Decoding Fashion’s Uniform Opportunity
Published 25 January 2023
The lenient casualisation of post-pandemic office dress codes – where a greater emphasis is placed on workers’ comfort – has trickled into other sectors. Now, as industries where employees wear uniforms also reconsider their policies and strive for more inclusivity, fashion’s workwear opportunity has never been bigger.
Airlines are leading the charge when it comes to this casual shift. British Airways recently unveiled a new uniform, designed by Savile Row tailor Ozwald Boateng, that includes a jumpsuit option for female staff. Coming from a company that prides itself on the sleek and polished appearance of its cabin crew, this confirms a burgeoning cross-industry trend that sees more relaxed pieces and silhouettes become a professional mainstay across a variety of workplaces.
Others, like Alaska Airlines (US), Play (Iceland), Bonza (Australia), Sky Up (Ukraine) and ITA Airways (Italy), have added the option for cabin crew to wear comfortable items, such as sneakers and T-shirts, as part of their uniforms. Meanwhile, many airlines have removed rules requiring female staff to wear make-up and heels.
When a less strict approach is taken to dress codes, and the comfort and happiness of employees is emphasised, inclusivity naturally becomes a priority. The British Airways uniform redesign also includes tunic and hijab options, whereas the likes of Virgin Atlantic (UK), WestJet (Canada) and the aforementioned Alaska Airlines are now enforcing gender-neutral uniform policies (all three have also relaxed their dress codes to allow cabin crew’s tattoos and piercings to be on show).
As professional environments and dress codes become more casual (uniform or not), it’s key to remember that comfort can mean different things to everyone. For many, feeling free to express their gender identity or wear their hijab at work is paramount, and giving staff this choice as part of their uniform options means they’ll feel respected and valued at work while staying on-brand and professionally presentable.
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