Flight attendant uniforms are essential to airlines as they are a face and an important part of their brand. In addition, uniforms are often attractive and desirable when choosing a profession. Airlines have many strict recommendations, including unexpected ones.
Fashion designers
Many airlines hire well-known fashion designers to design their uniforms. Vivienne Westwood designed Virgin Atlantic’s iconic uniform and British Airways recently released its new uniform designed by Ozwald Boateng. Designers love working with airlines and creating personalized, eye-catching looks that will represent them for years to come.
Testing
Uniforms in new designs must be thoroughly tested for several months before a decision is made to put them into production. The flight attendant moves a lot, so the suit must be durable and at the same time elastic. It should be comfortable to wear in any climate, as airline employees often find themselves in different parts of the world and constantly travel.
Heels
Most airlines have strict heel height guidelines. Since this is part of the uniform, all shoes should look very similar. As for women’s shoes, the parameters in most cases are as follows: “ground” shoes can have a heel of 4 to 5 centimeters, and flying shoes should be almost flat, with a heel no more than 1 centimeter.
Decorations
The use of jewelry is very limited. Partly for security reasons, but mostly for looks. Airlines usually allow only one set of earrings to be worn. But piercing on open body parts is strictly prohibited, although some carriers have indulged in this matter in recent months. Bracelets and chains around the neck are not allowed, as they can get caught, for example, when opening the door. Usually, only one ring is allowed.
Ties and handkerchiefs
A tie or neckerchief is often part of the uniform. For security reasons, they can be easily removed – they have elastic fasteners, and fasten with clips or Velcro. This is to ensure that if the brawler tries to pull on the tie, he will simply slide off without harming the crew member.
Fitting
Flight attendant uniforms are selected individually for each person during the training period. This allows you to ensure that the suit fits perfectly. The uniform is not replaced if a crew member gains or loses weight, and it should last for several years.
Hats
Airlines have very specific guidelines for wearing hats. It could be something like: “The cap should be located 5 centimeters above the right eyebrow at the highest point.”
Lipstick
With cosmetics, again, there are very special rules, and colors are standardized. Some airlines even list their preferred brand and the exact color number that the flight attendant must use.
Manicure
Nail polish colors are also limited, and often only red or French manicures are allowed. Some airlines are now allowing all genders to use cosmetics and paint their nails, in line with changes that have taken place in recent years.
Watch
The style of the watch should be very classic and restrained. Watches are an absolute must, every crew member is required to wear them at work. First of all, to record the time of any incident that may occur on board, as well as during first aid or when compiling a report.