19 Airline Uniforms That Captivated the World

Spotting a head-turning airline uniform during boarding is basically a rite of passage for any traveller. One moment you’re minding your own business in your comfiest hoodie, and the next, a flight attendant strolls by looking like they just stepped out of a fashion editorial. These uniforms do more than impress—they carry national pride, tell a brand’s story, and radiate a level of poise that feels worlds away from the chaos of gate B5.

Airlines have long understood this visual power. For more than eighty years, they’ve tapped fashion’s biggest names to tailor looks that walk the fine line between function and flair. Emilio Pucci gave Braniff International a dose of space-age swagger. Pierre Balmain laid the foundation for the Singapore Girl’s into a global icon. Vivienne Westwood spiced up Virgin Atlantic with some British edge. Ashi Studio brought couture cool to Riyadh Air’s very first look. And that’s just the tip of the in-flight iceberg.

From kebayas to power suits to full-blown capes, these designs have done more than dress a crew—they’ve defined eras, sparked pop culture moments, and reshaped how the world sees air travel. Ahead, we chart the most memorable cabin crew uniforms in aviation history, and the creative forces who made them fly.

1930: BOEING AIR TRANSPORT X STEVE STIMPSON

In the early days of commercial flight, aviation remained a daring novelty. The skies were turbulent and aircraft reliability was far from guaranteed. Even the boldest travellers thought twice before boarding. To counter these widespread fears, Steve Stimpson, the visionary operations manager at Boeing Air Transport—the airline that would later become United Airlines—proposed a bold solution. He believed that the presence of trained nurses onboard could lend both comfort and credibility to the fledgling industry. Ellen Church was a poised nurse and a licensed pilot who became the first to take on the role. Her presence helped reshape how the public viewed air travel, making it feel reassuring instead of risky.

While Stimpson was hardly a household name in the fashion industry, he played a defining role in shaping aviation’s aesthetic identity. He introduced the world’s first official airline uniform to formalise this new standard of in-flight care. The ensemble was worn from 1930 to 1932 and took inspiration from military nursing attire. It featured a double-breasted wool jacket with sleeve accents that stood out, a pleated calf-length skirt, a structured cape and a tam-style cap. The colours of dark green and grey were chosen to match the Boeing 80A aircraft livery. Simple as it was, the uniform marked the start of a legacy that would soar for decades.

1962: AIR FRANCE X CHRISTIAN DIOR  

By the early 1960s, Air France was soaring confidently into the Jet Age with sleek aircraft like the Caravelle and the Boeing 707. However, the airline’s existing uniforms no longer matched the pace or physical demands required of contemporary air travel. Their outfits still belonged to a slower era that prioritised formality over function. To keep up with the changing times, Air France turned to one of the most respected names in French fashion. Marc Bohan took the lead as its artistic director at Christian Dior and brought a vision that was refined, practical and forward-looking.

Bohan introduced a clean A-line skirt, a structured boxy jacket, and elegant finishing touches like a waist tie and a pillbox hat. To suit every season, he offered the design in two colours—Marceau blue for summer and navy for winter. He also replaced the outdated beret with a tambourine-shaped hat that carried the Air France crest. This design marked a significant moment in the evolution of airline uniforms and brought high fashion into the professional attire of flight crews.

1965: BRANIFF INTERNATIONAL AIRWAYS X EMILIO PUCCI

Braniff International set out to turn flying into a spectacle and brought in Emilio Pucci to make it happen. His debut Gemini IV Collection, inspired by NASA’s 1965 spaceflight, captured the feel of weightlessness with fluid cuts, unlined construction and reversible fabrics. As Braniff’s jets debuted bold new liveries, Pucci echoed the energy with kaleidoscopic prints and vibrant colourways. One standout concept was the interchangeable ‘Air Strip’ wardrobe, where flight attendants removed layers mid-flight to create the illusion of a striptease. This theatrical touch anchored the ‘End of the Plain Plane’ campaign, led by advertising icon Mary Wells.

Pucci worked alongside architect Alexander Girard and shoe designer Beth Levine to keep pushing boundaries. Inspired by the space race, he introduced the RainDome—a clear helmet that protected flight attendants’ beehive hairstyles from wind and rain. The Bolla version unzipped into two parts, while the later Space Helmet used clips to prevent jams. Though short-lived, the helmets were part of a bold decade-long run. From 1965 to 1975, Pucci launched six collections: Supersonic Inspired Derby Collection (1966), The Classic Collection in pink and plum (1968), 747 Braniff Place Pant Dress Collection in pink Qiana (1971), 727 Braniff Place Pant Dress Collection in blue Qiana (1972), Pucci Classic in green and blue (1974), and Flying Colors Overalls for ground crew on the Flying Colors Boeing 727. Each one cemented his legacy in aviation fashion.

