BA’s New Uniform By Ozwald Boateng

First new uniform for BA aircrew in 20 years designed by Ozwald Boateng

British Airways have revealed their first uniform revamp in 20 years. And Twitter has some strong (and negative) opinions, whereas I personally love it. 

There’s a jumpsuit for female check-in employees which will be available for cabin crew later in the year too, a three-piece suit for men and a dress, skirt and trouser option for women. The uniform also includes outerwear which has been tested at cold temperatures of up to -18C, as well as a tunic and hijab.

However, the fit of the uniforms doesn’t appear to be wholly satisfactory and the typical punchy colours of BA’s attire have been forgone in favour of dark blue. While the airline doesn’t have gender neutral uniforms, anyone who identifies as a man or woman can wear that gender’s assigned uniform.

The collection was designed by British designer Ozwald Boateng, who has also been criticized on Twitter, alongside British Airways, for the designs.

One user tweeted: ‘BA has revealed that the new uniform includes an option of a jumpsuit which is perfectly okay if you’re flinging yourself from the plane if service goes wrong, but an utter pain in the arse if you have to keep getting undressed just for a poo.’. Yawn. Another tweeted: ‘@British_Airways maybe some of your outstanding management team could do with a little break; particularly those involved with the new overalls, I mean uniform launch.’

But it wasn’t just the jumpsuit that had Twitter going so mad. The lack of branding and dull colours were also disappointing to the online masses. The social media consensus was that the uniforms ‘couldn’t have been duller if they tried’ and reminiscent of a 1980s bank clerk.

Suffice to say, I love the new uniforms. They’re modern, smart and stylish, I hope these sad Twitter posters get a life.

Sorry, but jumpsuits for 2023 is bang on point. Well done BA  -and well done Ozwald.