Uniforms too tight, skirts too short? The secrets behind flight attendants' glamorous uniforms

By Rita

Flight attendant – a dream job for many girls. From miniskirts to bodycon dresses, today’s cabin crew uniforms are mostly designed by top global designers and look incredibly stylish. But do such outfits contribute to flight safety? Many cabin crew wear their uniforms during training to ensure they can perform their duties even in high heels and short skirts during emergencies. Some crew members also report that overly revealing uniforms attract harassment. These are serious issues, but worth pondering for all travel enthusiasts. Here’s an insightinto the lesser-known stories of female flight attendants’ attire..

Singapore Airlines
Wearing a sarong-style uniform is a far cry from donning traditional dress. For over a decade, flight attendants have been a global marketing tool for Singapore Airlines. A 1972 advertisement even drew criticism for sexism. Former flight attendant Paddock said she loved the design of the uniform, but noted that sarongs pose significant safety risks during necessary emergency evacuations.

▲Singapore Airlines crew (Image /Singapore Airlines fan page)

Skymark Airlines
The mini skirt uniform unveiled by this Tokyo-based airline in 2014 caused quite a stir. The Japanese Flight Attendants’ Union criticized the bold style, saying it was highly impractical for flight attendants performing their duties. Crew members also reported that the outfits led to harassment and even people taking photos up their skirts.

▲Skymark Airlines crew (Image /THE JAPAN TIMES)

Lufthansa
Lufthansa flight attendants wear traditional Bavarian attire, featuring the airline’s corporate colors – yellow, blue, and white. The outfit made its debut on long-haul flights from Munich to Beijing, São Paulo, and Mexico last year. Male flight attendants wear traditional lederhosen paired with Alpine jackets, vests, and ties.

▲Lufthansa crew (Image /http://www.mediterraneanews.com/)

Virgin Atlantic
The bright red uniform, designed by renowned designer Vivienne Westwood, looks fashionable, but crew members have complained that the clothes are too tight, the shoes give them blisters, and the collar scratches their necks until they bleed.

▲Virgin Atlantic crew (Image /http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/)

British Airways
Sources revealed that British Airways mandates new flight attendants to wear skirts, sparking huge criticism. Some disgruntled employees took the issue to the union, while BA claimed that wearing skirts was part of the team concept and was clearly stated in the contract. Former flight attendant Paddock said that most airlines actually offer skirts, suits, and trousers for crew to choose from.

▲British Airways crew (Image /http://www.britishairways.com/)

Cathay Pacific
While some flight attendants complain that the uniforms are unattractive or cause allergies, others say they’re too revealing. Last May, representatives from the Cathay Pacific union told management they had received complaints that “the flight attendant uniforms are too sexy,” and called for improvements: “The tops are too tight and short – bending over reveals the entire waist.”

▲Cathay Pacific crew (Image /http://www.cathaypacific.com/)

Etihad Airways
To welcome the new Airbus A380, Etihad Airways recently introduced new uniforms. Although trousers are an option, the company mandates that female flight attendants wear skirts to highlight feminine elements. A spokesperson said the demand for trousers is “very low.”

▲Etihad Airways crew (Image /http://www.eycrew.com/)

Qantas
Qantas hired supermodel Miranda Kerr to design its uniforms, but the result still drew criticism for being “too sexy.” One crew member said the uniforms are so tight they affect their work. Former flight attendant Paddock added that due to cabin pressure, uniforms shouldn’t be too tight: “Comfort is the most important thing on long-haul flights.”

▲Qantas cabin crew (Photo/ http://www.eycrew.com/)