For many individuals, leggings are a go-to choice for travel attire.
However, a travel expert has pointed out that these tight-fitting garments are not advisable for air travel.
A travel expert has explained why leggings should be avoided on an airplane
Polly described how leggings can become “fused” to your skin during an emergency
Polly shared on her TikTok page the reasons for opting for different clothing when flying.
“I understand – leggings feel like a second skin on a flight,” she began.
“But here’s why you should reconsider wearing them on a plane.”
She went on to explain that in the “unlikely event of an emergency evacuation” – such as a fire or emergency landing – materials made from synthetic fabrics, like polyester or spandex, can “melt when exposed to high heat.”
Since most leggings are composed of polyester and/or spandex, they could end up “fusing to your skin,” which would “exacerbate injuries.”
Instead, flight and aviation safety experts recommend wearing “loose-fitting natural fibers like cotton, wool, or denim while flying.”
“These materials are more fire-resistant and safer in worst-case scenarios,” Polly emphasized, concluding: “So yes, wear something comfortable – but opt for cotton comfort, not plastic comfort for safety.”
“Yes. I’m a former flight attendant and I always advise people on this,” one viewer commented on the video.
“Also, consider wearing leather shoes, preferably with leather soles.
“If you ever need to walk on the wing of an aircraft, you might be surprised at how hot it gets.”
“They recommend wearing cotton long sleeves and pants in case of a fire,” another viewer added.
“I remember the days of wearing pantyhose, which would just melt to your skin in a fire. Yuck!”
“I’m currently on an 8-hour flight home wearing leggings, and this is not what I needed to see on my FYP!” a third user wrote.
“I once took a long flight in leggings,” someone else shared.
“I slid into a seat to avoid someone and ended up ripping a hole from the top of my thigh down on the seatbelt clasp, so if you wear leggings, bring a spare pair.”
Top 15 Busiest Airports in the UK
Here are the 15 busiest airports in the UK by passenger numbers in 2023
- London Heathrow – 79.2 million
- London Gatwick – 40.9 million
- Manchester – 28.1 million
- London Stansted – 28.0 million
- London Luton – 16.4 million
- Edinburgh – 14.4 million
- Birmingham – 11.5 million
- Bristol – 9.9 million
- Glasgow – 7.4 million
- Belfast International – 6.0 million
- Newcastle – 4.8 million
- Liverpool – 4.2 million
- Leeds Bradford – 4.0 million
- East Midlands – 3.9 million
- London City – 3.4 million
While others insisted that leggings should only be worn when hitting the gym.
“No leggings for me! I dress to impress for the airport!” one commenter stated.
“Leggings should only be worn if you are going to the gym or planning to work out,” another remarked.
“I’m European, and when I fly, I do it in style!!” a third noted.
Surprisingly, a pair of jeans can be one of the best options to wear while flying.
