Why do we feel tighter in our clothes on airplanes?

Why do our clothes seem tighter on the plane? It’s not just a false impression, but a physical phenomenon.

Imagine yourself at 10,000 meters altitude, your feet securely under the seat, sipping a soda while watching a movie or reading a book. Suddenly, your jeans, which felt comfortable before boarding, feel as tight as a girdle! It’s not related to what you had for dinner the night before or your size magically doubling in the clouds: it’s science at work.

Inside a plane, the air is pressurized to allow us to breathe properly, but this pressure is much lower than at sea level. It’s akin to what you would feel at a summit of 2,000 or 2,500 meters altitude. In these conditions, the invisible forces that compress us are less powerful. This is also evident with shoes that suddenly seem to have laces that are too tight. It is even recommended to remove your shoes to aid blood circulation.

The same goes for the gases in our bodies (like those in the digestive system…) that expand, causing bloating. Thus, your stomach, which was calm before takeoff, takes up a bit more space – which explains why the button on your pants seems suddenly very close.

A smaller bladder?

Moreover, with cabin humidity at only 10 to 20% (compared to 30-60% on the ground), our bodies dehydrate quickly. This can cause a feeling of bloating and an increased need to drink… and thus to go to the bathroom! On average, passengers visit the lavatory 2 to 3 times more often than on the ground. This isn’t just an illusion: the low humidity, combined with the constant airflow, irritates the bladder and accelerates the urge for a “break.”

Finally, for those who enjoy their little treats on board, beware: candies and sodas exacerbate bloating. The next time you fly, opt for loose-fitting clothes, stay hydrated, and be ready to stroll down the aisle for a quick visit to the restroom.

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