7 ways to dress for success on an airplane

What you pack in your suitcase is important. But that doesn't mean what you wear on the plane should be an afterthought. The details can make the difference between a comfortable flight and an agonizing one, or whether you look and feel your best or worst upon arrival. Success lies in striking a balance between dressing to impress and being comfortable enough to relax. Here's how to do it:

1. Dress nicely

There was a time when flying was such a big deal that everyone wore his or her Sunday best to the airport. That often made for a stiff and stuffy experience. But today, we've swung too far in the other direction. Our airports are packed with people in sweats, tracksuits, and yoga pants.

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While dressing in glorified pajamas might make for a comfy flight, it won't get you much respect at the ticket counter — and also disrespects airport and airline workers. This is their workplace — don't dress like it's your sofa. Even if few (if any) airline employees openly admit this, passengers who look nice are often treated nicely. It doesn't have to be a three-piece suit. But any outfit with a little effort put into it will be better received. And it definitely won't hurt your chances for an upgrade.

2. Choose breathable fabrics

Give some thought to materials and fabrics. Something that breathes, like cotton or silk, is ideal, particularly for those who overheat easily. And for those prone to sweating, fabrics that wick away moisture can be a saving grace — for both hygiene and comfort.

Materials that wrinkle easily might not be the best choice, depending on your post-flight plans. Linen checks the box for breathable, but can make you come out on the other end of the flight looking like origami.

3. Layer up

Climate can change from one extreme to another — and that's not just comparing city of origin and destination. The temperature in the plane often snaps from sweltering to freezing, and there's really no predicting when and by how much it'll change.

Layers are the best way to prepare for these bipolar temperatures. As an added benefit, they also work well to dress up a look. (Think cardigans, light jackets, sport coats, scarves, etc.)

4. Give yourself some space

Anything super tight or without give — on top or bottom — is guaranteed to cause regrets, and not just because you'll be uncomfortable. Tight-fitting clothes have also been linked to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Be particularly sure to leave room around the waist; all that ascending, descending, and cabin pressure changes can cause swelling and bloating.

5. Leave the laces at home

For starters, having shoes that are easy to slide in and out of makes security less of a hassle — and in that line, every bit counts. They're also helpful on the plane when you'll likely be in and out of your shoes often. When your feet start to swell, you'll want out of your shoes. But when you go to the bathroom, you'll definitely want to put them back on. Make it easy on yourself!

6. Wear socks

If you're not already wearing a pair, pack some socks in your carry-on bag in a place that's easy to access. When the temperature dips in the cabin, slipping into a pair of socks feels like a luxury and makes things that much more comfortable.

Some people do double-duty and wear compression socks on board, which helps prevent against DVT. Indeed, many doctors urge frequent flyers to wear them.

7. Pick black

Monochrome colors make an outfit look sharp and put-together. Black in particular is a good choice — it looks smart, magically making any apparel appear dressier just by its color, and also masks the evidence of any unfortunate spills along the route. A crisp white shirt might seem like a fine idea — until you drip ketchup all over it and yellow the armpits with sweat stains. Trust us — black is best.