Female British Airways staff have expressed their dissatisfaction with the airline’s new ‘cheap’ uniforms, which were introduced last year as part of a move towards gender neutrality. The uniforms, designed by British fashion star Ozwald Boateng, include options such as a ‘modern jumpsuit’ and skirt and trouser options for women, as well as a tailored three-piece suit for men. However, some female staff have criticized the uniforms for their cheap appearance, while others have described them as deliberately androgynous. British Airways has a long history of uniform changes, from military style outfits in the early days to the controversial ‘paper dresses’ of the 1960s and the polyester suits of the 1970s. Here’s a look back at some of the best, worst, and most controversial uniforms in the airline’s history.
1940-1945: Military inspired outfits for the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC)
Before 1940, pilots and cabin crew typically wore traditional, basic military-style suits. The first fashion designer to create a uniform for BOAC was Maurice Helman. He used the backdrop of World War II as inspiration, creating a softer and more feminine outfit that reflected the conservatism of the 1940s.
1945-1959: British European Airways (BEA) – the start of fashion-focused choices
The end of the war allowed companies like BEA to explore more with their uniform designs. The fashionable hostess look became synonymous with flying, and the uniforms adopted a more fashion-forward approach, including a nipped waistline to reflect the fashions of Paris.
1960: The start of the modern cabin crew style
With new resources and a changing society, BA introduced a new, more restrained style. Designer Sylvia Ayton designed a uniform that featured a straight skirt with a Dior-style pleat at the back, worn with a pleated jacket and hat. This marked the beginning of a new era for BA uniforms.
1960-1967: The start of navy suits and the ‘jet set era’
In the 1960s, Sir Norman Hartnell introduced navy suits for BA staff. This marked the start of the ‘Jet-Set’ era, where fashion became important not just for passengers but also for airline staff. The women wore stylish blue suits with an open collar white blouse and matching gloves.
1967: The paper dress
One of the more forgotten uniforms in BA’s history is the paper dress, introduced in 1967. Designed by Joseph Lore, these dresses were made of fireproof paper-esque fabric and adorned with cerise and purple flowers. Stewardesses were allowed to customize the length, but it had to be no higher than three inches above the knee. The dress was thrown away at the end of each flight.
1967: The introduction of red
BEA staff wore uniforms designed by Sir Hardy Amies in 1967. The navy blue was replaced with a deep red, which was paired with white and blue to represent the UK’s union jack flag. The women wore a dress and jacket in royal blue terylene, coupled with a white blouse, gloves, and a striking red-caped overcoat.
1970: Pink and purple mini dresses
Before adopting their traditional color palette, BOAC introduced pink and turquoise cotton dresses designed by Clive Evans. These dresses reflected the space-age fashion of the 1960s, and later trousers were introduced as part of the women’s uniform.
1972: Red scarves and colored blouses
In 1972, BA asked Sir Hardy Amies to create another uniform line just before their merger with BOAC. The new uniform featured a French navy suit with rows of red stitching and a hat trimmed with a BEA red ribbon. Stewardesses were given more freedom to express themselves with interchangeable colored blouses and scarves.
1974: The first ‘British Airways’ outfit with red scarf and trouser suits
Sir Hardy Amies’ 1972 uniform became the first uniform of the newly created British Airways. The international cabin crew received new sarees made of cream filature silk. The uniform stuck to the traditional Union Jack colors and featured matching scarves with pinstriped suits.
1976: Powder polyester suits
Sir Hardy Amies designed a third uniform in 1976, featuring pale blue or French navy polyester suits for both male and female staff. The outfits were made of Dacron polyester fabric, which was uncrushable and washable.
1977: ‘Elegant’ outfits
After the merger, BA aimed for an ‘elegant’ uniform that could appear in Vogue. Designed by Baccarat Wetherall, the dark blue uniform included a jacket with the option of a skirt or flared trousers. The outfit was completed with a white blouse, silk scarves, blue leather handbag, small-brimmed hat, and a matching belt bearing the airline symbol.
As part of BA’s centenary celebrations, a new uniform will be released in August to mark 100 years since the airline was formed.
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