Designing Airline Uniforms for Every Body: Inclusivity in the Skies

Airline uniforms have long served as powerful symbols of a company’s prestige, professionalism, and brand identity. Often, the first impression a passenger forms of an airline comes from the attire of its cabin crew and pilots, making uniforms a critical part of brand storytelling. 

In today’s workplace, where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are integral to employee engagement, productivity, and business success, traditional approaches to airline uniform design are no longer sufficient. Modern pilot and cabin crew uniforms must do far more than look smart; they must support a wide range of employee needs, ensuring that every team member feels comfortable, confident, and genuinely included.

At Jermyn Street Design (JSD), we understand that airlines are global brands with multicultural, multi-generational teams. As pioneers in sustainable and inclusive uniform design, we’re setting new standards for what inclusive, functional, and beautifully branded airline uniforms should look like in today’s aviation landscape.

Here, we explore how inclusive uniform design can meet modern demands, covering gender-neutral options, menopause-friendly details, sensory-aware fabrics, and neurodiverse-conscious construction.

The Shift Towards Inclusive Airline Uniform Design

Airline Uniforms Over the Decades

When commercial air travel gained widespread popularity in the late 1950s, airline uniforms centred around visual cohesion and strict adherence to gender norms. Pilots, who were exclusively men at the time, wore structured suits reminiscent of military dress, with crisp trousers and tailored blazers. 

Meanwhile, to be hired in the first place, female cabin crew (known then as “stewardesses”), had to fit a number of specific prerequisites relating to height, weight, age, and even marital status. They wore either skirts or dresses with heels, and had to adhere to detailed grooming and presentation guidelines in order to reinforce a cohesive brand image. 

However, as air travel became more accessible and global during the “jet age” of the 1980s to the 2000s, workforces became more diverse, and airlines recognised that rigid uniforms excluded the comfort and needs of employees. Changes came incrementally; first, trouser suits were introduced for female staff, then as male cabin crew became more common, uniforms policies adapted to reflect gender neutrality.

As society has continued to evolve over recent years, solely fashion-led uniform approaches feel increasingly outdated. Staff now expect stylish airline uniforms that also allow them to perform effectively without compromising their values or physical comfort.

Modern Airline Uniform Design

The current generation of airline uniform design focuses on flexibility and adaptability. This includes working with suppliers who offer multiple garment options, avoid prescriptive gendered categories, and provide a full range of sizes to accommodate all body types. 

Adjustable features, breathable fabrics, and cuts that allow freedom of movement ensure that uniforms work for everyone, from the tallest flight attendant to the most petite gate agent. Airlines adopting this approach benefit from more engaged, confident employees whose comfort translates into better service for and greater loyalty from passengers.

Beyond staff wellbeing, inclusivity has become a brand necessity. Passengers and stakeholders increasingly value companies that demonstrate commitment to diversity and employee care. A visible, inclusive cabin crew uniform strategy signals that an airline is modern, responsible, and aligned with current social values.

Gender-Neutral and Flexible Cabin Crew Uniforms

One of the most prominent developments in uniform design is the rise of gender-neutral or genderless collections. Instead of issuing staff strictly “male” or “female” garments, forward-thinking airlines now provide a cohesive wardrobe that any employee can choose from, regardless of gender. Trousers, skirts, tailored jackets, and tunics become options for everyone, allowing staff to select what feels right for their identity and body.

This flexibility extends to fit and sizing. Inclusive airline uniforms are designed with different body types in mind, using thoughtful tailoring, stretch fabrics, and adjustable features to ensure comfort. This prevents common problems like gaping, restriction, or poor posture caused by ill-fitting garments. The result is a workforce that can move freely and focus on their job without distraction, which positively impacts passenger experiences.

JSD has successfully applied these principles across multiple sectors. For example, we partnered with Jet2 to create pilot and cabin crew uniforms that accommodate all genders, body shapes, ages, and cultures, allowing staff to choose garments that express their individuality while maintaining a cohesive, branded appearance.

Menopause-Friendly Airline Uniforms

An inclusive airline uniform strategy must also consider employees at different stages of life. Menopause, which affects approximately half of the population at some point, can significantly impact workplace comfort. Symptoms such as hot flashes, fluctuating body temperatures, and skin sensitivity can make long flights in traditional polyester-heavy uniforms extremely uncomfortable.

In contrast, menopause-friendly flight attendant uniforms feature lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics that help regulate temperature. Layered garment systems, such as a sleeveless base top with a lightweight jacket, allow crew members to adjust throughout a shift. Adjustable waistbands and flexible seams accommodate changes in body comfort and prevent irritation during extended wear. Even small touches, like soft linings or tagless labels, can improve the experience for those managing sensitive skin.

These design considerations are more than comfort enhancements; they are a direct investment in employee wellbeing and productivity. Crew members who feel supported are better able to maintain focus, energy, and high-quality service throughout their duties.

JSD carefully considered this for Laing O’Rourke, who needed ergonomic workwear to support women in physically demanding roles. We created functional, comfortable garments by pairing practical design with high-quality technical fabrics, an approach that can be directly applied to the aviation industry.

Sensory-Aware and Neurodiverse-Conscious Airline Uniform Design

Airline work is demanding, with long hours, fluctuating cabin conditions, and constant movement. For neurodivergent employees or those with sensory sensitivities, traditional uniforms can be a significant barrier to comfort and focus. Scratchy seams, rough fabrics, or awkward fastenings can cause constant low-level distraction or stress over the course of a shift.

Modern airline uniform design is increasingly embracing sensory-aware principles. This includes using soft, smooth, or seamless fabrics that reduce irritation, avoiding heavy or noisy trims, and ensuring labels or seams are positioned to minimise contact with sensitive skin. Easy fastenings, such as magnetic closures or smooth zips, make dressing simpler and more dignified, especially in confined crew quarters or during quick changes.

These considerations benefit the entire team, not just neurodivergent employees. A uniform that is comfortable and non-restrictive enhances focus and performance, which directly impacts passenger service quality and staff retention.

Building Future-Ready Airline Uniforms with JSD

At JSD, we take a research-led, people-focused approach to airline uniform design. Our process begins with staff consultation and in-depth research to understand the physical and emotional needs of those who will wear the airline uniforms. Fit testing and feedback sessions allow us to refine each garment, ensuring that no element of comfort or functionality is overlooked.

Fabric selection is another cornerstone of our method. We prioritise sustainable, hypoallergenic, and breathable materials that balance professional appearance with wearer comfort. By integrating ESG considerations into material choices, airlines can reduce environmental impact and improve employee engagement simultaneously.

Our approach also embraces inclusive sizing and adaptive garment structures. From petite and tall variations to adjustable features that can accommodate body changes, our cabin crew uniforms are designed to work for every employee. This ensures that staff feel valued and supported, which strengthens morale and enhances brand representation.

Through this holistic process, JSD helps airlines align their uniform strategies with modern DEI priorities, staff wellbeing, and sustainability objectives.

A New Era for Airline Uniforms

The era of one-size-fits-all airline uniform design is coming to an end. Airlines that wish to remain competitive, trusted, and attractive to top talent must prioritise inclusivity in their cabin crew uniform strategies. Gender inclusive uniform options, menopause-friendly solutions, and sensory-aware design are the hallmarks of a modern, responsible employer.

JSD is ideally placed to guide airlines into this new era. By leveraging our cross-sector expertise, commitment to ethical manufacturing, and dedication to research-led design, we can create inclusive airline uniforms that are not only beautiful and on-brand, but truly designed for every body.

If your airline is ready to explore the next generation of inclusive uniforms, contact JSD today to start the conversation.