1969: AIR FRANCE X CRISTÓBAL BALENCIAGA

After collaborating with Christian Dior, Air France looked to elevate its image once again by turning to Cristóbal Balenciaga, one of the most revered couturiers of the century. While he was famously private and rarely involved in commercial projects, Balenciaga accepted the challenge. He approached the commission with his trademark focus on structure and proportion, crafting a uniform that felt refined without ever appearing showy.

To ensure year-round wearability, he designed two seasonal versions using a tailored blend of wool and terylene. The summer look came in blush pink, while the winter version appeared in deep navy. Each uniform featured a crossover jacket with kangaroo-style pockets, a softly pleated skirt, and a structured cap. Coordinated accessories like gloves, modest heels, and a matching handbag completed the ensemble. Although the polyester blend proved to be too heavy for warmer destinations, the overall look still projected quiet authority and timeless taste. Balenciaga even supervised a dedicated tailoring workshop at Paris Orly airport to ensure precision in every detail. Not long after, he retired from fashion, making this collaboration one of his final public works and a graceful parting gift to the world of design.

1970: BRITISH CALEDONIAN AIRWAYS X SIR HARDY ARMIES

British Caledonian Airways brought in Sir Hardy Amies, the Royal Warrant holder and personal designer to Queen Elizabeth II, to craft a uniform that championed British heritage. Instead of sticking to one design, the airline introduced a full tartan wardrobe for its female crew. Colin Hutcheson of Kinloch Anderson developed the patterns, which included ‘Graham of Monteith’, ‘Mackellar’, ‘Red MacDuff’, ‘MacInnes’, ‘Hunting MacRae’, ‘Kennedy’, ‘Hunting Ogilvie’, ‘Dress Black Watch’, and ‘MacNab’. These traditional clan tartans gave the airline a strong and instantly recognisable style signature.

In 1970, the merger with British United Airways expanded the tartan options to thirteen. One notable addition was the ‘Princess Mary’ tartan, which came in six colourways and stood out for its rose-toned variation. Although the airline gave it a royal-sounding name, the pattern was actually a version of the Stewart tartan. Air stewardesses wore kilts, dresses, and matching hats that carried the brand’s Scottish pride through to its final days. Even after British Airways took over in 1988, British Caledonian’s iconic tartans remained in service until the airline’s last change of hands at the turn of the millennium.

1972: SINGAPORE AIRLINES X PIERRE BALMAIN

Arguably the most recognisable cabin crew uniform in the world, the ‘Singapore Girl’ look stands as a global icon of grace and hospitality. French couturier Pierre Balmain crafted the original design based on the traditional sarong kebaya, tailoring it to reflect Southeast Asian elegance. The airline has maintained the look ever since, adding subtle updates over time to improve comfort and longevity without losing its timeless appeal.

As part of its ongoing evolution, the airline refreshed its signature batik motif to better suit today’s digital platforms and visual branding. The new design features 10 flowers native to Singapore, highlighting the nation’s identity as a garden city while staying true to the airline’s heritage. Each silk batik uniform comes colour-coded by rank—blue for flight stewardesses, green for leading stewardesses, red for chief stewardesses, and purple for in-flight supervisors. These visual cues honour both hierarchy and tradition while reinforcing the brand’s enduring elegance.

1973: UNION DE TRANSPORTS AÉRIENS X ANDRÉ COURRÈGES

Union de Transports Aériens wasn’t just after a uniform. It was chasing a bold new era of air travel. To bring that vision to life, the airline turned to André Courrèges, a designer who had already helped define a generation. After starting his career at the House of Balenciaga in 1949, he launched his own label in 1961 and rose to fame for introducing the miniskirt and the iconic go-go boot. His style embraced modernity with sharp tailoring, synthetic fabrics, and silhouettes that moved at the speed of innovation.

For UTA, Courrèges brought his signature look to the cabin. The collection came with short imitation leather jackets, fitted sweaters, and a choice of sleek skirts or flared trousers. Attendants wore pearlescent pink, powder blue, or vivid red, finished with flat white vinyl boots that looked straight out of a sci-fi film. Every detail echoed the optimism of the jet age and the clean minimalism of modern aircraft design. More than a uniform, it captured UTA’s forward-thinking spirit—bold, playful, and unmistakably French.

