If you've ever looked at photos of retro air travel (or seen it in pop culture—hello, Pan Am and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), you've likely noticed an inherent, bygone luxury. Beyond getting customers from point A to point B, commercial aviation started as a lavish way to see and be seen, and remnants of that remained even as flights became more accessible. For most, flying is a special journey—perhaps for a long-awaited getaway or an important work event—and spacious cabin upgrades, elevated attire, and quality entertainment all play a part in that fantasy.

Over the years, the aviation industry has evolved to accommodate increased clientele and frequent flying, so comfort, practicality, and accessibility are top of mind—which is largely a good thing. But passengers and employees alike are still nostalgic for when flying felt decadent. After all, if you're going to have a long travel day with dry air and possible jet lag, it's nice to have parts that you truly look forward to.

Luckily, airlines have been taking note, with Delta's new uniforms being the latest in a series of innovations that balance performance and inclusivity with aesthetics. I had the pleasure of traveling to Atlanta to tour the archives and witness the runway debut. Ahead, learn all about why the glamour of retro aviation is so iconic, plus how the new designs are meeting the moment.

Why Airline Uniforms Are Part of Fashion

While uniforms for flight attendants and other employees have maintained a recognizable identity over the years, trends have also influenced them. When combing through the Delta Flight Museum uniform archives, I was mesmerized by how traceable pieces are to their respective eras thanks to their prints, design details, and silhouettes. Airlines have a long history of collaborating with designers on ensembles that balance professional needs with an inspired aesthetic, resulting in timely yet timeless style moments.

Undoubtedly, my favorite uniforms in the archive were from the '60s and '70s—the peak of the golden age of aviation. For one, I couldn't stop staring at a tiger-print faux-fur overcoat by California designer William Travilla from the 1972-75 collection for National Airlines (acquired in 1980 by Pan Am, which Delta would then acquire in 1991). During today's revival of '70s aesthetics and animal prints, I, as a fashion editor, would eagerly wear a coat like this—so I can imagine how fun it was for the era's flight attendants to have such an on-trend option. I also loved Delta's 1969-70 summer uniforms, which included shift dresses in three vivid hues (aquanox blue, grenelle green, and sunshine yellow—a retro version of lemontini?) as well as a reversible serving smock, a tall white "huntsman" hat to accommodate beehive updos, and short white gloves.

Ali Webb / Delta Flight Museum / Byrdie

This alignment with the times has been present in every era, from the all-American palette and A-line skirts of the '40s to the pussy bows and substantial tailoring of the '80s—through partnerships with high-end designers and big-name brands alike. While in Atlanta, I tried on the current flight attendant uniforms, created in collaboration with Zac Posen in 2018. The touches of plum in the accessories are a reminder of when Pantone's color of the year was Ultra Violet, and they add personality to an otherwise classic ensemble. The outfit I wore felt put-together and was compliant with uniform standards, but it was also much more comfortable than the regular skirt suits I've tried, showing me firsthand how these modern designs are made to withstand this demanding line of work.

@ali.nicole / Instagram

About the New Uniforms

On November 3, Delta revealed its new "Distinctly Delta" collection (created in collaboration with Land's End), which a smaller group of employees will wear-test next year before the full rollout in 2027. The new pieces are primarily navy and burgundy, two aviation classics that have a long history within the airline itself (which has been celebrating its centennial throughout 2025) but also feel in tune with the current craving for modern neutrals.

Delta

The launch, a full overhaul for above- and below-wing employees, features a wider range of options than ever before, complete with some of employees' most-requested designs. To name a few, there are more maternity options, a new dress style for Red Coat customer service employees, and multiple pants designs for men. The updated and expanded offerings allow everyone to find pieces that fit their needs and taste, empowering them for whatever the workday might hold.

The design process may have rightfully kept performance at the forefront, but the collection doesn't skimp on style. The audience of mostly Delta employees couldn't stop cheering when three models walked the Flight Museum runway in a new burgundy version of the wrap dress, back after a beloved initial run in the early 2000s. The new Elite Collection, featuring a subtle branded jacquard, creates an elevated visual distinction for premium services, the Sky Club, and lead flight attendants. Plus, the airline collaborated with Missoni on accessories, bringing unique, aviation-inspired spins on the Italian house's signature chevron to scarves, ties, and pocket squares.

Ali Webb / Delta / Byrdie

All in all, the Distinctly Delta collection is full of modern designs that accommodate airline employees' daily needs, while building on the brand's identity, tapping into trending fashion colors, and feeding our ongoing collective desire for an elevated flight experience.

Is Air Travel Finally Glamorous Again?

In the late 20th century, air travel became more democratized, and the overall experience shifted toward a more casual, mundane tone. Your airport crush probably wears elevated athleisure, rather than the tailored pieces from before. While that doesn't seem likely to change (though I highly recommend the effortless chic of throwing a trench coat over your sweater and leggings), there have been elevated shifts in the overall experience.

In recent years, Delta and other major airlines have expanded their loyalty programs, lounges, and other benefits, and have partnered with premium fashion and beauty brands to offer amenity kits and limited-edition items. And frequent flyer or not, most people who travel at least a few times a year have a strong opinion on their choice airline, flexing it as social currency. Much like our favorite sports teams and music artists, the airline you align yourself with is now a personality trait—and the more these innovations happen, the more this phenomenon seems likely to intensify.

As long as we continue to travel so much, it just makes sense that our airport and in-flight experiences include features that boost comfort, add an air of luxury, and allow employees and clients to romanticize what's become an everyday experience. If a high-end scarf, form-fitting wrap dress, or premium jacquard serves that mission while being equally functional, more power to it.