How Delta Uniforms Have Evolved Over the Past 8 Decades?

Delta uniforms have come a long way over the past 80 years representing professionalism, prestige, and style.

Well, as you must have noticed air travel has undergone a paradigm shift in the last century. A few decades back, piano bars and passengers smoking cigarettes used to be a common sight in aeroplanes. However, now, these things are mere relics of the past. 

The world has changed as the commercial aviation industry has evolved. Delta airlines may well be one of the oldest airlines in the United States. To date, it continues to dominate the travel market in the US. The airline is known for its exceptional customer service. 

Being a leading airline, Delta has always been at the forefront of the airline fashion industry. With the numerous changes that the airline has undergone, its flight attendant uniforms have also reflected these changes. From the traditional shirts and blouses of the 1940s to the modern and sleek designs of 2022. 

This blog will throw light on how Delta’s uniforms have been influenced by the trends in the fashion industry and how they have contributed to the airline’s success. 

Overall, this blog post will provide a comprehensive overview of Delta Uniforms in the last 8 decades, highlighting their evolution and impact on the airline industry.

1940s

In those days, the Delta flight attendants were known as ‘stewardesses’. The first uniform worn by them was a military-styled uniform, including a navy blue jacket with brass buttons and a matching skirt. The look was complete with white gloves in the hand and an overhead cap that featured the Delta emblem. The jacket was tailored to fit closely to the body, and the skirt fell just below the knee. Such a uniform was designed to project an image of discipline and professionalism. 

In the mid-1940s, the airline completely removed the brass buttons, and the skirts got shorter. It introduced a collarless tan jacket having two plastic buttons and a knee-length matching skirt.

1950s

The 1950s were also termed the Golden age of air travel as it was during that time that air travel became cheaper and accessible. The most notable Delta uniform of the 1950s was the "Azalea" dress, which was introduced in 1959. This dress was designed by Oleg Cassini, who was also the designer of Jacqueline Kennedy's iconic outfits. The Azalea dress featured a fitted bodice, a full skirt, and a unique floral print, and it quickly became a symbol of Delta's commitment to style and elegance.

1960s

The 1960s were a time of significant social and cultural change, and the Delta uniforms reflected this shift. The new uniforms were designed to be more modern and chic, with shorter hemlines and sleeker silhouettes. The most notable Delta uniform of the 1960s was the "Jet Age" uniform, which was introduced in 1968. This uniform featured a bright pink wool A-line dress with a white collar and cuffs, and a double-breasted black jacket. paired with white gloves, a pillbox hat and knee-high size shoes. The look was completed by a fashionable bag in hand. This new uniform was designed to project a more modern, forward-thinking image of Delta.

1970s

The 1970s were a time of disco and glamour. The new uniforms were designed to be more glamorous, with bold colours and patterns that reflected the era's fashion. The 1970s was the first time that trousers were available for female flight attendants and hats were no longer required. The most notable Delta uniform of the 1970s was the "Sunburst" uniform, which was introduced in 1973. This uniform featured a bright orange, red, and yellow colour scheme and was designed to be both stylish and functional.

In 1975, women flight attendants wore leisure suits and a traditional blazer with slack or skirt. Males wore a blue or camel suit.

1980s

The 1980s were a time of power dressing. The new uniforms were designed to be more tailored and professional, with sharp lines and neutral colors. The most notable Delta uniform of the 1980s was the "Red Wrap" uniform, which was introduced in 1981. This uniform featured a red blazer with a black skirt, paired with a white blouse and black pumps. This new uniform was designed to project a more sophisticated, powerful image of Delta. 

1990s

In the 1990s, Delta introduced another new uniform that was more comfortable and durable. The new uniform was an elegant navy-blue two-piece suit with a white blouse and a matching hat. The new design was more durable and easier to care for than the previous designs, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

2000s

In 2006, the airline collaborated with Richard Tyler, a professional designer who helped them design a new uniform. The new look was a combination of blue and red. It consisted of a bright red blazer with a matching skirt and blu blouse. It was further enhanced with a red scarf, a red handbag and red shoes. In October 2006, Delta even brought out a new design featuring a Pink dress to celebrate Breast Awareness month.

2010s

In the 2010s, the uniform consisted of a navy blue two-piece suit with a white blouse and matching scarf. The accessories also included a variety of scarves, hats and bags that were designed to give a versatile look to the flight attendants.

Post 2010

In 2013, for the first time in the history of Delta airlines thousands of employees including flight attendants and customer service agents donned a brand new look. Further, in 2016, Zac Posen, a renowned fashion designer unveiled a new uniform that had the most alluring colours. The combination was a cosmic plum and graphite, with a bold new style that reflected Delta’s focus on innovation and customer service. It also included wrap dresses, peplum sweaters and swing jackets for women and classy three-piece suits and crewneck sweaters for men. A whopping 60,000 employees wore this uniform.

Conclusion

Ever since its inception, Delta’s uniforms have evolved to reflect the changing times and trends in fashion, while still maintaining a sense of professionalism and functionality. The attire has been an integral part of the airline’s brand identity. 

As Delta continues to grow, we can even expect to see more exciting changes and innovations in its uniforms.