Cabin crew uniforms are very important to airlines as they are a significant part of the brand. Whatever the cabin crew are wearing reflects the company values, and they are the brand ambassadors. The uniform is often attractive and a desired part of the cabin crew role. However, there is a long list of uniform standards to follow and many strict guidelines, as well as a few surprises.

1 Designers

Many airlines have famous fashion designers create their uniforms. Vivienne Westwood designed the iconic Virgin Atlantic uniform and British Airways has just released its new uniform designed by Ozwald Boateng. Designers like to work with airlines and create an individual standout look that will represent them for many years to come.

2 Trials

A new uniform design has to be thoroughly tested for months before finally being produced. The cabin crew role requires a lot of movement so it has to be sturdy yet flexible. Crew has to be able to wear it comfortably in different climates, as airline staff is often based worldwide or constantly traveling.

Often, designers observe cabin crew at work as a first step. Later, cabin crew will trial the uniform in secret to make sure it's practical as well as stylish.

Virgin atlantic cabin crew walking in front of an aircraft.
Photo: Virgin Atlantic

3 Heels

Most airlines have strict rules on the height of shoe heels. As it is part of the uniform and not always provided, shoes should all look very similar. For women's shoes, it is often specified that 'ground shoes' have heels of between 1.5 and 2 inches. 'Cabin shoes' should be almost flat with a maximum of 1/2 inch heel.

4 Jewelry

The use of jewelry is very restricted, partly for safety but mostly for appearance. Airlines usually only allow one set of earrings and no other piercings (although some carriers are changing this rule.) No bracelets or neck chains are allowed as they could get caught whilst operating the door, for example. Usually, only one ring is permitted.

Emirates cabin crew
Photo: Emirates

5 Ties

The tie or cravat is often part of the uniform. For safety reasons, these are easy to release and not as structured as they look. Ties have elastic fastenings or are clip-on and cravats have Velcro attachments. This is so that if a disruptive passenger tries to pull at the tie or cravat it is easily released, without injury to the crew member.

6 Fitting

Cabin crew uniforms are personally fitted to the individual during the training period. This will make sure that the uniform looks perfect. Uniforms are not replaced if a crew member gains or loses weight and have to last a number of years.

7 Hats

When hats are worn, airlines have very specific guidelines. This might be something like, "the hat has to sit two inches above the right eyebrow at its highest point."

Four Aer Lingus cabin crew members walking together near an aircraft.
Photo: Aer Lingus

8 Lipstick

With cosmetics, again there are very special rules and colors are standardized. Some airlines will even specify a preferred brand and the exact color name that cabin crew have to wear.

9 Nails

Nail colors are also restricted and often only red or a French manicure is allowed. Some airlines now also allow all genders to wear cosmetics and nail colors, in changes that have taken place over recent years.

Discover more aviation news.

10 Watches

The style of the watch must be very classic and discreet. It is also an absolute must - every cabin crew member has to wear a watch. This is mostly for recording times during any incident that may occur onboard and for use during any first aid treatment or any time they have to make a report.