The new rules that are redefining how to dress for the planes

An elasticated waistband, fleece lining, a roomy silhouette... once you're in a pair of tracksuit bottoms, it can be quite difficult to get out.

- Lydia Spencer-Elliott, The Independent

Sean Duffy

It starts with wearing them around the house. Then you've got them on in the supermarket. Suddenly, you can't remember the last time you wore something with actual buttons. Notably, during the pandemic, our heels, handbags and blazers were all firmly furloughed in favour of pyjamas, tracksuits and leggings. Since lockdown lifted, officewear is still yet to return to its pre-Covid heights. The same can be said for airport fashion, where terminal outfits range from stylish athleisure to thinly disguised pyjamas.

Last month, one man decided enough was enough. “Things aren't what they used to be,” declared US Transportation Secretary Sean P Duffy in a video advert for a new campaign demanding decorum in the airspace. “Let's bring civility and manners back,” he preached to viewers following a montage of social media videos showing passengers putting their bare feet on seats, starting fights on planes and other unruly behaviour. “Ask yourself, are you helping a pregnant woman put her bag in the overhead bin? Are you dressing with respect?” he questioned. Well, come on, you lycra-clad reprobate, are you? Duffy demands to know!