British Airways new jumpsuit uniform for female cabin crew mocked as being 'inappropriate'

British Airways has revealed a new uniform in its first change in almost 20 years, with options of a tunic, hijab or jumpsuit for female cabin crew but no option to mix gender-specific outfits.

Every member of BA’s 30,000 frontline staff will wear the new work attire which has taken British fashion designer Ozwald Boateng five years to construct.

Boateng shadowed workers in various positions within the company to get a feel for the requirements of their uniform – and even tested out the designs discreetly on cargo flights and hangars in Manchester and the Cotswolds.

The British Airways male uniform includes a three piece suit
BA

The airline restrained from offering a gender-neutral uniform or a free choice for all similar to that of rival Virgin Atlantic with male crew members getting a tailored three-piece suit with regular and slim-fit style trousers.

BA say the new work attire which features an airwave pattern on the jackets, t-shirts, buttons and ties, was inspired by the movement of air over an aircraft wing.

Sean Doyle, BA’s chief executive, said: “Our uniform is an iconic representation of our brand, something that will carry us into our future, representing the very best of modern Britain and helping us deliver a great British original service for our customers.

“From the very start this has been about our people. We wanted to create a uniform collection that our people are proud to wear, and with the help of over 1,500 colleagues, we are confident that we have delivered this.”

BA say the new work wear is mostly made from sustainable fabrics including recycled polyester and cotton from manufacturers signed up to the Better Cotton initiative.

But according to one cabin crew member, many of her female colleagues aren't impressed with the new design.

She told the Telegraph: “I would say that by a big majority most of the female crew hate it. I won’t be wearing the jumpsuit, it’s completely impractical.”

British Airways has introduced a tunic, jumpsuit and hijab as uniform options
BA

The new uniform has also faced backlash from social media users who say the uniform is “inappropriate."

One Twitter user said: "The jumpsuit tells me staff weren't consulted. Most inappropriate piece of clothing ever. Imagine getting out of one of those 37000 ft up."

Another added: “Oh wow... imagine trying to pee on a plane when you're wearing a jumpsuit. Recipe for disaster."

BA’s old uniforms are set to be donated to charity, recycled or displayed in the airline’s museum.