Experienced flight attendant Cher shares practical advice for travelers seeking both comfort and hygiene during air travel. While many opt for shorts, Cher cautions against this wardrobe choice, describing it as a hygiene risk given the reality of airline seat cleanliness. Her recommendations provide actionable solutions for assembling an outfit that meets the demands of jet-setting, from comfort to cold-weather readiness.
Why Shorts May Not Be the Best Choice for Flights
Cher’s primary guidance is rooted in hygiene awareness. According to her, airline seats often go through multiple passengers before being thoroughly cleaned. Fabrics on seats accumulate germs, spills, and sweat, and the cleaning process between flights is typically cursory. Wearing shorts leaves travelers’ skin exposed to these less-than-sanitary surfaces, increasing the risk of direct contact with bacteria or allergens.
A Simple, Effective Travel Outfit Formula
For travelers prioritizing both comfort and self-protection, Cher proposes a straightforward formula: relaxed trousers, trainers, a basic T-shirt, and a jumper. This approach considers ease of movement during security checks, fluctuating cabin temperatures, and long hours in the air. Relaxed trousers offer a barrier between the skin and plane seats, while a jumper or sweatshirt addresses the commonplace chill of airplane cabins. Trainers ensure practicality when traversing airport terminals or connecting gates.
The Skims Black Maxi Dress: Versatility Meets Style
As an alternative to typical pants-and-top combinations, Cher highlights the Skims black maxi dress. The dress provides full leg coverage, acting as an effective shield against seat surfaces without sacrificing style. Travelers can maintain a fashionable appearance while protecting their skin. The Skims brand has become popular for its focus on soft, stretchable fabrics that adapt to various body types and in-flight movements, making the maxi dress a logical addition to any travel wardrobe.
Building an Outfit with Layering in Mind
To further optimize comfort and hygiene, layering is key. Pairing the Skims maxi dress with trainers delivers an on-trend yet practical ensemble for moving through busy airports. Adding a lightweight cardigan or a jumper creates additional protection from chilly air conditioning, and layers can be adjusted easily during changes in temperature or during long-haul flights.
Embracing Coordinated Long Skirt and Top Sets
Cher also recommends coordinated outfits, such as a long skirt matched with a roomy top. The benefits mirror those of the maxi dress: legs remain covered, reducing skin exposure to potentially unclean surfaces. A matching set maintains a cohesive and intentional look—especially useful for travelers wanting to maintain a polished appearance through boarding, inflight service, and arrival. When paired with well-cushioned sneakers, such ensembles blend comfort, mobility, and visual appeal.
Footwear Matters: Choosing Trainers for Travel
Footwear often gets overlooked in discussions about travel attire, but Cher stresses the value of a good pair of trainers. Not only do they support the feet during extended periods of walking in terminals, but they also provide warmth, which open-toed shoes or sandals often lack. Trainers are more likely to prevent accidental stubbed toes or mishaps on escalators and moving sidewalks—practical safety considerations in busy airports.
Polished, Practical Choices for Every Traveler
Curating travel outfits based on Cher’s guidance ensures a balance of hygiene, comfort, and style. Instead of shorts or thin fabrics, prioritizing leg coverage through trousers, maxi dresses, or long skirts yields significant benefits. Layered tops and comfortable trainers round out the ensemble, giving travelers confidence for every stage of their journey. Real-world examples, such as the popularity of the Skims maxi dress or the surge in coordinated travel sets spotted at major airports, underscore the relevance of these recommendations for both occasional flyers and frequent travelers alike.