1973: COURTLINE AVIATION X MARY QUANT

Court Line Aviation was a British holiday charter airline that began in 1950 and adopted its new name from Argus Air Transport in 1970. In 1973, the airline introduced its BAC One-Eleven 500 aircraft and decided to match its fresh direction with a bold new look. To do this, it turned to Mary Quant, the fashion icon best known for popularising the miniskirt and defining the ‘Swinging London’ style. Just three years after its last uniform change, the airline asked Quant to design a completely new collection for its cabin crew. She created a beige outfit that came in both skirt and trouser versions. The design also included a three-colour blouse, a multicoloured cravat, and a striped hat to complete the ensemble.

The collection felt both fashionable and practical. It reflected Quant’s signature approach while giving the airline a modern and approachable identity. At the time, this collaboration helped Court Line distinguish itself from its competitors. However, the airline struggled with rising fuel costs, a national recession, and the impact of miners’ strikes. These challenges forced the company to shut down in August 1974. Even though the partnership was short-lived, the uniform stood out as a rare moment when British fashion met leisure air travel with confidence and flair.

1977: BRANIFF INTERNATIONAL AIRWAYS X HALSTON FROWICK

Halston took Braniff’s style to cruising altitude when he returned for another reinvention of the airline’s flight attendants’ uniform. His approach distilled elegance into every thread, trading flamboyant prints for sleek earth tones and supple tailoring. The uniforms sculpted the body with grace, especially on his muse Pat Cleveland, whose silhouette moved like liquid air. This refined vision marked a striking departure from Emilio Pucci’s kaleidoscopic past, ushering in a calmer, more mature tone for the airline.

Halston’s work formed the cornerstone of Braniff’s ‘Elegance Campaign,’ a complete brand refresh that brought quiet glamour to the entire fleet. He introduced the ‘Ultra Look’ for public-facing staff, merging style with practicality through Ultrasuede fabrics and streamlined cuts. At the same time, he helped craft the ‘Ultra Touch’ by extending his design philosophy to aircraft interiors, where Argentine leather replaced synthetic textures. The campaign launched in Acapulco with great fanfare and set a new bar for in-flight fashion. Though Braniff eventually ceased operations, Halston’s legacy remains a high point in aviation couture.

1986: QANTAS X YVES SAINT LAURENT

Yves Saint Laurent gave Qantas a bold new image with a uniform that reflected the sharp tailoring of 1980s power dressing. He introduced a cropped tuxedo-style jacket with wide lapels and padded shoulders that create a strong silhouette. Terracotta accents on the collar and cuffs added a touch of formality. Meanwhile, skirts and blouses featured a colourful Flying Kangaroo pattern in red, blue, and yellow that brought a sense of energy and national pride. For the first time, female crew members also wore trousers, which marked a modern shift in Qantas’s dress code.

To support this new look, Qantas introduced a detailed grooming guide for all staff. It outlined specific rules for hair, makeup, and grooming to ensure a polished appearance. Women were expected to maintain styled perms while men kept clean cuts without sideburns. Nail polish had to remain neutral or match the terracotta trim. Eye makeup in violet, green, fuchsia, or purple was not allowed as it clashed with the uniform. This collaboration signalled a new chapter in Qantas’s partnership with major designers such as Peter Morrissey, George Gross, Harry Who, and Emilio Pucci. Although the Saint Laurent design retired in the mid-1990s, it paved the way for future fashion-led uniforms. A new look by an Australian designer is expected in 2027.

1992: MALAYSIA AIRLINES X GHERARDINI

Nothing says Malaysia Airlines quite like the unmistakable elegance of the sarong kebaya. Hailed as one of the most beautiful cabin crew outfits in the world, it captures our national identity through vibrant colours and intricate detailing. Italian fashion house Gherardini redefined the ensemble by weaving traditional batik, kelarai motifs, and floral patterns into a sleek silhouette. Ottanio green serves as the base for both male and female uniforms, chosen for its rich and fresh tone that nods to Malaysia’s natural beauty.

Each rank brings a distinct flourish. Ground staff were dressed in designs with orange and pink florals. Flight stewardesses and their leads wore pink and purple prints, while flight pursers stood out with yellow and purple accents. Today, the kebaya features deeper hues of purple and pink, paired with motifs of champak, jasmine, and hibiscus, alongside bamboo and kelarai elements that celebrate our cultural heritage. As part of a bold new rebrand, the national carrier has tapped Datuk Seri Farah Khan to reimagine its uniforms. The updated collection is slated to make its debut later this year.

