When choosing an outfit for your next flight, you might want to think twice before reaching for those leggings. An aviation expert, along with a doctor, has highlighted why this popular clothing choice might not be the safest or most comfortable option.
Many travelers prioritize comfort, especially on long flights, but leggings may not be the ideal attire for several reasons.
Pairing leggings with a t-shirt might seem like a simple and comfy travel solution, but it could be problematic if you find yourself needing to use the emergency slide. The friction and contact with your skin could result in discomfort or even injury.
The primary concern with leggings, as explained by aviation safety expert Christine Negroni to HuffPost, involves emergency scenarios.
Negroni explains that the material composition of leggings is the issue: “The issue with leggings is the nature of the material.”
“You have a tight garment that is usually made from synthetic fibers, made from petroleum products, which is not something you want to wear on an airplane because the largest risk in a survivable air accident is fire.”
“It is going to get very hot, [the synthetic fibers] will either melt on your skin or cause serious burns, and that becomes something that will impact your ability to escape the aircraft,” Negroni further elaborates. “In other words, if you’re not damaged beyond an ability to exit, to get out of the airplane, then you might be affected by the fire.”
In addition to safety concerns, Dr. Hugh Pabarue, a physician specializing in vein health at Metro Vein Centers, raises health concerns about wearing leggings during travel.
Dr. Pabarue explains: “The clothing we wear when we fly can significantly impact our circulation.”
“For example, tight clothing is not recommended. Wearing leggings and other restrictive garments such as skinny jeans that are too tight reduces blood’s ability to flow into and out of the legs.”
Extended periods of sitting, which are common on flights, can lead to blood pooling in the legs, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
There are additional health risks to consider as well.
“Wearing clothes that are too tight can potentially lead to conditions like compartment syndrome or meralgia paresthetica, causing numbness, tingling, and severe leg pain,” adds Dr. Pabarue.
In summary, it’s advisable to skip the leggings when planning your travel wardrobe for your next flight.