Delta Unveils New Employee Uniform Prototypes: Meh, I Think?

Delta Air Lines has just unveiled a prototype of its new employee uniforms. This represents a massive change for the carrier’s branding, though don’t expect this will be rolled out on a widespread basis anytime soon.

A first look at new Delta employee uniforms

After more than 18 months of development and design, Delta has released prototypes of its all-new, modern, and “distinctly Delta” uniform collection.

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Let me first emphasize that these are just prototypes for now. As of the fall of 2024, Delta will begin extensive wear testing for each uniform garment, giving employees the opportunity to continue to influence the fit, form, and function, of the new collection. The uniforms aren’t expected to be rolled out on a widespread basis in the next few years, so this is truly looking to the future, and a very long term project.

The airline states that these uniforms were created with feedback from the company’s 70,000 uniformed employees, including airport customer service agents, cargo agents, flight attendants, ground equipment mechanics, and aircraft technicians. As you can tell, there are no new pilot uniforms yet, but that’s expected in the future as well.

Delta has partnered with GPS Apparel by Gap Inc. to bring the new prototype collection to life. Through job shadows, focus groups, surveys, and interviews, the team at Gap Inc., collected feedback from more than 20,000 employees on future uniform designs. That feedback is being used to create prototypes that are comfortable yet elevated, modern yet durable, and above all, functional.

Delta describes the new uniforms as being anchored in deep navy blues and rich burgundy, with accents of bright red and white, representing a return to a more classic color palette inspired by Delta’s brand identity and heritage.

Designers also incorporated the iconic widget logo across the collection, in ways that are both obvious and subtle. This has been a part of Delta’s branding as far back as 1959. The airline states that this widget represents the spirit and culture of Delta — the flat base symbolizes the airline’s solid foundation, while the top portion points skyward, a reminder to always keep climbing.  

Here’s how Ranjan Goswami, Delta’s SVP of Customer Experience Design, describes the new uniform:

“Delta has tens of thousands of uniformed employees, all with different needs and preferences. That means any evolution of the uniform program will take time and deliberation to get right. We are committed to using this time to listen, learn and iterate as we work toward a new look – one that reflects and celebrates who we are as Delta.” 

My take on Delta’s new employee uniforms

It’ll be years until we see these uniforms on Delta employees on a widespread basis, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see some design changes made before they’re rolled out (both in terms of aesthetics and comfort). For those not familiar with Delta’s current uniforms, the airline uses “passport plum,” which is quite distinctive.

What’s my take on Delta’s new uniform prototypes? Admittedly new uniforms can take some getting used to, but I can’t help but feel that they look sort of retro, and not in a “timeless elegance” kind of way. Some of the pieces even look more like costume pieces rather than uniform pieces, in my opinion.

In fairness, it seems the change in colors is part of a much larger rebranding for the company. We know that Delta is planning on refreshing the interiors of its jets, with darker and more neutral colors. I can appreciate how the new uniform prototypes would match that better, compared to the current purple.

So while my initial impressions is that I don’t particularly like these uniforms, I also acknowledge that they may look great in person, and/or it might just be that they take some getting used to. Furthermore, what matters most about new uniforms is how Delta employees feel. If they like them, that’s what matters most.

Bottom line

Delta has rolled out prototypes of its new employee uniforms, which are really only in the early stages of development, and won’t be rolled out for years. Delta is ditching its heavy use of purple, and is instead going with a more traditional design. While the current uniform feels modern, I can’t help but feel like the new uniform prototypes feels quite classic.

What do you make of Delta’s new uniform prototypes?