What to wear for twelve hours on a plane
Short answer: The cabin is dry and cool, and you sit down the whole way. Soft layers in bamboo viscose without tight waistbands are what works.
Cabin air is drier than a desert
Humidity on a plane sits very low, often lower than the driest desert regions on earth, and skin turns dry after just a couple of hours. Soft fabric against the skin feels better than synthetic, because it does not add to that dry feeling any further. See bamboo t-shirt for women.
The waistband you sit in
A tight waistband becomes uncomfortable after three hours, because the body swells slightly from sitting still for a long time. Choose pants with a soft edge and a bit of extra room at the waist, so you do not feel it for the rest of the trip. See bamboo pants for women.
Feet that swell over the Atlantic
Feet swell when you sit still for long stretches, because blood pools in the lower body without the muscles' normal pumping action. Socks without a tight band and a walk up the aisle every hour help noticeably with that. See bamboo socks for women.
Layers for the arrival
You leave winter and land in summer, or the other way around, often within the same day. Three thin layers handle both climates without extra luggage, because you can simply remove or add one as needed. See bamboo clothing for women.
Avoid tight seams on long trips
Seams sitting directly against the skin can become uncomfortable after many hours in the same position. Seamless or flat seams are noticeably less felt, especially in the area where you recline in the seat for the whole flight.
Cabin temperature swings
Some planes run cool, others feel too warm depending on your seat and neighbors. An extra thin layer in your carry-on means you can adjust yourself, without depending on the plane's blanket or the shared temperature setting.
Drink more than usual
The dry air pulls fluid out of the body faster than normal, so drink regularly throughout the flight. Soft clothing makes it more comfortable to move around and fetch water, without tight waistbands getting in the way of movement.
Choose colors that hide creases
Long flights naturally leave some creases in clothing, regardless of material. Solid and slightly darker tones hide it better than light and patterned fabrics, so you look presentable at landing without packing an iron.
A change of clothes in your carry-on
On very long trips, an extra set of underwear in your carry-on can make a big difference after landing, especially if you head straight to a meeting or appointment without time to check into a hotel first.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best clothing for flying?
Soft layers without tight edges, plus an extra layer for the cold cabin. Avoid tight seams, which become noticeable after many hours seated.
Why do feet swell on flights?
Because you sit still under low pressure for a long time. Stand up every hour and avoid tight socks that press around the ankle.
Should you change clothes after a long flight?
Changing underwear and socks at the airport makes arrival noticeably better, especially if you are heading straight into something important that same day.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
