As a magazine dedicated to the pursuit of living your life exactly as you want it, we must stress that this isn't about being uncomfortable. After all, a two-piece suit isn't going to work for a long-haul flight. But there's a reason that some airlines give you pyjamas to change into; it's based on the assumption that you arrived wearing something more appropriate.
We can all agree that travelling isn't as pleasant as it used to be, unless you're travelling in the very upper cabins of the best airlines. If you're flying to Italy with Easyjet, the experience comprises queues, a zig-zag through duty-free, and sustenance from a chain that's doubled its prices for the captive audience. And on board, you can look forward to eating everything out of some single-use plastic. But, just because private equity ownership has let travel standards slip doesn't mean you should respond by lowering yours.
In 2012, researchers Hajo Adam and Adam D. Galinsky discovered that people paid more attention and took greater care over tasks when they wore scientists' white lab coats. By wearing a tracksuit or pyjamas for the journey to the airport, you've already lost the battle (with yourself) to make travelling a more refined experience.
This is a distinctly British and American phenomenon. If anyone argues that this is perfectly acceptable, just ask them if they can imagine anyone French or Japanese wearing pyjamas to the airport.
We would argue that a tracksuit is not much better. And ever since Covid, there's been an explosion of smart-looking trousers that happen to have an elasticated waist. Pair those with a good t-shirt, and you won't feel any less comfortable, but you might get a better reception at the airport lounge. Greater travel begins with ourselves.
Part of Paperweight's 'Greater Things' series; #1001 ways to live your life greater. Get it delivered to your inbox every week with Sunday Paperweight when you subscribe for free.
