United’s flight attendant uniforms have gone through at least 37 major changes since the profession began in 1930. We’ve attempted to portray the majority of those changes and will continue to post new information and images as it becomes available. The uniforms worn by United’s famous Hawaiian stewards and the beautiful uniforms that were designed for the flight crews serving the Hawaiian Islands will be covered in future installments.
During the course of our research we reviewed many publications on the subject including United press releases, company newsletters, company magazines, fashion show commentary, photo captions as well as a book that was published for the 60th anniversary of stewardess service called “Legacy of the Friendly Skies”. We found discrepancies, exceptions and contradictions but have done our best to sort through all this to present an accurate account, which we hope you will enjoy.
(All images provided courtesy of United Airlines Archives with thanks from UAHF)
1930-1932 – All Season
The very first stewardess uniform was designed by Steve Stimpson, the founder of stewardess service. The double breasted dark green wool jacket featured silver toned buttons and was worn with the Boeing insignia pin on each lapel. Boeing employees referred to the pin as the “Boeing Bug” or the “Boeing Totem Pole.” A green and gray uniform was chosen because it resembled the color scheme of the Boeing 80A, the first aircraft these daring young women flew in.
The jacket was worn over a pale gray blouse. A matching suit skirt featured two front kick pleats. A long flowing green wool jersey cape matched the uniform and was replaced in the winter months with a leather coat. The uniform accessories included a shower cap style tam and sensible shoes were black tie oxfords with a low heel.
A gray nurse-like duster and cap were worn in flight. The duster would be worn over the green street uniform or alone and was meant to convey that the passengers were in the hands of professional and experienced crew members.
1933 Winter - 1936 Spring
The jacket was a double breasted, light moss green gabardine with black buttons. It was worn over a white men’s style shirt with a dark green tie. The matching suit skirt featured two front box pleats. An armband with letters “UNITED AIR LINES” was worn on left arm of the jacket to signify the “uniting” of the company’s four predecessor companies – Varney Air Lines, National Air Transport, Boeing Air Transport and Pacific Air Transport. During this period, a moss green beret style hat was worn, and also a moss green sailor style hat.
1936 Fall and Winter
A sage green wool, single breasted jacket was worn over a yellow linen blouse with a collar. The blouse was accessorized with a dark green string tie, tied in a bow. The matching suit skirt was a straight design with a front kick pleat. The "Garrison" style (pillbox) hat featured a yellow ribbon and a flat bow.
1936 Summer
This sage green, double breasted jacket was worn over a gray-green man-tailored long sleeve blouse that was accessorized with a solid green men’s style tie. The matching skirt was a straight design with two darted front kick pleats. The sage green hat was pill box style with turned-up brim.
1939 and 1940 Summer
A departure from the standard suit and the first distinctively summer uniform, this white crepe dress with matching crepe belt was worn with a navy blue flannel jacket and was accessorized with a navy hankie in the left breast pocket. A soft weave white crepe hat with a blue band complimented the outfit as did the navy and white spectator pumps. The parasol was used for publicity purposes only.
1939 - 1941 Winter
This gray wool gabardine jacket with a two button closure was worn over a royal blue silk blouse with a matching pocket hankie. During this period the blouse was also issued in a gray silk. The gray matching suit skirt featured a front and back kick pleat. The military style hat was also silver gray and featured navy or royal blue ribbon trim. The shoes of this era were navy blue leather oxfords with ties.
1941 June through summer 1946
Identified as “Horizon Blue”, this botany worsted wool, light-weight collarless jacket had two connected buttons at the waist and was worn over a white blouse made of a shiny rayon blend. The matching suit skirt featured box pleats in front. The Horizon Blue hat featured a cuff fastened across the front half which ended in a slight flare at the sides making for a streamlined and aeronautical look. Navy blue leather pumps were worn with or without a bow.
1947 - 1950 Summer
The light blue English “crash” linen** jacket was collarless and featured slant pockets with a flap, a single button closure at the waist and a left breast pocket. It was worn over a white tailored blouse with a notched collar and pointed lapels. The matching suit skirt featured an inverted front box kick pleat and was worn below the knees. The hat was also done in a matching color and fabric with a top stitched back wing design. To complete the uniform, white with navy trim spectator pumps were worn during spring and summer months with white wrist length gloves and a navy clutch purse or shoulder bag.
**Crash Linen - any of several rugged fabrics made from yarns that are irregular, firm, strong, and smooth but sometimes raw and unprocessed. The coarsest type is called Russian crash. Linen is generally used for the warp yarn, while linen, jute, or a mixture of linen and jute is used for the filler. Plain weave is normally employed, but twill is sometimes used. It is a dimensionally stable, multi-purpose fabric engineered to withstand the abuses of institutional use. The fabric is able to sustain multiple washings with little or no shrinking, no pilling and no change in the original appearance.
