United started coordinating their flight attendant uniforms with the company's colors in this 1939 look by in-house designer Zay Smith. These outfits were used for the airline's Douglas DC-3 service.
Courtesy SFO Museum
Trans World Airlines, 1944 —
This 1944 look by Hollywood fashion designer Howard Greer employed TWA lettering on the shoulder. The logo could be covered with a triangular jacket flap when the attendant wanted to smoke or have a cocktail while off-duty.
Courtesy SFO Museum
Pan Am, 1959 —
This 1959 piece by Hollywood designer Don Loper for Pan Am celebrates the Jet Age with sharp, angular detailing.
Courtesy SFO Museum
Braniff International Airways, 1965 —
In a 1965 look designed by Emilio Pucci, a Braniff International Airways hostess displays her space bubble helmet. No, these were not very practical.
Courtesy SFO Museum
Braniff International Airways, 1965 —
Never one to be afraid of color, Pucci designed Braniff outfits with bold patterns and theatricality.
Courtesy SFO Museum
Braniff International Airways, 1966 —
Goodbye, traditional suits. Hello, swinging '60s. Emilio Pucci designed this Braniff 1966 Supersonic Derby outfit that was sure to make the woman wearing it stand out.
Courtesy SFO Museum
United Airlines, 1968 —
This United Airlines uniform designed by Hollywood costumer Jean Louis was made in double-knit wool and in a tighter fit. These 1968 dresses came in two colors: Hawaiian Sunset and Maliblue.
Courtesy SFO Museum
Air France, 1969 —
This 1969 winter suit for Air France flight attendants was designed by Cristobal Balenciaga. He closed his fashion house shortly after finishing this collection.
Courtesy SFO Museum
Japan Airlines, 1970 —
Designed by Hanae Mori, this 1970 Japan Airlines uniform pays homage to two of Japan's national symbols. The hat features a crane motif while the belt invokes the rising sun.
Courtesy SFO Museum
Pan Am, 1971 —
Inspired by an English-style riding habit, this 1971 Pan Am outfit aimed to be both functional and fashionable with a uniform that could be worn in all seasons.
Courtesy SFO Museum
Trans World Airlines, 1971 —
This 1971 polyester knit dress for TWA was designed by Valentino -- just in case you missed the branding on the scarf.
Courtesy SFO Museum
United Airlines, 1976 —
This polyester three-piece suit from 1976 had a Western flavor and a blouse checkered with the United Airlines logo.
Courtesy SFO Museum
Qantas Airways, 1986 —
The era of shoulder pads and power suits is celebrated by Yves Saint Laurent in this 1986 jacket-dress combo with kangaroo print for Qantas Airways.
Courtesy SFO Museum
Union de Transport Aeriens, 1987 —
This uniform created by the House of Dior is all about the polyester midi-skirt and the power dressing of the 1980s. It was worn by Union de Transport Aeriens attendants in 1987.
Courtesy SFO Museum
Eastern Airlines, 1990 —
Eastern Airlines (no longer in service) celebrated traditionalism in this 1990 design featuring a retro hat invoking the golden age of air travel.
Courtesy SFO Museum
Air France, 2005 —
Christian Lacroix's atelier designed over 100 pieces for Air France from 2000 onwards, including this wool-blend dress with Japanese-style tie-belt.
Courtesy SFO Museum
Aeromexico, 2008 —
This 2008 Aeromexico uniform by Macario Jimenez resurrects the polyester suit, which can be worn in both skirt and pant versions.
Courtesy SFO Museum
Virgin Atlantic, 2014 —
Dame Vivienne Westwood brought her aesthetic to Virgin Atlantic in 2014 with this scarlet tailored suit with bold gold buttons, complete with wing insignia.
