From Pillbox Hats to Go-Go Boots: Flight Attendant Style Through the Years

Never has there been a more anxiety-ridden topic than "What can I wear on a trans-Atlantic flight that won't make me 100 percent uncomfortable?" While we as passengers have a bit of leeway when it comes to middle seat-approved outfits, there exists one group of people that have to endure the exact same outfit trip after trip. The coveted flight attendant uniform has been a topic of conversation since the 1940's when in-flight service began to rise in order to accommodate the growing number of passengers that new planes were able to hold.but just as fashions change throughout our daily lives, so did the style of stewardess uniforms. From the structured military style dress suits of yesteryear to the more casual—and boxier—outfits of the 90s and beyond. It's safe to say cabin couture has come a long way. More recently, female crewmembers aboard British Airways flights won the option to wear pants after a two-year battle on the topic. For a number of other airlines, brand uniforms stretch much further than clothing—Singapore Air flight attendants are only given five approved hairstyles, one of which is a bun that must be between 6.5 and 7 centimeters wide. Other airlines look to well known designers to take their in-air fashion to the next level. Last year, Delta brought on designer Zac Posen—who is widely known for his red carpet dresses—to create a look for both flight attendants and customer service employees.Flight attendant uniforms are all a part of the flying experience—a familiar face on hand to help with your every whim and request (and you're especially lucky if you find yourself in the hands of one of the world's best airlines for customer service). Click on to view how airline hostess style has evolved and become the ideal blend of fashion and function.Flight attendant uniforms are all a part of the flying experience—a familiar face on hand to help with your every whim and request (and you're especially lucky if you find yourself in the hands of one of the world's best airlines for customer service). Click on to view how airline hostess style has evolved and become the ideal blend of fashion and function.