Comfy dress vs Acceptable dress

[Forg]

So I’ve got a not-for-work trip to the UK in a couple of months, and I’m not the frequent traveller in the family; my wife is. Thing is, she can get away with wearing the right type of trackie-dacks & she doesn’t look like a slob, whereas if I try the same I look either like a character from Acropolis Now or a wannabe bikie-gang member doing collections in Bankstown.

Jeans aren’t too bad ... but jeans aren’t as comfy as a pair of shorts or tracksuit pants (which I usually wouldn’t wear in public!), if you’re plonked in a seat for 24 hours.

How do others approach this conundrum? Wear shorts & weather what I assume to be the barrage of scorn? Are there tracksuit pants a male can wear without looking like a slob?

I’ve got an extremely American pair of cargo pants which convert to shorts via some hidden zippers ... would frequent-flyer regulars throw someone wearing shorts on a ‘plane out the door?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

So I’ve got a not-for-work trip to the UK in a couple of months, and I’m not the frequent traveller in the family; my wife is. Thing is, she can get away with wearing the right type of trackie-dacks & she doesn’t look like a slob, whereas if I try the same I look either like a character from Acropolis Now or a wannabe bikie-gang member doing collections in Bankstown.

Jeans aren’t too bad ... but jeans aren’t as comfy as a pair of shorts or tracksuit pants (which I usually wouldn’t wear in public!), if you’re plonked in a seat for 24 hours.

How do others approach this conundrum? Wear shorts & weather what I assume to be the barrage of scorn? Are there tracksuit pants a male can wear without looking like a slob?

I’ve got an extremely American pair of cargo pants which convert to shorts via some hidden zippers ... would frequent-flyer regulars throw someone wearing shorts on a ‘plane out the door?

The easiest solution to this is to have both! Wear your jeans right to your seat on the plane. Have a pair of trackie dacks or shorts in your hand luggage you wear in-flight. If you're worried about space - just buy a cheap pair of whatever you want at K-Mark and you can ditch them before landing in the UK.

 

[Forg]

So, MEL_Traveller, you’re not offended by seeing people moving around the cabin dressed in “whatever”?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

So, MEL_Traveller, you’re not offended by seeing people moving around the cabin dressed in “whatever”?

No! It's perfectly acceptable for long-haul travel to wear comfortable clothing, and shorts/trackie dacks fit into that category (that being said I don't know if I'd wear those ultra-short running shorts on the plane ) Everyone in first and business class is wearing airline issued PJs - those are pretty much a baggy jumpsuit made from thin cheap material. (Actually, if you know anyone with a spare pair of airline PJ pants they take zero room in your bag and weight nothing.)

 

[Forg]

My better half has a variety of airline PJ’s she could lend me ... they’re all different airlines to the one we’re flying, but I guess the pants are un-branded so nobody will ever know.

 

[Austman]

I guess the pants are un-branded so nobody will ever know.

Or would care.

I've worn Qantas PJs (with a big kangaroo logo) on Singapore Airlines (who infamously don't supply them) in J-class. No problems.

 

[Daver6]

I wouldn't even worry about wearing a different airline's PJs. I've done it many a time and I'm sure others have as well.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

My better half has a variety of airline PJ’s she could lend me ... they’re all different airlines to the one we’re flying, but I guess the pants are un-branded so nobody will ever know.

Even if they're branded it won't matter. On airlines that don't offer PJs it's routine to see passengers wearing ones from other airlines.

Just be comfortable. The only people who'll notice are those envious they didn't do the same as you!

 

[dajop]

I find the main thing (assuming you are a guy) that whatever you wear doesn’t leave your “junk” more or less on full display for others to see !

I prefer shorts as if it’s cabin temperature is warm it’s better and if it’s cold can use the blanket (i am a hot sleeper). Usually will change into jeans/pants before landing if going somewhere cool (or vice versa after takeoff if coming home from somewhere cool)

Also nothing wrong with tracksuits or loose fitting pjs. Not sure which cabin you're in but I actually see very few people wearing PJs even on overnights in the economy cabin. I guess the proximity to other travellers may mean it is considered less socially acceptable. Plus the higher passenger:toilet ratio!

If wanting something presentable I’ve found that a nice fitting pair of flat front chinos much more comfortable than jeans, I’ve come straight from work to airport for overnighters a few times and that’s when i discovered (the chinos I have) are actually quite comfortable on long flights.

 

[RB]

I would be going the comfort path & have no worries about the others in the cabin
Not sure if you get away with these in First class though
Aldi, please don't let these sleeping bag onesies be an April Fools' Day joke

 

[TomVexille]

I agree, jeans/chinos in the airport, trackies/airline PJs onboard

 

[Denali]

My husband will wear either jeans and a polo shirt or long cargo shorts (King Gee long tradie shorts as they have a tailored look) and polo shirt for check in, lounge and boarding. Shoes are usually boots.

Once on the plane, he changes into his PJs and goes for comfy.

Dont forget a pair of throw away spa slippers (ebay is your friend) for walking/toilet breaks and toss them in the bin when you go back into shoes.

 

[Denali]

Re the onsies - best gate boarding Ive seen was a huge group of All Black supporters for their UK flight and every one of them was wearing AB onsies, at the gate. Looked great.

 

[JohnK]

Personally I would wear something nice and still feel comfortable.

Trackie daks should be fine for the living room at home. I don't think I have ever seen anyone wear pyjamas in economy and I try to avoid airlines where people wear pyjamas in business.

 

[JK1964]

Something stylish but not pretentious to board. Once airborne shoes are off and confy shorts are on. Sorry but I do wear the short running shorts, even in business, so much more comfortable to sleep in. I find the
PJ’s a bit pretentious and don’t wear them. Don’t really care what others think about what I wear, and so far have had no bad feedback.

 

[Himeno]

Or would care.

I've worn Qantas PJs (with a big kangaroo logo) on Singapore Airlines (who infamously don't supply them) in J-class. No problems.

I've seen people wearing Qantas PJs while shopping at Woolworths.

 

[Forg]

I've seen people wearing Qantas PJs while shopping at Woolworths.

Well ... for those of us who can usually only dream of J, I guess it’s a status symbol?

 

[Milboo]

I don’t wear the PJs provided in business as I don’t like the cut.

I wear my travelling outfit on to the plane and then once the seatbelt sign goes off I change into a black t shirt and soft cotton pants (like yoga pants or wide leg ones). Shoes are off but use hotel slippers for bathroom trips. Change back shortly before descent.

I don’t actually pay attention to what others are wearing or not wearing - including provided PJs.

I have the same routine if I’m in economy or PE too. I’m all about my comfort - not what others may think of my attire!

 

[oz_mark]

Well, if you want some inspiration for airport wear: Menswear picks: get off to a flying start with your holiday wardrobe – in pictures

 

[serfty]

I wear PJs in long haul no matter what the class of cabin.

In economy, I generally use a pair of charcoal grey SQ First PJs from last decade.

Changing as soon a seat belt sign goes off and changing back after the "breakfast" service.