Marco Crisciotti Experts warn that tight or synthetic clothing during flights can increase the risk of blood clots and burns. Choosing loose, natural fabrics is safer and more comfortable.
With the summer air traffic heating up, travelers are once again filling airports and airplanes in record numbers. Amid the chaos of delayed flights, long security lines, and baggage limits, one surprisingly critical detail is often overlooked: what you’re wearing on the plane.
It might seem like a minor detail—many opt for leggings or skinny jeans, assuming they’re the most practical or comfortable choices. But medical experts are increasingly warning against these clothing options, and the reason goes far beyond simple discomfort.
How tight clothing affects blood circulation
The most immediate concern has to do with your cardiovascular health. On long-haul flights especially, the combination of cramped seating and tight clothes that squeeze the legs, waist, and hips can significantly impair blood flow.
When blood doesn’t circulate properly, it tends to pool in the lower limbs, creating a prime environment for dangerous clots to form. This is how deep vein thrombosis (DVT) begins—an often silent, potentially life-threatening condition. The early signs can be subtle: swelling, pain, or a feeling of heaviness in the legs. But if a clot detaches and travels to the lungs or brain, the consequences can be fatal.
Leggings and tight jeans—particularly those that constrict the waist, thighs, or ankles—are among the worst offenders, acting almost like tourniquets during extended periods of sitting.
Then there’s meralgia paresthetica, a lesser-known but increasingly common condition caused by the compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. It can cause numbness, tingling, and even a burning sensation along the outer thigh. And yes, it can linger long after the seatbelt sign turns off.
The hidden fire hazard in your travel outfit
Beyond circulation, there’s another underestimated risk—one that becomes critical in the rare event of an onboard emergency. Many modern clothes, especially leggings and tight activewear, are made from petroleum-based synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon. These materials are not just highly flammable—they can melt into your skin when exposed to heat.
In the unlikely but not impossible scenario of a post-crash fire or cabin evacuation, synthetic fabrics can severely hinder mobility or cause second- and third-degree burns. “In an emergency, your clothes can become part of the problem,” said one aviation safety consultant. “Anything that melts can stick to your skin. It’s not just about getting out quickly—it’s about not being injured while doing so.”
Even if air disasters are statistically rare, fire is a leading cause of fatalities when accidents do happen. It’s one more reason to think twice before slipping into synthetic leggings for your next trip.
The case for breathable, natural fibers
So what should you wear when flying? The safest—and most comfortable—bet is to choose loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen. These materials are less flammable, allow for better airflow, and don’t cling to the body in ways that restrict circulation.
For women, wide-leg pants, flowing dresses, or relaxed-fit trousers can offer both safety and comfort. Men might consider light cotton trousers paired with breathable t-shirts or linen shirts. Layers are key—airplanes are notoriously unpredictable in temperature—and natural fibers help your skin breathe even when the cabin doesn’t.
Of course, fashion is personal. But when you’re 35,000 feet in the air, comfort and safety should always take precedence over style trends. The right outfit won’t just make your flight more pleasant—it might actually protect your health.