1948 Winter - 1950 Winter
The no-collar, silver gray wool gabardine jacket featured a single button closure at the waist, slant pockets, princess seam styling and a faux left breast pocket. Some versions featured a single gray stripe on the sleeve cuff and another had no stripes. The jacket was worn over a white blouse with a notched collar. The matching suit skirt featured an inverted box pleat in the front and was worn below the knee or mid-calf. Another variation was a full skirt with small slits in front and was also worn mid-calf. A matching gray military style hat was worn and trimmed in navy. Black pumps were worn.
1951-1956(1951-1953 All Season and 1954-1958 Winter Only)
The navy blue wool gabardine single breasted jacket was a fitted design with matching covered buttons. It was worn over a white short sleeve rayon blouse with a notched collar. The matching suit skirt of slim design featured a front and back kick pleat. The overseas style hat in matching fabric had multi-rows of top stitching and was worn through 1956. In 1957, it was replaced with a “sugar scoop” style hat that featured multi rows of top stitching and a matching material hat pin. Vera Patterson, the wife of United founder and then President, William A. Patterson, provided the design. Navy blue pumps were also worn.
1957 May - 1962 Summer
Designed by Raymond Loewy, this “Robin Egg Blue” no-collar, single breasted jacket was made of 100% wool and featured raglan sleeves. Loewy’s signature scroll appeared on the left side of jacket. The jacket was worn over a white short sleeve blouse with open collar and pointed lapels. During this time frame, another blouse was issued. It was also white with short sleeves and featured rounded notched lapels. Navy and white spectator pumps were once again shown during the summer months.
1959 November - 1963 October
Designed by Raymond Loewy, this fitted jacket featured three gold buttons, a yoke back, raglan sleeves and a narrow rounded lapel folding into a V- neckline. The fabric was soft flannel specially loomed for United, in a unique blending of pink and beige which became known as “Peige”. The jacket was worn over a white blouse of Avoca, the finest Egyptian cotton, and featured a collar with notched rounded lapels. The matching narrow suit skirt had two kick pleats in the back. The beige sugar scoop hat also featured multi rows of top stitching with a matching hat pin.
“Traditionally, stewardess uniforms had tended to be mannish and military in style and color which carried out this look. Air travel in the new Douglas DC-8 Jet Mainliner was a giant step forward and called for a new stewardess style”
“Ornamentation consisted of a graceful embroidered design in gold, and the United insignia silver wing pin combined gold and silver, a Loewy innovation that he carried through in the décor of the DC-8’s interior. Raymond Loewy chose the designs to express the grace and elegance of DC-8 travel.” (Source Nov. 1959 Mainliner Magazine)
1963-1968 Winter
Stewardess fashions took a bold step into the Jet Age in October 1963 as 2,300 United Air Lines stewardesses broke from tradition with a distinctive, new feminine ensemble.
The uniform suit was the creation of Ben Reig, an internationally known New York designer. Fashioned of soft boucle worsted wool in a new color called, “Blue Vision”, the modified box shape jacket featured a softly rolled notched collar and bracelet length sleeves. It was worn over a white blouse that featured material tabs on the jewel neckline.
In 1965, the white blouse was reissued in a new design. It now featured an ascot drape and plain round neckline neckline and is shown being worn with the Blue Vision smock below. There were two holes centered near the top front of the ascot drape for United’s silver bar insignia pin that was engraved with the stewardess’ name above the insignia. A wide shaped band at the waist permitted maximum freedom of movement making the blouse both attractive and more practical than the standard tucked in version. Easy slimness without a back or front pleat characterized the matching A-line skirt. A trim “sugar scoop” hat of matching Blue Vision fabric completed the outfit and featured a thin matching grosgrain ribbon and a small bow in the back. Two small combs inside the hat as well as a hat pin were used to secure it to the bouffant hairstyles of the day.
The matching “Sliver” coat was tailored for comfort and smartness and was made of wool mesh tweed that combined the Blue Vision of the suit and navy blue. The roomy attached hood could be worn over the uniform hat and was lined in Blue Vision boucle tweed that matched the suit and hat.
Smock worn 1962-1965
Smock worn 1965-1967
Smock worn 1967-1968
(Above Left) - Inflight smocks became standard on all plane types, and were worn during meal, snack, and beverage services. This version was introduced in the fall of 1962 and worn until 1965. The multi colored pastel stripe material was made from excess fabric that had been earmarked for curtains for the DC-6 airplanes. It featured short sleeves, a V-neckline, dropped yoke and it buttoned down the front.
