1. Introduction to Air Hostess Blouses
Why Blouses Matter in Aviation
Every air hostess wears a special blouse as part of her uniform. These blouses help passengers easily identify crew members. Airlines choose blouse designs carefully because they represent the company’s image. The right blouse must look professional, stay neat during long flights, and allow easy movement.
Different Blouses for Different Airlines
Not all air hostess blouses look the same! Each airline has unique styles:
- Some use bright colors like red or blue
- Others prefer classic white
- Sleeve lengths change based on airline rules
- Necklines vary from simple collars to elegant wraps
2. Official Airline Blouse Designs
Button-Up vs Wrap Designs
Most airlines use one of two main styles:
Button-up blouses:
- Have a straight collar
- Use 3-5 buttons down the front
- Easy to tuck into skirts
Wrap blouses:
- Cross over at the front
- Tie at the waist
- Give a more feminine look
Sleeve Rules
Blouse sleeves must be:
✔ Short (above elbow) – for hot climate airlines
✔ 3/4 length – most common style
✔ Long – for some winter uniforms
Famous Airline Blouse Examples
Emirates:
- Bright red color
- Sharp angular collar
- Gold accent buttons
Singapore Airlines:
- Light blue or brown
- Traditional “kebaya” style
- Delicate embroidery
3. Fabric & Color Requirements
Best Materials for Blouses
Airlines pick fabrics that:
- Resist wrinkles (polyester blends)
- Breathe well (cotton mixes)
- Look luxurious (crepe or silk)
Airline Color Chart
Airline | Main Color | Accent Colors |
---|---|---|
Qatar | Beige | Maroon |
Air India | Sky Blue | Gold |
British Airways | White | Blue |
4. Sewing Patterns & Tailoring Guide
Where to Find Patterns
- Butterick B6556 – Basic crew blouse
- Simplicity 1544 – Asian airline style
Tailoring Must-Knows
- Place darts exactly 2″ from bust point
- Use double-stitched buttonholes
- Allow 1″ seam allowance for alterations
5. Where to Buy Approved Blouses
Official Stores
- UniDesign: Makes Emirates’ blouses
- Skyward Uniforms: Supplies 20+ airlines
Cheaper Options
- Amazon search: “white tailored blouse”
- Local shops that do uniform alterations
6. Styling & Maintenance
Accessory Rules
- Scarves must tie in approved knots
- Only 1 small brooch allowed
Washing Tips
- Hand wash in cold water
- Iron at medium heat
7. DIY Customization
Allowed Changes
- Add hidden pockets inside
- Adjust sleeve tightness (if approved)
Never Do These
- Cut the blouse shorter
- Add lace or sequins
8. Interview Blouse Tips
If You Don’t Have the Exact Blouse
- Choose a similar color
- Match the collar style
- Avoid loud patterns
Can I Wear Short Sleeves in Hot Climates?
Yes, but only if your airline allows it! Some airlines have special summer uniforms with short sleeves, while others require all crew to wear the same sleeve length year-round.
Here’s what you need to know:
Hot Climate Airlines (Emirates, Qatar): Usually permit 3/4 sleeves that can be rolled up.
Strict Airlines (Singapore Airlines): Keep the same sleeve length always.
Workaround: Some crew wear cooling undershirts if they must wear long sleeves.
Where to Buy Vintage Airline Blouses?
Vintage air hostess blouses are popular with collectors and fashion lovers. You can find them at:
eBay/Etsy: Search for “vintage [airline name] blouse” (e.g., “Pan Am 1970s blouse”).
Uniform Resale Sites: CrewOutlet.com often sells retired uniforms.
Thrift Stores: Check near airports – sometimes crew donate old uniforms.
How Many Blouses Do Crew Members Get?
Most airlines give crew 3-5 blouses when they start working.
Typical Uniform Package Includes:
Item
Quantity
Replacement Rules
Blouses
3-5
Replace every 2 years
Skirts/Pants
2-3
Replace when worn out
Jackets
1-2
Must stay perfect
Crew can usually order more blouses if needed, but must pay for extras.
Quick FAQ Summary Table
Question
Short Answer
Fun Fact
Short sleeves in heat?
Sometimes allowed
Some crews use secret cooling gels!
Vintage blouses where?
eBay/Etsy
Old TWA blouses sell for $100+!
How many blouses?
3-5 from airline
Pilots get more shirts!