I'm a young gen x'er who grew up traveling with old-school parents. I have never worn shorts on a travel day, and historically it would be inconceivable for me.
Packing for a trip tomorrow—It's 90 degrees here. It's 90 degrees there. I'm always warm on planes.
I'm I clinging to an antiquated notion of decorum for no good reason?
Or are the vestiges of decorum the only thing holding together our tattered society.
(Overthinking as a form of procrastination...)
I flew through Atlanta this week and saw plenty of people wearing shorts.
I believe in being comfortable on planes. (I'm in my 60s, BTW.) I mean, I wouldn't wear pyjamas, but I certainly would not suffer out of some misguided sense that a dress code applies.
I don't find shorts comfortable, but if you do, go for it.
My experience with shorts on planes is that sometimes the seats are a leather type material, and my legs end up sticking to the seat which is uncomfortable and frankly a little gross, especially if I'm already hot. Longer shorts or a more careful arrangement could avoid this problem though!
Wear what makes sense for you. I love that your parents cared about this and taught you about dressing appropriately for situations. I wish more parents taught this!! That said, what is appropriate for an airplane has changed over time. Now, I think the goal is to dress comfortably, neatly and still maintain modesty. I'd much rather see a person dressed neatly in cargo shorts or something similar, than wander in looking like they are about to go clubbing or just wandered on the plane straight from bed.........
PS I hope you have a wonderful trip. We'll look forward to your trip report.
Do I hear Samuel L Jackson asking about this? SHORTS, ON A....
Only issue with wearing shorts on a plane is that you might get cold. It does happen.
Yes, on some flights, they keep the cabin temps cranked up too high (this is common on Asian airlines). I've experienced that more than a few times.
I've also been on flights where the cabin temps were frigid. On my last flight to Mexico (ironically, on Alaska Airlines) the cabin was absolutely freezing. An hour into the flight I was literally shivering in my seat and had to dig a fleece jacket out of my carry-on (and I'm built for cold, northern climates, so if I was shivering, it was really cold).
Additionally: If you are seated next to/near a door or emergency exit row, the seats nearby can be quite a bit colder than other seats just a row or two away. Makes you realize the air temperature outside is well below freezing at high altitudes!
Bottom line: There are no issues regarding shorts as appropriate (from a fashion standpoint). But for your own comfort, be sure you have at least a thin jacket or other warm layer in your carry on in case you get cold (because you might).
Yeah, what David said. I'm that Mom who tells their kids I'm feeling chilly; you go put a sweater on. Whether they need it or not. I can't remember ever being too hot on a plane, but have frequently been chilly. So regardless of the land temps, I wear long pants and if I have a short sleeve shirt on, I've got at least a lightweight sweater over it. If if I need more I've still got a pashmina in my underseat bag. If it's forecast to be hot at destination I'll have sandals and capris in my carry on. I'd rather be too warm and have to peel off a layer than too cold.
You going to be seated next to a stranger or only with family?
sometimes the seats are a leather type material
Andrea- Thank you! This could be the deciding factor, as both my domestic and international leg have vinyl seats! (And as a contemporary homophile with aspirations of stylishness, my shorts are all on the short side.
Also- I can't wear my compression socks with shorts. Well, I could, but wouldn't.
It's an interesting reminder of different experiences and perspectives—I have absolutely zero concern about being cold on the plane. Definitely understand that's a spectrum of which I occupy an extreme end.
Carol- Most of my trip will be visiting people more than places, but there will definitely be a touristic excursion or two. And I'm sure I'll return to the forums as an even more vocal advocate for Spain's under-appreciated capital city.
Joe32F - Seats on both my flights are neighborless solos
Social dressing expectations during travel are really low nowadays, reflecting the "who gives a ___" state of our society. If you are always warm on planes, you will be okay. Ask for a blanket as soon as you board - just in case. I am always cold on flights and bundle myself up, esp for sleep.
Gen-X here. Yes of course you can wear shorts on a plane. My 53 year-old husband wears chino style shorts as casual wear year round except on the coldest days in Portland. He usually wears a collared button down shirt (long or short sleeves) with the shorts. I always wear pants because I don’t want my skin touching the seat, but if that’s fine with you (as it is for my husband) then go for the shorts.
I would wear lightest pair of khaki pants very loose fitting and not really short shorts where your skin is touching and sticking to the seat. You can get a ringworm or skin infection like that.
I wouldn't have a problem if you're wearing shorts. I tend to wear my best clothes -- slacks, decent shirt, and maybe a sports jacket -- on the plane so i don't have to pack them. Then for that one or two nights we go some place nice I've got something to wear. And planes tend to be cooler than I like... But you do you, and it's okay with me!
I am reminded of the Curb Your Enthusiasm episode with Larry David on a plane seated next to a man with shorts. He did not think it was a good look.
Male or female? How short are the shorts? If you're female and you're showing butt cheeks, I'd say no. If you're male and something might escape, I'd say no.
Just trying for a little humor here.
sometimes the seats are a leather type material
And sometimes they're scratchy stuff that would annoy me after 9+ hours.
Fellow Gen X here, and I’m flying out Tuesday. I’d advise Eddie Bauer - type travel pants, light & comfortable. Best of luck on your trip!
I often find it to be quite cold on transatlantic flights (hot while you are sitting on the tarmac but cold once you get to cruising altitude.).
As a former airline employee...Yuck. Wear something that will cover your skin that's touching the seat.
I'm between 65 and 70. I've worn shorts for everything, everywhere, everyday for decades. But my good friend, who is also my travel agent, advised against shorts for the transatlantic flights, "You just never know what the cabin temp will be and you're going to stick to the seats. You can ask for a blanket, sure, but just wear some comfy pants." Next year, I might start with a pair of convertibles and see how it goes.
It's 90 degrees here. It's 90 degrees there
So will you be wearing shorts once you’ve reached “there?”
I’m older, and shorts while flying aren’t an option for me. But I’m continually surprised (although maybe shouldn’t be anymore) at the greater and greater lack of decorum in attire at airports, and on planes. More and more sweatshirts and baggy sweatpants, many torn and tattered, like cleaning rags, are being sported by people (mostly male). Shorts, on both males and females, are increasingly present, as well. But that’s true at the grocery store, too. While “dressing up” certainly isn’t a requirement for flying, “dressing down” isn’t savory. Dressing for temperature comfort, though, could be the deciding factor.
Just pack a pair of shorts in your carry-on and change into them upon arrival—depending on what time I arrive I often change my top to suit the day’s weather and activities, then I am ready for public transit and dropping my things at the hotel.
There are so many types of shorts—hiking, Bermuda, golf, running etc. I would stay away from super short shorts made of flimsy material like running shorts. You might freeze on the plane especially if it’s a long one. It seems anything goes on flights now so don’t worry about style, think about your comfort. At least take a fleece. On our last transatlantic flight the people wear shorts and tanks tops were bundled up in scarves and blankets by the time we landed.
I'm not saying that Christa changes on the plane, but , oh boy, those people who take 15 minutes in the plane restroom to change their clothes prior to landing when there is a line of people waiting to use the facilities are definitely on Santa's naughty list!
What about a knee length skirt instead of shorts? I always wear a knit skirt, and add leggings underneath because I get cold. You will be covered, you will have the comfort of shorts (probably even more comfortable) and not need to think about decorum. Skirts and dresses are generally cooler than shorts, in addition to looking like you put some thought into how you look. And, you may find you are treated better than those who dress like they don't care at all.