(Center) Another version of the smock was introduced in 1965 and featured narrow pastel stripes in varying shades of purple, turquoise, green and tan. It also buttoned down the front and the neckline had a collar that tied in the front through two button holes. This was also worn in the summer during this period.
(Right) Pictured is a serving smock issued between 1966 and 1967 in a solid color of “Blue Vision". It featured a V-neckline with elbow length sleeves that wrapped in the front and tied with a belt of the same material.
1965-1968 Summer
Flight Attendants in July of 1961 got a new training center at United’s executive offices in suburban Chicago and William Travilla, nationally recognized California designer, created an entirely new summer ensemble for 2,400 stewardesses of United Air Lines. The design was warmly referred to as the “cheerleader” style because of the flared skirt.
In a new color called “Blue Frost”, the summer ensemble featured a lightly shaped jacket with dropped cuffs on the ¾ length sleeves. These cuffs matched the blouse and snapped so they were detachable for easy cleaning. The white blouse featured an ascot drape and plain round neckline. There were two holes centered near the top front of the ascot drape for United’s silver bar insignia pin that was engraved with the stewardess’s name above the insignia. The matching suit skirt was slightly flared and featured two pleats in the front and the back. The perky sugar scoop hat was the same material as the suit. White cotton wrist length gloves and navy pumps were worn to complete the outfit.
Serving Smocks - See 1963-1968 Winter description as the same two serving smocks were also worn during the summer 1965-1968.
1968-1970 – All Season
Hollywood’s famed Jean Louis, the first top named designer used for United’s stewardess uniforms, created this eye-worthy ensemble. He was quoted as saying “There’s no reason in the world why stewardesses have to look like tank commanders.” At three million dollars, it was the largest uniform contract ever awarded in the airline industry. Initially about 4,500 women received the new wardrobe. It caused quite a buzz and was featured prominently in advertising as shown above.
The uniform garments consisted of four dresses, summer and winter coats and hats, fashionable knee-high boots, shoes and an in-flight dress. Each stewardess was issued a coral red (Hawaiian Sunset) dress with off-white (Miami Sands) stripe running around the neck and down the front, and a blue (Maliblue) dress with Miami Sands stripe. The other dresses were optional and were available in Miami Sands with either a Hawaiian Sunset, or a Maliblue stripe. These four basic double knit dresses in the various color combinations were modified A- line skimmers that were slightly fitted.
The winter great-coat had a military look and was pure wool in the Hawaiian Sunset color. The summer coat was in Miami Sands trimmed in Maliblue. The military style “kepi” shaped winter hat came in the Hawaiian Sunset color and was the same material as the winter coat. The summer kepi shaped hat was made of soft leather like vinyl in the Miami Sands color to match the summer coat. White wrist length gloves accented the outfit and each stewardess was required at first to wear the same fashionable navy pump by designer David Evans that featured a modified square toe and 1-1/4” heel.
For in flight wear, a “jet-a-long” skimmer was designed in a modified A- line with Hawaiian Sunset, Miami Sands and Maliblue stripes on the front. The stewardess had to go into the lavatory in flight to change from the street dress to the inflight skimmer.
IT’S A MOD, MOD WORLD! When these stylish and “funky” dresses were introduced in 1968, rock music was in its golden age and Jacqueline Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis. In 1970, United flight attendants pose on the wing of a United DC8 jetliner forming the Roman numerals XL (40), signifying the 40th anniversary of the flight attendant profession that year.
1970-early 1973 - All Season
Confronted with the challenge of designing a wardrobe for United’s stewardesses serving on the newly delivered Boeing 747 jumbo jet, internationally known couturier, Jean-Louis, chose a new “Look” that would go where the fashion winds would blow in the next couple of years.
The basic garment in United’s new stewardess ensemble was a red jumper made of double knit wool that was set off with black ribbing around the neck. Under the jumper, either a white short sleeved blouse or black long sleeved turtle neck sweater was worn. Both were of body suit styling.
In milder weather, the flight attendants wore a white raincoat in a length determined by the length of their jumper. The dazzler of the wardrobe was the midi-length winter coat which came in basic “Jet Red” trimmed with a detachable ‘fun fur” collar of black mouton. A black Cossack-style hat, also in black fun fur was an attractive but optional item. The shoes were black patent leather with a strap across the instep and a two inch heel. Shiny black boots were also issued and could be worn with the summer or winter coat.
The accessories were quite fanciful and consisted of a choice of three scarves in different pattern combinations of jet red, white and black. One particularly distinctive scarf was imprinted with a United route map and also featured the Jean Louis signature.
A reversible inflight smock was cut from double-faced woven fabric that featured a black-on-white pattern of the letter “U” on one side and it reversed to a white–on-black version on the other side. The “U” signified United, of course!