2005: KOREAN AIR X GIANFRANCO FERRÉ

Korean Air took a confident step forward when it invited Gianfranco Ferré to reimagine its crew uniforms. The Italian designer, known for precision and structure, introduced a soft beige jacket paired with a celadon green blouse made from high-tech synthetic fabric. A silk scarf angled like a wing added elegance to the neckline. Widely recognised for its signature ivory and navy tones, the look drew inspiration from Korean hanbok, celadon pottery, and traditional hair accessories.

Ferré focused on functionality without sacrificing style. He chose materials like elasticised cotton, wool, organza, and twill to ensure comfort during long-haul service. The uniforms, revealed in April of that year, quickly gained attention for their practicality and polish. Since then, Korean Air has continued to use the design across its cabin and ground crew, turning it into a lasting symbol of the airline’s global identity and refined professionalism. Now, as Korean Air enters a new chapter following its merger with Asiana Airlines, it plans a full brand refresh. A new uniform is expected to debut in 2027, marking another evolution in the airline’s journey.

2009: EMIRATES X SIMON JERSEY

To celebrate the arrival of its A380 fleet, the airline introduced a refined cabin crew uniform designed by UK-based Simon Jersey. The look featured a tailored beige suit with soft pinstripes, paired with red leather shoes, a bold red hat, and a cream scarf folded into seven pleats to represent the seven emirates. The warm beige tone reflected the golden sands of the UAE, while red and chocolate tones provided a bold contrast.

The core uniform remained largely unchanged since its debut, with only minor updates over the years. Crew hierarchy was reflected through colour, as pursers wore dark brown and other crew members wore the classic beige and red. The outfits were also tested out on long-haul routes to ensure comfort and performance. Earlier this year, the airline introduced a new look for its Premium and VIP Passenger Services team at Dubai International Airport. The women’s version included either an A-line skirt suit or a pantsuit, while the men’s option featured a sharp three-piece suit. Both designs used warm sand tones with red detailing, finished with the signature red hat, a gold pin, and a cream chiffon scarf that elevated the exclusive feel.

2014: ETIHAD AIRWAYS X ETTORE BILOTTA

Etihad Airways reaffirmed its design ambitions in 2014 through a second collaboration with Italian couturier Ettore Bilotta. This new chapter introduced a uniform collection rooted in elegance and cultural pride. The base colour featured warm chocolate brown, paired with deep purple for the cabin and lounge crew and burnt orange for ground and special services teams. Female crew members wore tailored skirt suits styled with fitted gloves and printed scarves. Their look was completed with structured hats inspired by the Emirati desert and vintage Hollywood, along with tablet-sized handbags. Meanwhile, the male crew suited up in two- or three-piece ensembles depending on their roles, complemented by neckties that displayed fretwork and bold patterns.

To bring the designs to life, Bilotta used 100 percent Italian wool and worked with artisans across Italy, Shanghai, Tunis, and Bucharest. Nearly one-third of the garments received hand-finished detailing to enhance their bespoke quality. For added versatility, a lightweight trench coat allowed ease of travel while maintaining a sharp silhouette. Additionally, Etihad partnered with M.A.C Cosmetics for grooming and Christian Louboutin for footwear. Altogether, the collection elevated more than just appearances. It shaped the airline’s identity with a modern aesthetic grounded in Middle Eastern elegance and timeless luxury.

2014: VIRGIN ATLANTIC X VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

Vivienne Westwood reimagined airline fashion with a striking uniform that fused old-school glamour and modern intent. She drew from 1940s Parisian couture and Savile Row tailoring to craft a scarlet suit with sharp lines and a defined silhouette. The women’s look included a nipped-waist jacket, a darted pencil skirt, and an asymmetric frilled blouse. Men wore tailored suits in the same vivid hue. Westwood also introduced sustainability into the spotlight by using recycled plastic bottles, repurposed banners, and leftover leather to craft the uniforms.

Function mattered just as much as form. Virgin Atlantic tested different cuts and introduced seasonal fabrics along with wider shoes based on crew feedback. The airline later introduced a policy that allowed crew to choose between the signature red skirt suit or a gender-neutral trouser set. While every cabin crew member wears red, supervisors and managers are identified by purple shirts or silver ties. The result is a bold and confident look that captures Virgin Atlantic’s unapologetic spirit.

