Fly Right

It’s time to upgrade your travel wardrobe

December 23, 2005—There were few surprises on my hassle-plagued trip home for Christmas this week—the flight was delayed, the food was lousy, and the movie was worse. But I was struck by one thing: how well-dressed everyone in the departures terminal was. There wasn't a single pair of rubber flip-flops or an overtaxed Juicy tracksuit in sight. Then I realized why: I was leaving from a gate in the international area, and there were no other Americans around.

Which got me thinking: If Europeans can dress up when they fly, why can’t my countrymen? When did we decide it was okay to turn an airplane cabin into a pajama party? Yes, I realize you're just trying to get through security without being wanded, and yes, I know you're excited about Señor Frogs, but let's wait till we get there to put on the "Eat the Worm!" T-shirt.

That enchanting casual look wasn’t always the norm, of course. Flying used to be an extravagance, and people dressed accordingly. Airline ads from the fifties all seem to feature a veritable harem of stewardesses doting on a single, seriously dapper fella who had a lot more in common with Dean or Frank than the half-wasted guy in the "Party Naked-Cabo!" tank top over in 10-C. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't long for the days when only rich people could afford to fly; I long for the days when people of all income levels put in a bit more effort when they did. Today it’s the ones with money who are the worst offenders: As often as not, that sloppy girl in the sweats and baseball cap also happens to be toting a Vuitton bag. And the dude in 10-C? Successful hedge-fund manager. And don’t get me started on the Brads and Keanus.

Yet I maintain hope. After so many years of sartorial sloth, the style pendulum's bound to swing back, and the men.style.com reader is poised to help. As you travel over Christmas or New Year's, break out the Barker Blacks, don't be shy about sporting your tweed blazer, and know that you don't have to return that hedge-fund manager's high-five. And, if you're in the New York area, try to fly out of JFK.