On Boeing 747 aircraft, a short plaid serving garment in beige, reddish-orange, black and brown plaid was worn in the main cabin over the blouse/sweater and jumper. In both the upper and lower deck First Class cabins of the 747, the serving garment consisted of an ankle length plaid skirt that buttoned down the front in beige, reddish-orange, black and brown plaid and was worn with the black turtle neck body sweater. A wide black patent leather belt completed the outfit.
Fall 1972 – March 1973
Male Uniform
In the fall of 1972, the position of steward that was previously held by men on routes to Hawaii only, was opened to allow men to serve on all United routes.
Since both male and female uniforms were scheduled for a change early in 1973, these new stewards were fitted with suits that were “off the rack” from Hart Schaffner and Marx in Chicago. The single breasted gray sharkskin jacket with matching slacks was worn over a white shirt with a black and white polka dot or solid black tie. A London Fog trench with lining was also worn and plain black shoes.
On widebody aircraft men wore a single breasted jacket in beige, reddish-orange, black and brown plaid over their gray slacks. A solid black tie was worn with the inflight jacket and a white or yellow shirt.
1973-1976 – All Season
Female Uniform
This was the third consecutive wardrobe that Jean Louis, Academy Award winning designer, created for United’s flight attendants. The new look meant more choices in style, color, and patterns for both male and female flight attendants. It featured three basic colors of blue, green and red, and all the blouses and sweaters were designed to mix and match, and complement each other. This was the first uniform that included slacks for the female flight attendants!
The long sleeve body blouses were originally issued in two patterns. The first style featured large polka dots of navy, red and green on a white background. It was nicknamed the “wonder bread” blouse because it reminded the crew of the wrapper Wonder Bread was packaged in. The other style featured a diamond pattern in navy, red, white and green. A body sweater was also issued in a solid hue of navy, green or red, with navy, red and green horizontal stripes of various widths on the sleeves and this could be worn with a small silk square neck-scarf in the same complimentary colors.
In winter, a navy wool coat was worn with a long striped double knit scarf in red, blue and green. For summer a tan trench coat was issued. An inflight serving smock was designed in both solid blue and green.
Male Uniform
Men were offered a choice of three jacket styles… a two button blue blazer, a four button high collared blue jacket, or a two button gray jacket that had a fine blue stripe. The slacks were issued in a choice of navy, or a gray with a fine blue stripe. Black shoes were worn.
Their shirts were long sleeve in blue and were accessorized with a tie that came in either solid blue or in a navy, red and green stripe. A V-neck sleeveless sweater vest was also worn inflight and came in solid blue or a combination of blue, green and red stripes. A tan all weather trench coat was also issued.
1976-1981– All Season
Female Uniform
Stan Herman designed a sleek, sophisticated form fitting western style uniform and called it “Classic U.S.A”. The single breasted jacket made of Dacron Polyester was worn over a long sleeve blouse of cream colored background with randomly placed United logos (overlapping “U’s”) in blue, orange and red. There was blue, orange and red piping on the sleeve cuff and down the front panel. In 1979 the blouse was reissued in creamy white that came in both a long a short sleeve version that had tone on tone stripes and a narrow stripe in a subtle peach color. A United logo “U” was stitched on the sleeve of both the long and short sleeve version in a rust tone. The suit also came with a matching vest.
Both the skirt and slacks had a western style look. The skirt was A-line and the slacks had a wide and slightly flared leg. A sweater vest was also issued in light camel polyester that featured three rows of orange, red and blue stripes and overlapping United logo “U’s” around the waist area.
Two coats were issued. The summer version was a camel colored, calf length, double-breasted raincoat that was belted, had a removable hood and there was a full belted accent on the sleeve cuff. The 100% wool winter version came in camel color, was single breasted and worn at calf length.
Dresses were issued after the original uniform was introduced. The shirt style dress was issued in both tan and rust. In 1978, United changed it’s no pregnancy policy for flight attendants and issued its first maternity jumper that was worn over the uniform issue blouses of this period.
Flight attendants had the option to wear shoes in rust, camel or medium brown, often with chunky heels that were the style at the time. The serving garment was dark camel with red, blue and orange piping that snapped around neck and tied at the waist.
The uniform was accessorized with a scarf that had the same color and design features as the blouse.
In 1979 a chiffon-like square in a creamy white background was accented with lines of rust and two rows of equally spaced United logos in red and blue and was imprinted with the Stan Herman name.
Although the hat was an optional item, 45% of the flight attendants wore it. It featured a rounded crown, narrow brim on one side with a wider raised brim on the other side and was shown in camel wool accented with a blue, red and orange ribbon around the brim that ended in a small bow.
