Qantas uniform update for cabin crew allows men to wear make-up and women to ditch high heels
Male cabin crew can have long hair and wear make-up while women can ditch heels and lipstick, but a few taboos remain under the biggest overhaul of Qantas policy in 10 years.
Qantas will allow male cabin crew to grow their hair and wear make-up, and permit women to wear flat shoes and no make-up, under the biggest overhaul of its uniform policy in ten years.
The “relaxation” of previously hardline styling rules, followed a lengthy uniform review by Qantas amid lobbying from unions.
Other changes include the option for men and women to wear diamond earrings and colourful nail polish, fitbits or large watches are now allowed as well as clear glasses frames.
Men as well as women can grow their hair long providing it is worn in a pony tail or bun, or corn-rows.
There is also more fluidity between specific men’s and women’s uniform sets with more ability to mix up the various pieces.
Among the rules that have not changed for cabin crew, is the requirement to cover up any tattoos and stockings are still required when wearing a dress or skirt.
Name badges also remain compulsory for crew.
A Qantas spokeswoman said crew uniforms were a symbol of the airline’s “iconic brand and people were very proud to wear them”.
“Fashions change and so have our style guidelines over the years,” said the spokeswoman.
“We’re proud of our diversity and as well as bringing our guidelines up to date, these
changes will make wearing our uniform more comfortable and practical for all of our people,
including those with a wide range of body types and those from diverse cultural
backgrounds.”
She said uniform standards had always been “reflective of the times” with the 1980s’ style guide banning “gelled spikes” and navy blue eyeliner considered the most appropriate colour.
“In the 70s, women had to wear skirts above the knee. Today, our employees can choose whether or not to wear makeup, flat shoes and boots are in, and strict rules on watch sizes are out,” said the spokeswoman.
The Flight Attendants Association of Australia welcomed the changes which were the first to be made since new uniforms were introduced in 2013.
FAAA national secretary Teri O’Toole said anything that made life less stressful for cabin crew was a good thing, and she was hopeful it would be a precursor to a completely new uniform for Qantas.
“The current uniform is not comfortable for anyone who’s not very tall and lean,” Ms O’Toole said.
“There’s also difficulty getting replacement uniforms which we’d like to see addressed.”
She said the launch of ultra-long-range Project Sunrise flights in 2026 would be a good time to update the current uniform, signalling a “new era” for the airline.
Until then, Ms O’Toole said the changes would be embraced by crew who were happy to have a bit more flexibility in how they presented themselves.
“Uniform standards are all about personal interpretation so we will have to see how these changes play out,” Ms O’Toole said.
“Ultimately we think the changes will be broadly welcomed, and while we’re talking uniforms, perhaps Qantas will pay some attention to uniform pay rates.”
Ms O’Toole said male crew members were only allowed to grow a beard a couple of years ago, providing it was well maintained and trimmed.
The Australian Services Union had lobbied for a raft of changes, including for crew to display their preferred pronouns on name badges.
On Friday, ASU Victorian private sector branch secretary Imogen Sturni said they had pushed the issue “because workers care deeply about inclusion, diversion and equality”.
“Some of the dress code requirements were bordering on ridiculous, such as make-up style guides and a requirement for women to wear smaller watches than men,” Ms Sturni said.
“It was time that uniform requirements moved into the 21st century and reflected the values of the people at Qantas.”
She described the relaxation of standards as “a big win for workers” and hoped it was a sign of “cultural change in the management at Qantas”.
“We are pleased to see Qantas has addressed the concerns the ASU has raised on behalf of members and have committed to working with them going forward,” said Ms Sturni.
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