Dressed to fly

Thanks to security concerns, many air travellers prefer to dress down. Designer suits, creased trousers, chiffon dresses and dainty pearls are on their way out.

Passengers at some of the busiest airports look a little different than if they were shopping at a mall.

Their increasingly casual wardrobe of T-shirts and shorts has eclipsed any remnants of the golden era of travel, that time before airline deregulation led to cheap tickets, when dressing for the airport meant dressing up.

A closer look would reveal that many travellers are even less well dressed than if they were at the mall.

Savvy passengers have discerned the subtleties of passing hassle-free through the checkpoints.

Chic at the airport this summer means no lace-up dress shoes, no belts, no heavy-metal jewellery, no jackets required.

So, what is an average air traveller's dress code like today? Friday talks to a few Dubai residents on their preferences.

Mike Brighton
60, British

• Job: senior vice-president, Global Investment House, Dubai
• Frequency of travel: Once a month.

Brighton is a conservative dresser more comfortable in a business suit than in jeans and trainers.

Ebbonie Martins
43, Filipina

• Job: finance and administration manager, Porsche Middle East & Africa
• Frequency of travel: Three to four times a year.

"Comfort during travel is very important. I used to wear suits before, but now I don't. Instead, I wear trousers and comfortable footwear [medium-heeled sandals]. I carry a jacket in case I need to smarten my look."

"The one time I dressed down, my luggage which had my suit, was delayed! I'm more inclined towards formal attire."

Peter Barsoumian
40, Cypriot

• Job: Regional account director, Team Y&R, Dubai
• Frequency of travel: Twice a month to the Middle East, Europe or North America.

Barsoumian is the kind of traveller who prefers to travel light and in comfort.

"Casual attire translates as linen trousers and loafers. I wear a jacket only if I am travelling to a cold country.

My business jacket is on-board along with my cabin baggage."

Zeina El-Hakam
23, Lebanese

• Job: account executive, Admedia LLC, Dubai
• Frequency of travel: Two-three times a year.

Though El-Hakam's choice of clothing depends on the length of the flight, she prefers baggy pants or corduroys and comfortable footwear.

"In Beirut, women dress smartly and wear high heels, but lately I've noticed them in jeans, sweatshirts and trainers," she says. "This dressing-down trend can be attributed to more affordable airfares."