When looking back at old airplane ads and magazine covers what stands out most is the clothes. Why did anyone ever fly a Piper J–3 Cub in a shirt and tie? The pendulum of today’s fashion has swung the opposite direction, with workout clothes ubiquitous in nearly every setting, and pajamas apparently acceptable at Walmart.
I’m not going to say that flying deserves a certain level of style, but it does deserve today’s best performance clothing. In case you haven’t noticed, cockpits are almost always small, hot in the summer, and cold in the winter.
So, while let’s not bring back the shirt and tie, you can kick it up a notch and indulge in the golden age of purpose-made performance clothing. In every layer, from undergarments to anoraks, you can find clothes that adapt to your body temperature, keeping you warm and dry in cool weather, and cool and dry in warm weather. Accessories such as cooling vests and electrically heated clothes add temperature-regulating power to make even the most extreme environments comfortable.
Best of all, many of these clothes are wrinkle-free, can be washed in the sink while you’re on the road, fold down small to fit in luggage, and are fashionable enough for the nicest place you’ll want to eat after a day of flying.
Feetures Elite socks
Traveler’s lesson number one: bring a change of socks. Nothing will energize you more on a long day than a fresh pair of good socks. You’ll have to spend a little, but you’ll get a lot when you invest in any of the hot brands such as Bombas. I like Feetures Elite socks, which are designed for your right and left feet; they feature targeted compression in an anatomical design. Simply look for the small R or L embroidered on the inside of the sock. iWick fabric keeps your feet cool and dry. —Julie Summers Walker
$18 with a lifetime guarantee, feetures.com
Kuhl Revolvr pant
I have never mastered the art of effortless dressing—that ability to look pulled together for even the most challenging of events after a trans-Atlantic overnight flight. A wedding in Uganda, for example, after said flight. Director of Photography Chris Rose, though, is a master. One reason is the right fabrics, which he found in the Kuhl Revolvr pant, aptly advertised as “trail-tough to restaurant-ready.” Breathable, durable cotton that even offers sun-protection, these slacks (my father always called them slacks) take you from the airplane to the office in style. —JSW
$109 in eight colors | kuhl.com
AOPA Columbia PFG shirt
Despite my enjoyment of the outdoors, the sun and I do not get along well. In addition to sunscreen and hats, I’ve put shirts with UV protection into my wardrobe. This AOPA-branded Columbia PFG shirt offers UV protection and breathability. Breast pockets provide storage and easy access for items. In addition to the protection from the sun, the shirt wicks moisture, making it a comfortable wear even in humid environments. And unlike sunscreen, I don’t need to remember to reapply. —Collin Callahan
$78 | pilotgear.aopa.org
Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap
A hat is only useful if you have it with you, and with Outdoor Research’s Radar Pocket Cap there’s no reason to ever be without a good lid. A seam down the foldable bill and light moisture-wicking nylon material make the stylish hat easy to shove in everything from a flight bag to a pocket. The seamless (and button-less) top make it a perfect choice for pilots who wear headsets. With seven color options there’s one for every outfit. —IJT
$34 | outdoorresearch.com
ActionHeat half-zip battery heated pullover
Winter flying in Chicago gets cold. I needed to stay warm preflighting my airplane in temperatures as low as minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit, and ActionHeat’s battery powered pullover is my go-to garment. I can wear a normal shirt underneath the pullover and a light winter jacket on top to achieve ideal cold-weather layering. The pullover’s rechargeable 5-volt battery lasts more than 4.5 hours on low—all I need while in the airplane. When the temps are above freezing, I wear the pullover without an additional jacket, am warm, and look stylish. —Kollin Stagnito
$179.99 | actionheat.com
Pro Tip Sunscreen
Did you know that airline cabin crew have a much higher incidence of skin cancer than the average population? And while GA pilots don’t fly nearly as high or with the same frequency, protecting your skin from harmful rays is always a good idea. I prefer to use gel sunscreens like Supergoop when I fly for a few reasons: they offer great sun protection; your skin absorbs gel easily with no ghostly sheen; and gels don’t leave any gunky white residue on your hands after application that can then get all over the yoke/avionics/headsets/sunglasses. —Alicia Herron
$22 to $76 in four sizes | supergoop.com
