While some individuals view air travel as an opportunity to wear their most comfortable attire, others prefer to dress stylishly. Both choices are valid depending on your departure point, destination, and personal travel style. However, there is one crucial consideration for everyone: your choice of underwear. It’s advisable to avoid synthetic underwear and shapewear during flights. Instead, pack them in your carry-on to change into after you land.
If you already avoid synthetic fabrics, you’re making a healthy choice for your body. This practice not only reduces the risk of infections that can result from prolonged wear of non-breathable underwear but also minimizes the chance of injury during a potential in-flight emergency.
Underwear made of natural fabrics is best
When preparing for a flight, especially a long one, consider your body’s needs. “Generally speaking, the best fabrics for underwear are natural fabrics like cotton,” says Dr. Andrea Braden, a board-certified OB-GYN, in an interview with HuffPost. “It really has to do with the breathability of that fabric… It is important for vulvar health to have good air circulation.”
Even with occasional stretching, most of your flight will be spent seated, watching movies or reading for hours. To prevent issues like yeast infections from prolonged sitting, you might even consider skipping underwear altogether. If you have an event immediately after landing and prefer shapewear for confidence, change into it after your flight in the bathroom.
Underwear made of synthetic fabrics is flammable
If you’re not prone to yeast infections and prefer snug-fitting garments, consider this: synthetic fabrics are highly flammable. In case of a fire, melting fabric can become hot and sticky, potentially causing burns to your skin. While burns are generally undesirable, no one wants burns in sensitive areas.
Ultimately, your choice of undergarment for air travel is personal. Not every long flight in synthetic underwear will lead to infections, and in-flight incidents are rare. However, considering “what if” scenarios isn’t a bad idea. (Here are some other underwear mistakes you might not be aware of.)
