As Thanksgiving draws near, millions of Americans are preparing for the great travel rush to reunite with loved ones and partake in a feast of turkey and stuffing. With over 73 million people taking to the skies and roads, it’s shaping up to be quite the expedition. Of course, the news isn’t just about packed highways and bustling airports; there’s also the ever-controversial topic of dressing appropriately for travel. It seems that even during the holidays, the lines between comfort and respectability blur, as travelers choose between pajamas and proper outfits.
The debate in question revolves around whether people should dress nicely at airports. Some voices, particularly from older generations, lament the state of travel attire, longing for a return to an era marked by stylish dress and decorum. They argue that dressing well not only promotes individual pride but also encourages a wider culture of civility and respect. In decades past, travel was an event that called for one’s Sunday best, not a repeat of the sleepwear fashion show.
Critics of the relaxed airport wear note that the current choice of attire is reflective of broader societal trends. The notion that manners and respect are slipping away faster than a traveler hurrying for their boarding gate can feel painfully true when witnessing fellow passengers slumming it in slippers and sweatpants. It’s a step away from the era of luxurious journeys and the elegance associated with air travel in mid-20th-century advertisements. What happened to treating air travel as a special occasion—a notion that goes hand in hand with looking presentable?
For some, comfort is king. They argue that between strict security measures and cramped seating, the suit and tie of yesteryears have no place among our preferred stretchy fabrics. After all, who really wants to endure a long-haul flight trapped in a coat and tie, especially when our modern lifestyle has blessed us with the wonder of athleisure wear? Yet, there’s a compelling case to be made that maybe, just maybe, a little more effort in the wardrobe department could lead to better in-flight experiences for everyone.
Interestingly, a suggestion has emerged that improved personal presentation might incite a broader movement toward civility in travel. Maybe our outfits don’t have to return to full glamour, but there must be a middle ground. Something between cocktail attire and the sleepwear many now opt for would be ideal. A tidy, comfortable, yet smartly chosen ensemble could be the key—an olive branch extended toward decency and decorum in the increasingly chaotic skies. After all, there is wisdom in the saying that a smile is the best accessory, and a touch of polish never hurt anyone.