Male Uniform
The men’s issue uniform was also designed with a western flare. The single-breasted camel colored jacket with wide notched lapels was worn over a Dacron, polyester and cotton cream colored long sleeve shirt. In 1979 the shirt was reissued in creamy white in both a long and short sleeve version and was featured with tone on tone stripes accented with a subtle tan stripe. The matching suit slacks featured slightly flared wide legs. A matching suit vest was also issued. The tie was alternating wide stripes of rust, blue and cream and the 1979 reissue tie was cordovan color with a tan design.
The camel colored sleeveless knit pullover vest featured 3 rows of stripes in red, orange and blue with an overlapping United logo “U” pattern between the stripes. An all weather raincoat in camel tone was single breasted and belted. The sleeves featured a full belt accent on the cuff.
The men’s V-neck, vest-style serving garment was camel colored with two horizontal hip pockets. It buttoned down the front and was worn just below hip level. The final design did not feature stripes on the pockets. Men could choose from brown or cordovan colored tie shoes or dress loafers.
1981-1986 - All Season
Female Uniform
Once again, Stan Herman designed this uniform change. Two fabric weights of garments were issued in regular (serge) and light weight (tropical).
Tropical – The navy blue jacket was unlined, single breasted that buttoned down the front and was worn belted. The jacket was worn over a white polyester cotton blouse with a rounded collar featuring short navy threads throughout with a navy embroidered United logo on the short sleeve and long sleeve versions. The matching suit skirt featured A-line styling. Slacks had a single pleated front panel with straight legs.
Two dresses were issued, one was tan shirt waist style with long sleeves that was worn belted and the other was a navy colored shift style that featured red, white, tan and blue design patterns which was also worn belted. A navy maternity issue jumper was worn over either the long or short sleeve blouse.
Serge – The navy blue jacket was lined, single breasted with narrow lapels and was worn over the same blouses referred to above in tropical weight description. There was a matching single breasted suit vest and matching suit skirt featuring a wrap front with front kick pleat. Matching single pleated slacks with straight legs were also issued and were worn without a belt.
Two types of coats were issued. The winter coat was camel wool, single breasted that featured a matching belt. The summer issue coat was a lined chocolate brown trench that was double breasted and also featured a matching belt and matching detachable hood. The sleeves had a full belt type accent on the cuff.
The optional hat was navy felt with a camel color ribbon that wrapped around the base of the crown and ended with a United logo feature. The brim of the hat turned up on the left side. Camel to medium colored pumps or boots were worn until April 1986 and then a change was made to navy pumps.
A serving garment was butcher style with a wrap around tie. The background color was navy with a camel and red stripe. Scarves of varying lengths and widths were issued. The background color was off white with varying a pattern of navy, tan and red. Another version featured a navy background with red and tan stripes and had a matching pocket scarf.
Male Uniform
Tropical and Serge
The navy single breasted jacket was worn over a white long or short sleeve shirt that featured short navy threads throughout. The straight front, straight leg slacks were worn with a camel and navy cloth belt with a gold buckle. A matching suit vest that was single breasted was worn with the serge weight suit only. The suit tie was navy with tan and red design and later a navy tie with a tan and diagonal stripe also worn. The serving garment was butcher style with a wrap around tie and was a few inches shorter than the female version in navy with red and camel stripes.
A brown all-weather, lined trench coat with matching belt was issued and it featured a detachable wool collar in light or dark camel. The sleeves had a full belt type accent on the cuffs. Camel leather shoes were worn until April 1986 and then navy shoes were recommended.
1986-1990 - All Season
Female Uniform
For the third uniform change in a row, Stan Herman returned to design this military style uniform. Two fabric weights of garments were issued in regular (serge) and light weight (tropical).
The navy single breasted jacket featured a gold stripe on each sleeve cuff with gold buttons that were embossed with United logo “U’s”. A solid gold pocket hankie complimented the jacket that was worn over a basic white blouse with navy pin striping and was issued in short and long sleeve versions. Epaulets on each shoulder continued to emphasize the military styling. In 1989-1990, the blouse was reissued in solid white in both long and short sleeve versions and epaulets continued to be shown on each shoulder. The blouse was accessorized with a selection of 11 styles of neckwear in the four year period this uniform was worn. All were issued in navy with gold and silver design accents. The matching suit skirt gave the appearance of a wrapped style and the suit slacks featured a pleated front. A navy blue belt with a brass buckle and United logo design could be worn with both the slacks and skirts. The recommended shoe wear included navy or black pumps or boots.
On International flights in all class of service, a waist length navy jacket with fitted styling was worn that was accented by one gold stripe on the sleeve cuff.
The optional navy blue felt hat had a camel colored ribbon circling the base of the crown that ended with a United logo feature. It was identical to the 1981-1986 issue hat.
