1. Introduction
The saree is the most elegant uniform for Indian air hostesses! It represents our culture while keeping cabin crew comfortable during flights. Wearing it properly is super important because:
- It needs to look neat for 12+ hour flights
- Crew must move quickly in emergencies
- It represents the airline’s image
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Different airline saree styles
- How to drape it perfectly
- Best fabrics to use
- Maintenance tips
- Where to buy official uniforms
Let’s make you a saree expert!
2. Airline-Specific Saree Styles
Traditional Airlines (Air India)
Air India’s famous red-border saree has:
- A special maroon/red border design
- Must be draped in “Bengali style” (pleats in front)
- Made of polyester for easy care
Maintenance tips:
- Dry clean every 15 wears
- Store folded in tissue paper
- Iron at medium temperature
Private Indian Carriers (Vistara, IndiGo)
These airlines use modern twists:
- Vistara: Navy blue with gold accents
- IndiGo: Purple and white patterns
- Blouses have 3/4 sleeves for comfort
- Sarees are pre-stitched for easy wearing
Movement tips:
- Keep pleats slightly loose
- Use non-slip petticoat
- Safety pin pallu to blouse
International Airlines (Emirates, Qatar)
These adapt sarees for global crews:
- Emirates: Cream color with subtle stripes
- Qatar: Modified drape (shorter pallu)
- Lightweight fabrics (under 200gms)
- Stretchable materials for bending
3. Essential Saree Draping Techniques
Follow these steps for perfect draping:
- Tuck the plain end into petticoat at right hip
- Make 5-7 neat pleats (each 2 inches wide)
- Tuck pleats facing left side
- Drape pallu over left shoulder
- Secure with 3 safety pins (waist, shoulder, blouse)
Safety tips:
- Place pins horizontally (won’t poke)
- Use 4-5 pins for turbulence
- Keep pallu length above ankles
4. Fabric Guide for Air Hostess Sarees
| Fabric | Good For | Problems | Care Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Daily use | Sweaty | Machine wash cold |
| Silk | VIP flights | Wrinkles | Dry clean only |
| Crepe | Long flights | Stains easily | Hand wash gently |
5. Blouse Design Essentials
All airline blouses must have:
- Sleeves covering shoulders
- Round or V-neck (no deep cuts)
- Hidden inner pocket (for pen/tickets)
- Matching buttons/thread
Tip: Get 2cm extra sleeve length for bending
6. Accessory Rules
Allowed jewelry:
- 1 necklace (max 2mm thick)
- Small stud earrings
- 1 thin bracelet
Footwear:
- 2-3 inch heels
- Always black
- Closed toes
7. Maintenance Tips
Washing:
- Polyester: Cold wash, no bleach
- Silk: Dry clean only
- Crepe: Hand wash in mild soap
Stain removal:
- Coffee: Dab with vinegar
- Food: Use baking soda paste
- Ink: Rubbing alcohol
8. Where to Buy
Official vendors:
- Air India: Kumar Uniforms, Delhi
- Vistara: Raymond Made-to-Measure
- IndiGo: Shopper’s Stop outlets
Budget options:
- Local tailors (show airline sample)
- Online: Utsav Fashion, Saree.com
Salary Details for Uniform Staff
| Job Role | Salary (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Uniform Designer | ₹45,000-80,000 |
| Tailor | ₹25,000-40,000 |
| Quality Checker | ₹30,000-50,000 |
Can we wear readymade sarees?
Most airlines do not allow regular readymade sarees. Here’s why:
Uniform Rules: Airlines have strict color/fabric rules that readymade sarees may not match.
Safety Reasons: Flight sarees need special stitching to stay secure during work.
Brand Image: All crew must look exactly the same – readymade sarees can vary in shade.
Exceptions:
✔ Some airlines provide pre-stitched uniform sarees (easy to wear).
✔ You may use readymade in the same color if your airline approves.
How many sarees are provided by airlines?
Airlines usually give 4-6 sarees when you join. Here’s the breakdown:
New Crew: Get 4 sarees + 2 blouses (free in first year).
Replacement: 1-2 new sarees yearly (some airlines charge after 2 years).
Special Cases: Torn/lost sarees may be replaced for free if reported quickly.
Top Airlines’ Policies:
Air India: 6 sarees initially, 2 free replacements yearly.
Vistara: 4 sarees, ₹2,000 charge for extra.
IndiGo: 5 sarees, must return when leaving job.
What if my saree gets torn during flight?
Don’t panic! Follow these steps:
Inform Senior Crew: They’ll help arrange a spare.
Use Emergency Kit: Most planes have sewing kits for quick fixes.
Safety Pin It: Temporarily secure tears until landing.
Report to Base: Get free replacement if torn during duty.
Prevention Tips:
✔ Avoid sharp edges when moving in cabin.
✔ Choose polyester blends (less likely to tear).
✔ Practice saree tucking techniques to reduce strain.