#1 A uniform that fits

Our flight crew and cabin crew members represent SWISS every day. That’s why a uniform that is comfortable and fits well is a priority for us. For our new flight crew members, one of the first appointments is the fitting. During this, we determine the best size. Each size and garment has five different lengths, ranging from extra short to extra long. If the uniform still doesn’t fit right, it is adjusted in the workshop to suit the individual crew member.

#2 It takes many pieces to get dressed

For cabin crew members, the basic uniform consists of six mandatory pieces: blazer, skirt or trousers, blouse, scarf or tie, belt, and name tag. In addition, there are shoes, tights when wearing a skirt, a handbag, and a cabin bag (also known as a Crew Bag). In colder weather, the uniform can be supplemented with a coat, cardigan, knit scarf, and leather gloves, making the full uniform consist of over 15 pieces. Did you know that crews also receive a yellow safety vest? This is mandatory to carry and must be worn by the crew when moving through certain zones on the airport grounds.

#3 How to recognise the rank

Did you know that you can identify the rank of a SWISS crew member based on their uniform? You can see this either on the shoulder epaulettes of the blazer or vest, or on the corresponding loops on the blouse or shirt. One stripe means the person works as a cabin crew member. If you see one wide and one narrow stripe, it’s a Maître de Cabine (cabin manager) on short-haul flights. One wide and two narrow stripes indicate a Maître de Cabine for long-haul flights.

There are fewer distinctions in the cockpit. Three wide stripes mean the person is a co-pilot or first officer. Four wide stripes on the sleeve? That’s a captain, who is responsible for the crew and the flight.

#4 Do you have to wear red lips and high heels?

Each airline has its own rules for wearing and handling uniforms, and SWISS is no exception. One common myth is that female cabin crew members must wear red lipstick and high heels. The reality? Lipstick and tinted lip gloss are allowed, but wearing red lipstick is no longer mandatory at SWISS. Only bright lipstick colors like pink are prohibited.

As for shoes, SWISS crew members take care of their own, with an annual allowance for this. The uniform shoes for all crew members must have a heel of at least 1.5 cm, with a maximum of 3 cm for men and 8 cm for women.

#5 I want to be a cabin crew member, but I have tattoos and piercings

If you want to fly around the world with SWISS and take care of our passengers’ safety and well-being, but you have tattoos or piercings, it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker. Visible tattoos are generally allowed for cabin crew members – the only exceptions are tattoos on the face, ears, or large tattoos on the hands. Tattoos with themes like profanity, violence, drugs, sexism, politics, or discrimination are not tolerated, as they contradict our values. A discreet piercing on the ear or a nose stud is also allowed.

#6 A uniform with a purpose

The current SWISS uniform has been in use since 2009. Many considerations went into its selection. A uniform that conveys a professional and unified appearance is important to us – but there are other essential aspects as well. Functionality was a key consideration. For example, the flight crew’s blouses and shirts are made from 100% cotton. This natural material helps with changing climate conditions, as cotton absorbs moisture.

Blazers, trousers, skirts, and vests are made with a high percentage of virgin wool. Virgin wool is breathable and has temperature-regulating properties. It also makes the crew's clothes easy to clean, as a stain on the trousers or skirt can usually be wiped away. But this material has another superstar quality: virgin wool is fire-resistant. This is why the blazer or vest of the cabin crew can even be used to smother a fire.

#7 When coffee spills on your uniform

Who hasn’t had one of those mornings when nothing seems to go right? A quick spill on the shirt or realizing in the train that something important is missing. But what happens when the flight crew has an accident and doesn’t have enough spare uniforms in their suitcase? The answer lies in the Operations Center in Zurich. Crew members who need an emergency replacement receive temporary uniform pieces from the stock there, including blouses, shirts, scarves, and ties.

The cleaning of cabin crew uniforms is also taken care of. Garments are dropped off at the Operations Center, cleaned, ironed, and sorted into the respective crew member's compartment. Worn-out or defective uniform parts can be exchanged – the rule is: to get a replacement, the old item must be returned.