A dark tan all weather trench coat with matching belt and a detachable hood and lining also featured a detachable wool collar in dark camel. Epaulets complemented the shoulders of the coat and the sleeves had a full belt type accent on the cuff. The optional navy blue felt hat had a camel colored ribbon circling the base of the crown that ended with a United logo feature. Epaulets complemented the shoulders of the coat and the sleeves had a full belt type accent on the cuff.
Both a sleeveless and long sleeve vest style sweater was issued in navy with gold trim around the V-neckline. The butcher style serving garment had a gold and navy windowpane design and a wrap-around tie closure.
Male Uniform
The entire uniform was issued in two fabric weights of garments were issued in regular (serge) and light weight (tropical).
The navy single breasted jacket featured a gold stripe on each sleeve cuff with gold buttons embossed with United logo “U’s”. It was worn over either a long or short sleeve basic white shirt with navy pin striping. Epaulets on each shoulder continued to emphasize the military styling. In 1989, the shirt was reissued in white long or short sleeves and also featured epaulets on the shoulders. The shirt was accessorized with a navy tie with taupe, gold and cream diagonal stripes and was reissued in 1989 in a slightly different pattern of navy with gold stripes. The matching single-pleat navy suit slacks were worn with a black leather belt with brass buckle that had a United logo accent.
On International flights in all class of service, a waist length navy jacket with fitted styling was worn that was accented by one gold stripe on the sleeve cuff.
A dark tan all weather trench coat featured a matching belt and epaulets on the shoulder. The sleeves had a full belt type accent on the cuff. It was issued with a detachable lining and light or dark tan wool felt collar. Black shoes were worn.
Two navy blue sweater styles were issued. One was a long sleeve, V-neck with gold trim around the neck. The other was sleeveless, V-neck and also had a gold stripe around the neckline. The serving garment was butcher style in navy with gold windowpane design and had a matching wrap around tie closure.
1990-1995 - All Season
Female Uniform
The suit jacket was an easy fit navy, double breasted style that was complimented by two pewter diagonal stripes on the sleeve cuff and navy buttons embossed with the United logo. The jacket was worn over a white double breasted style blouse accented with narrow burgundy and navy stripes and came in long and short sleeve versions. The slim navy suit skirt featured three inverted box pleats in the back for ease of movement and was worn below the knee to nearly mid-calf. Slacks were issued with double reversed pleats in the front. The jacket accessory included a burgundy pocket puff and the blouse was accessorized with a choice of four styles of neckwear in either solid burgundy or burgundy with navy and pewter accents. A black leather belt was worn with both the skirt and slacks with a pewter buckle. Black leather pumps were worn.
The navy double breasted maternity jumper was designed to complement the double-breasted suit. It featured mock lapels, navy embossed United logo buttons and an adjustable tie belt in the back. A short sleeve maternity blouse was issued but it could also be worn with the regular long or short sleeve uniform blouse.
Both a long sleeve and sleeveless pullover sweater with a simulated button closure was issued in navy. They featured a deep V-neckline, burgundy trim and a burgundy United crest was embroidered on the left front panel
The full length serving garment was navy double breasted with burgundy accents and tied with a wrap belt in back. On International flights in first and business class, flight attendants wore a navy long sleeve waist length jacket with single button front closure and it was also accented with two pewter stripes on the sleeve cuff. A burgundy bow tie was worn for this service only.
An all weather double breasted pewter trench was issued that came with a lining in burgundy, navy tan and green. Another detachable lining came with the coat in burgundy Thinsulate. The coat had epaulets on the shoulder and the sleeves had a full belt accent on the cuff. An optional gray or burgundy scarf could be worn. A optional hat was issued in navy wool that featured a deep cuff around the brim that was accented with an upside down V-shaped pewter ribbon in the back.
Male Uniform
The suit jacket was an easy fit navy, double breasted and was complimented by two pewter diagonal stripes on the sleeve cuff and navy buttons embossed with the United logo insignia. The jacket was worn over a long or short sleeve white shirt with narrow burgundy and navy stripes. The shirt was accessorized with a burgundy tie with a navy, pewter and burgundy pattern. A burgundy pocket square was placed in left breast pocket. The double reverse pleated navy suit slacks were worn with a black leather belt with pewter buckle and United logo. Black shoes were worn with the suit.
Both a long sleeve and sleeveless pullover sweater with a simulated button closure were issued in navy. They featured a deep V-neckline, burgundy trim and a burgundy United crest was embroidered on the left front panel. A navy butcher style serving garment was worn that was trimmed in burgundy and tied in the back. On International flights a navy long sleeve waist length jacket was worn in business and first class only and the sleeves were accented with two pewter stripes on the cuff. A burgundy bow tie was worn for this service only.
