• Opt for natural fibers such as cotton and wool.
• Avoid synthetic materials such as nylon stockings that can shrink
rapidly and melt upon heat exposure.
On November 4, 1993, a China Airlines flight overshot the runway
and ended up in the sea when landing at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport.
The cabin crew complained that their uniforms, consisting of long, tight
skirts, severely hindered their ability to evacuate quickly. 56
Additionally, the Civil Aviation Administration website reminds
flight crew and passengers to wear appropriate attire during air travel
(italics added for emphasis): 57
To avoid wrinkling clothes during long flights, many passengers
often choose to wear apparel made of synthetic blended fibers.
These materials can easily ignite, shrink, and melt; also, they may
continue to burn even after being removed from the heat source.
Therefore, passengers’ choice of attire has a considerable effect on
their safety in emergencies. For example, when using evacuation
slides, the friction generated between passenger stockings and the
slide can cause the material to melt and burn, potentially leading
to injuries.
Therefore, in the event of an emergency evacuation or fire, wearing
natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or leather offers passengers the
best protection. Exposing large areas of the body, wearing short
skirts, or wearing overly tight apparel that may hinder mobility
should be avoided. The best way to prevent foot injuries in
accidents or emergencies is to wear proper footwear because
56
Cabin Safety Update, Vol.5, n.6, 1999, published by the Write Partnership. Quoted
from: K.M., Wan (November 2013). “To be Powerful or Beautiful: A Discussion of
Female Cabin Crew Uniforms Based on the Asiana Airlines Accident.” Flight
Safety Quarterly, p. 14.
57
Civil Aviation Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications
(December 5, 2018). “What is the Appropriate Way to Dress when Traveling on a
Plane?” (https://www.caa.gov.tw/Article.aspx?a=401&lang=1)
68