53 Comments
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ET's avatar

1000% yes!!! I have been doing it for years to no ill effect other than more packing space lol. For the haters - maybe consider the jeans as just a full leg compression sock??

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

haha exaaaactly if anything it’s just good for your health…

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Eleanor's avatar

Wow yes that must be why I enjoy wearing jeans more than most other pants! I like the full body compression…

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Jaclyn's avatar

Absolutely not on the jeans but the longchamp tote IS the move. And the smaller bags inside! This is exactly how I pack as a frequent traveler as well. I will add that the theory behind the jeans is completely valid - I too wear bulky but comfortable items on the plane to save carry on bag space! So overall I endorse this messaging, if not the literal jeans.

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

tote twins <3 what space-saving pants/bottoms do you wear on the plane?

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Sandy Sanchez's avatar

Some of the comfiest pants I own are literally just loose 100% cotton jeans!! Love this 👖

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

yes same! basically pajamas at this point

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Heather's avatar

I am currently at the airport in my favorite pair of travel jeans - straight leg, mid rise Favorite Daughter that has a nice amount of stretch. I always travel in these. My issue with loose or wide leg jeans (or any loose or wide leg pant) while traveling is the idea of the cuff of them grazing the bathroom floor on the plane or in the airport bathroom. Maybe a bit strange, I know, but I just don’t want my pants touching that floor! So I choose something that stays above my shoe if the need to use the ladies room arises.

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Ally's avatar
Nov 23Edited

Gross airport/plant bathrooms are the exact reason I wear joggers (Vuori or lululemon) on planes! Airplane bathroom floors are always wet and I don’t want the bottom of my pants touching and absorbing that mystery liquid!

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

totally understand! a good tip to keep in mind if you’re worried about any grazing!

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Sheila (of Ephemera)'s avatar

I rarely travel with pants (Skirt Woman, reporting for duty!) but I support your jeans, Mac! I also swear by a giant tissue-thin cashmere pashmina, which functions as scarf, pillow and blanket.💕 Congrats on being published!!

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

thanks sheila! cashmere pashmina is such a great plane accessory

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Julie's avatar

The other reason (at least for us older folks) to wear jeans on the plane is that they hide compression socks better. Compression socks with leggings often result in a visible line and look bulky.

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

great point too! my partner is religious about compression socks and they def work easier under wider leg pants

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Kat's avatar

I always wear jeans on the plane! Loose cotton 501s. White drapey button up, cardigan, trench over top.my worn to death black cowboy boots!😃

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

yes! perfect plane outfit

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Alex's avatar

We have the same exact travel uniform!! As a certified expert light packer, it is THE way. The only reason I’ve ever not worn jeans on a flight is if I’m en route to a tropical destination and not bringing jeans at all

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

love!!! honestly even if i'm heading somewhere tropical sometimes i still wear jeans bc they're so comfy lol

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Kendall Flavin's avatar

I've never felt so seen and validated.

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

to be loved is to be seen (in your plane jeans)

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Lydia-Renee Darling's avatar

big proponent of overalls on planes over here. so. many. pockets.

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

oh you’re living in 2050…

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Lydia-Renee Darling's avatar

listen, I’ve been on too many 12+ flights across the pond to not have my emotional support items in a big ass chest pocket 💅🏽 i believe in innovation

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

I actually don’t even own long overalls (just shortalls) and this has now made my search for them so much more pressing

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Kennedy Carver's avatar

I literally subscribed to your substack way back when *because* i came across your london dispatch and in it you said something about you always travel in jeans and I was like hell yeah bc same. So 🗣️🗣️🗣️

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

I am so glad I know this now and we need to start an organization

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Tamara's avatar

All the yes with one addition: put your belt into the toteducken (word entering my vocabulary immediately) and put it on when you’re on the OTHER side of the line!! I have exactly the strategy but my longchamp is a dull color and now I want your bright one lol

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

I don’t usually wear a belt myself to the airport but I LOVE this strategy !! so incredibly efficient

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Alanna's avatar

I am Team Jeans forever and ever! Thank you for this post and making me feel like I'm not alone, adrift in a sea of matching sweatsuits.

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

“adrift in a sea of matching sweatsuits” could be a horror movie lmao

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Indi Hope Eleanor's avatar

100% agree on the jeans!! They take up too much space !!

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

like half the carry-on !

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Eleanor's avatar

Toteducken lol

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

sartorial alternative for this thursday lol

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Katy Gaines's avatar

You’re brave for this one. And I’m on your side, thanks for speaking up for us. Will report back after my vintage Orange tab Levi’s and I go home for Christmas (Oslo ➡️ LA)

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MacKinley Jade's avatar

oh please do!! that’s a great day for testing. hope the travel goes smoothly!

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