An all weather double breasted pewter trench was issued that came with a lining in burgundy, navy, tan and green. Another detachable winter lining came with the coat in burgundy Thinsulate. The coat had epaulets on the shoulder and the sleeves had a full belt accent on the cuffs. An optional gray or burgundy wool scarf could be worn.
1995-2002 All Season
During this period, there were slight modifications in the blouse/shirt, skirt, sweaters, serving garments, maternity jumper and a dress was introduced. Only these changes will be referenced below.
Female Uniform
A long and short sleeve white blouse featured a United crest that was embroidered in navy. A navy and burgundy gros grain ribbon in a “V” was sewn to the collar of the blouse and replaced all other tie options for both domestic and international service. The only change in the skirt was that it was slightly shorter and worn just below the knee. Sweaters were reissued in long and sleeveless pullover versions that featured burgundy trim angled down front panel. A United crest was stitched in burgundy near the left breast.
The serving garment was a navy full length butcher style smock with V-neckline, that was complimented with burgundy piping angled down front panel and on the patch pockets. The flight attendant’s name was embroidered in white block letters on top left of garment that tied in the front.
A navy, double-breasted, long and short sleeve dress was a new issue and featured burgundy and pewter buttons. The upper portion of the notched collar was accented with burgundy piping and the long sleeves had two burgundy stripes around sleeve cuff. The short sleeve version had a burgundy trim on the cuff.
Male Uniform
During this period there were slight variations in the shirt, tie, sweaters and serving garment only.
A long and short sleeve white shirt was issued featuring a United crest embroidered in navy on left breast pocket and this was worn with dark burgundy tie with gray, teal and pewter accents. In 1997, the previous version was replaced with overall triangle pattern in burgundy with accents of navy, pewter and white and also came in solid navy with navy, white and pewter accents.
Navy sweaters were reissued in long and sleeveless pullover versions with navy simulated button closure that also featured burgundy trim angled down the front and a United crest embroidered in burgundy on the left panel.
The serving garment came in a navy full length butcher style with a straight across top cut that was complimented with burgundy piping on the patch pockets and it tied in the back. The flight attendant’s name was embroidered in white on upper left of garment.
1994-2001 – Shuttle by United/United Shuttle
Female Uniform
Long and short sleeve polo style shirts were optional wear in addition to the regulation blouses and were worn with regulation slacks or skirt. The white long and short sleeve polo shirt featured a gray and white weave collar with navy and burgundy stripe accents and this weaved design was also shown on the sleeves. “Shuttle by United” was embroidered in red and navy on the sleeve cuff. A later version was identical, with exception of the wording on the sleeve which changed to “UNITED SHUTTLE” in block letters and was embroidered in navy.
The serving garment was a butcher style apron in navy with a snap neck closure that tied in the front and had “Shuttle by United” embroidered in red and white on the front panel. Another navy apron was available in “carpenter style” with Shuttle by United embroidered in red and white on lower corner of the apron which tied in back. A long and short sleeve reissue was identical, with exception of the wording on the apron which changed to “UNITED SHUTTLE” in block letters that was embroidered in pewter.
Male Uniform
The long and short sleeve polo style shirts were identical to the female version described above.
The serving garment was a butcher style apron in navy with a snap neck closure that tied in the front and had “Shuttle by United” embroidered in red and white on the front panel. Another navy apron was available in “carpenter style” with Shuttle by United embroidered in red and white on lower corner of the apron which tied in back. A long and short sleeve reissue was identical, with exception of the wording on the apron which changed to “UNITED SHUTTLE” in block letters that was embroidered in pewter.
2002-2006 - All Season
Female Uniform
The navy double breasted jacket featured navy buttons embossed with the United logo and was worn over a long or short sleeve “Sky Blue” blouse with pointed lapels, princess seams and a front placket that hid all but the button at the neck. It was accented with a pearlized sky blue United logo that was embroidered on the lower portion of the sleeve. The blouse accessories included a choice of two options. The first was a 22” square silk scarf in horizon blue that was accented with soft muted blue stripes around the sides bordered in midnight blue. The other option was another 22”square with an abstract cloud pattern in shades of blue and bordered in navy.
The navy suit skirt with straight styling had three kick pleats in the back and the navy slacks featured two inverted pleats in the front. A unisex black leather belt with pewter buckle was stamped with United logo in black. Black leather pumps were worn.
The matching suit vest with a notched collar buttoned at the waist featured two navy buttons embossed with the United logo and faux flap pockets at the waist.
A navy long or short sleeve dress was worn and featured a shawl collar with pewter piping on the collar that continued down the full length of the dress and was also on the sleeve cuff. A navy sleeveless double-breasted maternity dress (not pictured) was issued with A –line styling that featured six navy buttons embossed with the United logo and it had an adjustable tie in back. This dress could be worn with either the long or short sleeve sky blue blouse.
