, though these focus more on practical footwear than on the flammability of fabrics.
What travelers are saying
The reaction from frequent flyers has been mixed. Some appreciate the safety information, while others feel it’s another thing to worry about in an already stressful travel experience.
Have you ever considered your outfit as part of your travel safety plan? Most of us haven’t, but perhaps it’s time we should.
Finding balance between comfort and safety
Ultimately, the goal isn’t to make air travel more stressful but to help passengers make informed choices. You don’t need to dress in a flame-retardant suit to board a plane, but being aware of potential risks allows you to make smarter decisions.
Next time you’re packing for a flight, take a moment to consider not just how comfortable your outfit will be, but how practical it might be in unexpected situations. Your future self might thank you for that extra bit of caution.
- Choose natural fibers when possible
- Opt for looser fits that won’t restrict circulation
- Always wear proper shoes during takeoff and landing
- Consider bringing compression socks rather than wearing full compression leggings
Air travel remains one of the safest forms of transportation, and emergencies are extremely rare. But as the old saying goes, it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it—especially when “it” is as simple as wearing cotton pants instead of synthetic leggings on your next flight.