Leggings may be a cause of severe injuries or even fatalities if an aircraft experiences a fire emergency.
There are no strict dress codes for passengers on airplanes. Essentially, you just need to dress appropriately for a public setting and ensure your comfort. However, many aviation experts recommend certain types of clothing to avoid when flying, including leggings.
Christine Negroni, author of a book on the most mysterious aviation disasters, reveals that leggings can be deadly or at least leave horrific scars if a flight encounters an emergency or a fire occurs in the cabin.
Leggings are among the clothing items to avoid when flying. (Photo: WhoWhatWear)
The author stated in The Sun: “You may need to escape from a fire in the cabin. Many people prefer to wear leggings or yoga pants on flights due to their stretchiness and comfort, but clothing made from synthetic fibers is highly flammable and can stick to the skin during a fire.” She also advises to wear cotton clothing or garments made from natural fibers.
“Instead of leggings, consider wearing wide-legged pants made from linen or cotton or joggers as they can help prevent serious injuries. Additionally, opt for loose, comfortable tops and choose sneakers instead of high heels,” she said.
Not only leggings, shorts are also on the blacklist because they can cause burns or abrasions on the legs when running through flames in an emergency. Furthermore, shorts are often not warm enough, as the temperature on airplanes can be quite low, making the body more susceptible to bacterial attacks compared to longer clothing.
Shiny leggings can pose a danger to you on board. (Photo: Pinterest).
According to Christine Negroni, passengers should also avoid removing their shoes while on a plane, as in an emergency, well-protected feet can help you escape faster. It’s advisable to choose lightweight, comfortable sneakers or to wear high-top shoes for better protection.
Additionally, flight attendant Andrea Fischbach mentioned in the women’s magazine WhoWhatWear that only lightweight clothing should be worn. “Anything too heavy on the skin can cause cramps and swelling. Bloating is also a significant issue, even for flight attendants. Therefore, wear comfortable clothing, especially around the waist, and avoid tight elastic bands“.