Two sweaters were issued in a long sleeve and sleeveless version. The long sleeve version was a mock cardigan with navy piping around the neck and front panel. Three navy buttons accented the single breasted faux closure. The sleeveless version was a navy pullover with navy piping around the neck, front panel and arm openings. Three navy buttons accented the single breasted faux closure. Both sweaters featured a burgundy United crest over the left breast.
The serving garment was a navy unisex apron with a snap neck closure that was cut straight across the top. It featured patch pockets that were trimmed in pewter and tied in the back. The flight attendant’s name was embroidered in pewter over left breast.
Two coats were issued. The winter version was navy wool gabardine, double breasted coat with dolman sleeves, a back rain flap, plain navy buttons that featured a half-belted design feature on the sleeve cuff. It also had a zip in liner and a self-fabric belt with navy buckle. A long oblong scarf in black or gray could be worn with the coat. A navy all-weather version was made of 100% Supplex featuring dolman sleeves and a back rain flap (not pictured). It had a ½ belt design feature on the sleeve cuff, zip in liner and a self fabric belt with navy buckle.
Male Uniform
The navy double breasted, slightly boxy shaped jacket featured navy buttons embossed with the United logo and was worn over a classically styled long or short sleeve “Sky Blue” shirt that was accented with a pearlized sky blue United logo embroidered on the lower portion of the sleeve. A navy tie with subtle slightly lighter blue thin diagonal stripes projecting a textured tonal treatment. The matching navy suit slacks had double reverse pleats and were worn with a unisex black belt with pewter buckle that featured an embossed United logo in black. Black tie shoes or loafers were worn.
A single breasted navy suit vest featured a five button front closure and two pockets was worn for international business and first class service only with a pewter name pin on left panel.
Two sweaters were issued in a long sleeve and sleeveless version. The long sleeve version was a mock cardigan with navy piping around the neck and front panel and had a wide banded cuff. Three navy buttons accented the single breasted faux closure. The sleeveless version was a navy pullover with navy piping around the neck, front panel and arm openings. Three navy buttons accented the single breasted faux closure. Both sweaters featured a burgundy United crest on the left breast.
The serving garment was a butcher styled apron with a snap neck closure, straight top cut, two front patch pockets that tied in the back. The flight attendant’s name was embroidered on left breast in pewter.
Two coats and scarves were issued that were identical to female version described above.
2006 - Current
Female Uniform
The navy single breasted jacket has a two button closure in the front. The navy buttons are embossed with the United logo. The jacket sleeves feature two pewter stripes and three navy embossed logo buttons near the sleeve cuff. The jacket is worn over a choice of a light sky blue long or short sleeve blouse that has front and back vertical darts, a pointed collar and a placket that hides most of the buttons. An embroidered United logo appears on the left sleeve cuff on both versions.
The skirt and slacks, belt, dress, summer and winter coats, maternity jumper and blouse neck are identical to the 2002 issue, however in 2009, the slacks were reissued with a flat front, drop waist and no belt loops.
The navy suit vest is single breasted in a longer style than the 2002 issue. It features a notched lapel, slash pockets, and the flight attendant’s name pin in pewter is worn on the left breast and was worn during international first and business class service only.
Two V-neckline sweaters were issued in navy. The first is a long sleeve sweater with a four button closure that also features navy piping down the neckline and front panel. The sleeveless pullover version features piping around the neck, front panel and around the sleeve opening. Both have a pewter United crest sewn on the left breast. The serving garment is a navy butcher style apron with two patch pockets, snap neck closure with a back tie. A pewter name pin is worn on the upper left corner of the apron.
Male Uniform
New garments include the classically styled men’s navy suit jacket is single breasted with a two button closure with two pewter stripes and three navy embossed United logo buttons on the sleeve cuff. The long and short sleeve shirt which was introduced in 2002 is being worn with a tie with navy background that features medium blue horizontal stripes that are overlaid with small blue and white diamond design. Can 2002 stripe version also be worn?
The serving garment is a navy butcher style apron with straight across top, two patch pockets and a snap closure at neck and also ties at the waist in back.
A navy tailored suit vest that was worn for international first and business class service only was issued that featured a five button front closure, plain navy buttons, no lapels with two pockets. A pewter name pin was worn on upper left panel.
And last, a choice of two V-neck sweaters could be worn in navy. The long sleeve sweater version features a four button closure and has navy piping around the neck and down the front panel. The sleeveless version has a faux button closure and features navy piping around the neck, front panel and sleeve opening. A United crest is embroidered in pewter on the left breast on both versions.
The slacks and belt, shoes and the coats were also carried over from the 2002 uniform.
