After nearly eight years of setbacks, redesigns, and a global pandemic, United Airlines has finally rolled out its new flight attendant uniforms. Designed by Tracy Reese and Brooks Brothers, the updated attire marks a significant milestone in the airline’s efforts to modernize its brand while addressing employee concerns over style, comfort, and functionality.
A Journey Marred by Controversy and Delays
The uniform overhaul, first announced in 2017, was initially envisioned as a sleek, futuristic refresh. However, early designs—leaked in 2018 and likened to *Star Trek* costumes—were met with sharp criticism from flight attendants, who found them impractical and unflattering. The backlash forced United to return to the drawing board multiple times, with revised versions unveiled in 2019 still failing to win full employee approval.
Just as the airline seemed poised to finalize the project, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the aviation industry to a standstill in March 2020, pushing uniform development to the back burner for three years. When work resumed in May 2023, United incorporated extensive feedback from wear trials, refining fit and fabric choices to better suit the needs of cabin crew.
The final designs, showcased in a 2024 safety video, reflect a more polished and professional aesthetic—a departure from the bold, divisive concepts of earlier iterations. The uniforms prioritize comfort for long shifts while maintaining a modern, cohesive look.
Despite these improvements, some flight attendants have reported lingering fit issues. United has acknowledged these concerns but moved forward with the May 28, 2025, rollout, allowing flexibility for crew members on extended trips or based at international hubs like London Heathrow (LHR) to transition at a later date.
The uniform launch represents more than just a wardrobe update—it symbolizes United’s commitment to evolving its image while listening to employee feedback. The lengthy and turbulent development process underscores the challenges of balancing corporate branding with workforce satisfaction in the airline industry.
As United’s cabin crew step into their new attire, the airline hopes the refreshed look will not only enhance its public image but also boost employee morale after years of uncertainty. Whether the uniforms stand the test of time—and daily wear—remains to be seen, but for now, United can finally close the book on one of the most protracted uniform redesigns in aviation history.
- August 2017: Project announced with designers Tracy Reese, Brooks Brothers, and Carhartt.
- May 2018: Leaked *Star Trek*-inspired designs spark backlash.
- January 2019: Revised uniforms unveiled, but feedback remains mixed.
- March 2020: Pandemic halts progress for three years.
- May 2023: Design work resumes with further refinements.
- May 2024: Finalized uniforms appear in a new safety video.
- May 28, 2025: Official rollout begins at major hubs like Chicago O’Hare (ORD).