Evolution of the Flight Attendant Uniform

By Laura Carroll

Hats, gloves, an ever-changing hemline: The flight attendant getup has always been as much about fashion as it is function. With both Delta and Jet Blue debuting new duds for their cabin crews, we can't help but look through the archives of history's most fashionable staff. Behold, the evolution of the flight attendant uniform.

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1940

Most early flight attendant uniforms were sophisticated and sweet, with long sleeves, swinging skirts, and—of course—the stewardess cap.

1944

Some airlines, however, left slightly less to the imagination.

1956

In the ’50s, flight attendants donned crisp collars and white gloves, with perfect coifs under their caps.

1963

Sadly, these terrific toppers were often removed before takeoff.

1969

When mod was mode, flight attendants took to wearing stand-up collars and shift dresses (and flats).

1972

Sky-high hemlines were complemented by fantastic head scarves in the early ’70s—a nod to the decade's departure from structured style.

1985

The ’80s, meanwhile, apparently left many flight attendants clad in plaid.

1990

Even at high altitudes, one could not escape the shoulder pads and boxy blazers that were popular in the early ’90s.

1999

As the century came to a close, flight attendant uniforms (like all fashion) became considerably more relaxed.

2004

These chambray shirts, fitted vests, and floppy bow ties are far more comfortable than the uniforms of yesteryear.

 

2008

And this nod to the mod era? We dig it.

2014

Jet Blue's new uniforms are simple and sleek—a winning combination of modern elements, as well as those of flight attendant uniforms past. Some things really do get better with age.