Flight attendant dress code: What to wear?
We know that our industry is more conservative than others when it comes to the dress code, and selecting an appropriate attire is a factor that may help you make a positive first impression with the recruiters. Airlines are looking for applicants to represent their core values, image and brand, and you only get one chance to make a good first impression.
In this article you will find our best tips on what to wear when attending an assessment day, taking a full-length photo to attach to your application or meeting up for one-to-one interviews.
Formality
To make sure you choose attire that aligns with the airline’s specifications, we recommend researching the airline to identify its uniform standards and how they communicate with their clients. Some airlines are more formal than others, but regardless of their level of formality, traditional business attire is preferred - which usually includes a suit or blazer paired with a skirt or slacks.
Hair and beard
Some details can give potential employers a picture of how you might meet the airline’s grooming standards and expectations. Many airlines prefer short hairstyles to enhance their brand, so if your hair is beyond shoulder length, you might choose to style it in a bun or other updo. If your hair is above shoulder length, a good alternative is to style it in a way that keeps hair away from your face. The most important is that your hair appears clean and neat.
The majority of airlines prefer their male staff to be clean-shaven. Some airlines are more relaxed when it comes to facial hair, as long as it's still possible to see your lips and facial hair looks well-trimmed and groomed.
Makeup and nails:
When it comes to makeup and nails, less is usually more for most airlines. If wearing nail polish, nude or other neutral tones are always a good choice. Short length nails highlight more hygiene - since Cabin Crew handle food during flights. As mentioned, style may vary from airline to airline, so do your research on the specific airline you are applying for the job - maybe a red lipstick will also apply depending on the airline.
Appropriate socks and tights - covering legs.
A good tip to follow the traditional business attire style is to cover your legs with tights or stockings similar to your skin tone. If you are wearing slacks, you might want to match your sock color with other colors in your outfit - black, navy blue, gray or dark brown are common and safe choices. Remember to also choose socks that are long enough to cover your skin.
Accessories
We know that our industry is a little more conservative than others when it comes to the dress code. Non-traditional jewelry such as facial or nose piercings should be avoided, but some color here and there on accessories, such as a belt, scarf or other jewelry is a fun way to show some personality on your first touchpoint with recruiters.
Attire length X tattoos:
If you decide not to go for the traditional suit, make sure your skirt or slacks are in an appropriate length. Ideally, knee-length skirts, and slacks that end at the ankle. Most commercial airlines do not let their Cabin Crew have tattoos that are visible, so make sure that your attire covers tattoos.
Shoes
If you go for high heels, make sure to wear closed-toe style. If heels kill your feet, ballet flats or loafers work too. Safe color choices can be black, brown, nude, gray or navy blue. Polished leather is always a good choice.
*Extra tip:
When taking a full-length photo to attach to your application, make sure to have a neutral and clean background. You want to look professional, so make sure you avoid photos while partying or with alcohol in the background. Outdoor pictures are nice if the landscape isn’t too busy, and the same applies for indoor pictures: make sure you have good and neutral lightning, and a clean background.