2015: VIETNAM AIRLINES X MINH HANH

Minh Hanh redefined Vietnam Airlines’ image by modernising the traditional áo dài for its female crew. She used sweat-absorbent and breathable fabric to ensure comfort during long flights. The neckline took inspiration from the graceful curve of a lotus flower, while the Golden Lotus logo added a proud national touch. Female flight attendants wear white trousers and black closed-toe heels to complete the look. The uniform colours vary by role. Chief and business class attendants wear yellow, which matches the premium cabin interior. Economy class attendants wear jade green to reflect the palette of the economy section. For colder routes, the female crew also receive a jade green office blazer with a collar shaped like the áo dài neckline.

As  the male crew wear a uniform that balances structure with refinement. The base consists of a white dress shirt, dark trousers, a vest, and a sweater. A tie finishes the look and matches the uniform colour of the female staff in each cabin. Business class attendants wear gold ties, while the economy crew wear blue. Senior male flight attendants are dressed in a full black suit with a gold tie, signalling leadership and experience. Together, these carefully designed pieces present a consistent and polished identity that honours Vietnamese tradition while meeting modern expectations.

2015: ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS (ANA) X PRABAL GURUNG

To celebrate its 60th anniversary, All Nippon Airways (ANA) enlisted New York-based designer Prabal Gurung to reimagine its tenth-generation uniforms. He introduced a sleek and modern look that aligned with the airline’s clean aesthetic. Light grey jackets paired with charcoal skirts or trousers formed the base, while ANA’s signature blue stood out in a bold line down the back. Colourful scarves and aprons with contemporary Japanese floral motifs added a sense of warmth and personality.

His focus on comfort, unity, and style brought a fresh look to ANA’s flight attendants and ground staff. The redesign reflected Japanese hospitality while revitalising the airline’s visual identity. To mark its 75th anniversary in 2027, ANA plans a new collection led by three collaborators. Satoshi Kuwata of SETCHU is designing for cabin crew and ground staff with a hospitality-first mindset. Naoki Takizawa of NAOKI TAKIZAWA DESIGN is creating pieces for the flight operations team, prioritising cockpit functionality. Meanwhile, adidas is crafting performance wear for mechanics, ground handlers, and other technical roles. Each designer brings a unique perspective to define ANA’s next chapter in style.

2018: HAINAN AIRLINES X LAURENCE XU

Hainan Airlines collaborated with Chinese haute couture designer Laurence Xu to bring a runway sensibility to its cabin crew uniforms. The designs took cues from the traditional cheongsam with fitted dresses featuring embroidered motifs like crashing waves, layered clouds, soaring mountains, and the mythical bird, Roc. Female flight attendants could wear the dress alone or pair it with a structured coat or a dramatic, draped cape. Both outerwear options came in soft grey or a rich purple hue, which offers flexibility without compromising elegance.

For male staff, the uniforms consisted of sharp, mandarin-collared jackets and classic double-breasted overcoats. These pieces strike a balance between modern tailoring and understated style. In 2023, Hainan Airlines expanded the look to its ground staff with the launch of the ‘Rosy Cloud’ collection. This version retained the cheongsam’s silhouette while echoing the softness of floating clouds. To complete the ensemble, the airline partnered with makeup artist Mao Geping to introduce a refined grooming style that focused on enhancing natural features. The overall presentation reflected a thoughtful blend of heritage and high fashion, turning every interaction into a striking brand identity.

2024: RIYADH AIR X MOHAMMED ASHI OF ASHI STUDIO

Riyadh Air’s approach to uniforms is anything but ordinary. The airline revealed its debut collection at last year’s Paris Haute Couture Week as a stylish lead-up to its 2025 launch. Inspired by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the designs highlight national pride, the glamour of 1950s air travel, and a sharp modern edge. For the women’s line, the team crafted ten coordinated looks in electric amethyst. Each features high necklines, sculpted shoulders, pencil skirts, pillbox hats, and board-squared heels. Tulip cuffs and integrated hijabs add comfort and inclusivity. On top of that, the collection uses luxe fabrics like cashmere, structured wool, and velvet-soft leather. To tie it all together, the silhouettes include Arabic calligraphy and the airline’s logo in subtle, elegant lines that speak to Riyadh Air’s core values.

As for the men’s line, it offers five tailored looks in dark amethyst. Each comes as a two or three-piece suit designed for pilots, airport agents, and concierges. The accessories feature fretwork and clean detailing that echo the women’s wear. Riyadh Air offers thirty-five uniform variations that align with its upcoming cabin interiors, which are set to be revealed later in 2025. To achieve a cohesive look, Ashi Studio created custom colour palettes based on the aircraft livery. These designs strike a thoughtful balance between tradition and modernity. As a result, this bold vision has already earned global recognition through awards from ‘TheDesignAir’, ‘PCIAW’ and ‘MEPRA’.

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