Uncomfortable in the skies: Outrageous airline uniforms

We all like to be comfortable when we fly, given the long distances and time in a plane but the staff don’t have a choice what they wear and sometimes the uniforms can be impractical.

Some of the uniforms for airline staff today come from top designers like Vivienne Westwood and Aussie Martin Grant but that doesn’t mean it is the best way to fly.

While the design, colour or fit of a crew’s uniform isn’t going to be a major influence when purchasing tickets, it is a first impression that lasts.

We checked out some of the more outrageous options staff are forced to wear:

Lufthansa

In 2005 Lufthansa decided to revive the traditional dirndl worn by many during Oktoberfest in Munich.

Women wear a bodice that is yellow and imprinted with blue flowers, a blue and white-striped skirt, and a blue silk apron.
Male flight attendants dress in traditional leather trousers, combined with a matching Alpine jacket and waistcoat, and a tie.

Virgin Atlantic

Theses uniforms are the striking red we have come to expect from Virgin but staff have complained that they were too tight and the shoes gave them blisters.

RELATED: Virgin Atlantic uniforms are taking off

In addition, the high-waited skirts don’t fit well and several have commented that the collars are so tight they have made them bleed.
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Air New Zealand__

The airline’s latest uniforms, which are likely to startle even the most seasoned of travellers, have come under fire from staff who say the shocking pink dresses makes them look like drag queens.

Cathay Pacific

Last May Cathay Pacific cabin crew told bosses with the Hong Kong-based airline to change their uniforms amid complaints they were too sexy.

According to flight attendants, the blouses are too short, showing off flesh when female crew bend down to get items out of a trolley. They are also worried that the skirts are too tight, making them uncomfortable to work in.

RELATED: Cathay Pacific uniforms too revealing

Qantas

While it may look good on Miranda Kerr, some Qantas flight attendants are apparently unhappy with their new work wear.

Some staff were reported as saying the uniform is too tight and simply not practical.

Etihad

Inspired by the likes of Lauren Bacall and Clarke Gable the new Etihad uniforms don’t come with a trouser option for women.

Designer Ettore Bilotta told the National: “Females in the in-flight crew were not allowed to wear trousers, because the element of femininity had to be emphasised. It was only allowed for ground staff.”

Singapore Airlines

The world-famous ‘Singapore Girl’ uniform has barely altered in over 40 years but the sarong design would hardly be practical in an emergency.

One travel insider told the Daily Mail “It's just that much harder to manoeuvre your body in a long-fitted sarong than it is wearing trousers and a blazer.”