Qantas reveals major uniform change

Qantas and Jetstar employees are now able to choose whether or not they wear heels, jewellery or makeup under a major update to the airline’s uniform policy.

Having once moderated everything from sideburn-length to eyeliner colour, the update is the first in 10 years, and allows men to grow their hair out and women to wear pants and flat shoes for the first time.

The modernised regulations follow lobbying from unions and a lengthy review conducted by Qantas, aimed at making the uniform “more comfortable and practical” for staff.

“Fashions change, and so have our style guidelines over the years,” a Qantas spokesperson said.

“Our iconic uniforms are loved around the world – and they aren’t changing.

“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.”

Tattoos are still required to be concealed and hosiery must be worn with a dress or skirt, though all employees can now wear makeup and the same type of jewellery.

Guideline clarifications have also been made to cater to people with curly hair or corn rows, as well as staff with cultural or religious style preferences.

‘Male’ and ‘female’ uniform categories have been scrapped, replaced with uniform ‘capsules’ – a classification system that organises which uniform pieces can be worn together and with what grooming requirements.

“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,” a spokesperson said.

Qantas has followed in the lead of new budget airline Bonza, which adopted entirely gender-neutral uniforms.

Following Bonza’s move in 2022, the UK’s Virgin Atlantic also binned gendered uniforms, as well as launching optional pronoun badges.