Ask Margar-etiquette about Dressing for the Skies

Somewhere between “glamorous Pan Am passenger” and “college student on laundry day,” there’s a sweet spot for airplane attire—and it’s closer than you think.

Dear Margar-etiquette,

My husband told me about last week’s column, which reminded me of this: I was recently on a flight where the person next to me was literally wearing pajamas, slippers, and a messy bun that looked like it had survived three days of camping. Am I just old-fashioned, or should we be dressing better for air travel?

Sky High Standards

Dear High Standards,

You’re not old-fashioned—you just remember a time when boarding a plane felt special. People once dressed for travel as if they were attending a small social event. Men wore jackets, women wore dresses or tailored suits, and the cabin crew looked like they’d stepped out of a fashion spread. While no one expects you to wear a three-piece suit to row 22B today, avoiding the “I just rolled out of bed” look is a kindness to yourself and to those around you.

Airplanes may feel like your living room once you’re buckled in, but remember—you’re still in a public space. Dressing neatly doesn’t just show respect for your fellow travelers and flight crew—it can also lift your own mood and help you feel more composed in what can be a stressful environment. 

Comfort is king, and in fairness, cramped seats and security lines haven’t exactly inspired elegance. But here’s where etiquette comes in: travel is still a shared experience in a public space. Good manners include showing respect for those around you, and part of that is presenting yourself in a way that’s clean, neat, and at least a touch intentional. But you don’t have to sacrifice comfort. Comfort matters. But comfort and polish aren’t opposites—they’re travel companions.

 Quick Style Guidelines for the Skies

1. Clean & Presentable: Freshly laundered clothes and basic grooming go a long way.
2. Comfort with Structure: Soft, breathable fabrics in polished silhouettes—think knit blazer over a T-shirt, or joggers that look like trousers.
3. Practical Footwear: Shoes you can walk in easily, but that don’t look like shower slides.

And remember, air travel is one of life’s most unpredictable social mixers. You never know who you might be seated next to: a future client, your old high school crush, or someone who will later decide whether you get the last upgrade on a standby list. You’ll be glad you dressed like you cared.

Travel comfortably, yes—but travel with dignity.

Wishing you comfort with class,

Margar-etiquette