Is Your Airport Outfit Slowing Your Circulation?

You Should Know: Leggings have become a staple travel outfit for many passengers, but the combo of stretchy and snug that makes them so comfortable isn’t actually a great quality, health-wise, when you’re at altitude. Long periods of sitting already slow your circulation and cause swelling, and tight clothing around the waist and ankles compounds the problem. In more serious cases, that reduced circulation can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis, where blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs.

Going Deeper: Why then are compression socks recommended to prevent this very problem on long flights? Medical-grade compression socks apply the most pressure at the ankle and gradually ease up the leg, which pushes blood back toward the heart. Leggings do the opposite, applying uniform pressure from ankle to waist, thereby impeding upward flow.

Takeaway: Loose pants in natural fabrics (since synthetics are more flammable during an inflight emergency) are your best bet for a long flight. And if you’re concerned about circulatory support, pair compression socks with a relaxed-fit bottom.