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How to Dress Stylishly for Your TSA Pat Down
Which of these outfits are from the TSA style book? (Photo by Lucyrk in LA via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
Which of these outfits are from the TSA style book? (Photo by Lucyrk in LA via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
Someone get Stacy London and Clinton Kelly on the line, stat. American travelers are facing a fashion emergency! Once upon a time, in the boom of the jet set 1960s, airline passengers and flight attendants dressed to the nines, dolling up for their time in the skies. Now we dress for comfort, opting for sweatsuits and casual wear. The TSA's new search procedures, however, are forcing passengers to rethink their style, according to an AP report published in the New York Times. If you set off the metal detectors, you're headed for more screening.
Some passengers going in and out of LAX are already fashioning their airplane outfits to make sure they don't raise suspicions. Bulky sweaters, long and loose-fitting skirts, and baggy clothes in general mean TSA officers don't know what you're hiding (besides that underwire bra, ladies, that will set off the buzzer).
What should you wear for your flight?
One LA-bound passenger says she follows "the Disneyland rule," as in "dress like you're going to Disneyland." Another LAX passenger endorses her style plan of tight jeans, a close-fitting sweater, and slip-on boots (oh dear, could they be Uggs?). Be prepared to remove layers, like your jacket, and to slip off your shoes.
Of course, if you do worry about folks seeing your junk, you can purchase some "TSA proof" undies, created by a man in Denver, who says the items keep your privates private thanks to a strategically placed fig leaf. Just leave your metal-studded boxer shorts at home.
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