Delta Air Lines has announced plans to launch a new uniform collection. As you’d expect, it’s very premium!
In this post:
Basics of the new Distinctly Delta uniform collection
Delta is rolling out new uniforms for its frontline employees, with the wear-testing phase expected to begin in the summer of 2026, and the uniforms to roll out on a widespread basis as of 2027. This roughly coincides with Delta’s centennial celebration. This is being called the Distinctly Delta collection, and “it’s a brand statement of pride and purpose, designed with intention to help our people keep climbing.”
The new uniforms are made up of four distinct collections, produced by Lands’ End, “each designed with intention, crafted with care and inspired by the voices of 65,000 Airport Customer Service, In-Flight and Technical Operations uniformed Delta employees.”
Delta describes the new uniforms as an extension of the company’s brand identity, with Delta’s signature colors making their return. Inspired by the Delta tail and widget, deep navy and “premium” shades of burgundy and red are being reintroduced, with aviation-inspired names like Navigator Navy, Boarding Burgundy, and Runway Red. Delta is also bringing back its wrap dress, which was first introduced in the early 2000s.
Delta is also introducing the Elite Collection, featuring subtle jacquard patterns intertwined with the Delta widget, which distinguishes elite service roles like Red Coats, Sky Club ambassadors, and pursers. For the first time, these roles will be unified under one collection.
Delta is also expanding its partnership with Missoni with the uniforms, with the airline introducing a selection of accessories from the Italian fashion house. These include scarves, ties, and pocket squares.
I’m not sure I have strong feelings on these uniforms
It’s always hard to know what to make of new uniforms simply based on a few pictures, so I’ll reserve judgment until I see them in person.
As I always say, what matters most with uniforms is how employees feel when they wear them — are they comfortable, and do employees like the way they feel? Airline uniforms are complicated, given the various body types they need to be designed for, plus the need for them to be functional.
Obviously the Missoni accessories are a high-end touch that I’m sure will make some employees feel proud, so I appreciate that. I also think it’s cool how the airline has the “Elite Collection,” to create some consistency for the more empowered employees across functions.
I will say, I do think it’s logical for Delta to once again have uniforms that match the brand’s colors. In 2018, we saw Delta introduce its “Passport Plum” uniforms, and that just seemed rather random, since it didn’t otherwise match the carrier’s branding. I wondered at the time if it might be indicative of a bigger rebranding at the airline, but that never materialized.
It almost feels like what’s old is new again, as these uniforms seem more similar to the uniforms from the Deltalina era than the current uniforms.
Bottom line
Delta is planning on launching its new Distinctly Delta uniform collection, with testing starting in 2026, and a widespread rollout in 2027. The new uniforms once again use Delta’s signature colors, and some uniforms even have Missoni accessories.
While I can’t say I find the uniforms as such to be that remarkable, they seem a little more logical to me than the current “Passport Plum” collection.
What do you make of Delta’s new uniforms?
The Missoni manufacturing license is owned by the royal family of Qatar, who are state sponsors of terrorism. Very premium. Not. It is shameful, though.
There's nothing more premium than Delta choosing Land End as it's uniform supplier.
Not sure it was the good time to make such an announcement while Delta FAs are fighting for their wages
Hopefully there will be no skin and allergy issues. That has been the downfall for many uniform projects
Nothing to get too excited about but at least they look reasonably functional and not in the entirely ridiculous "Riyad" mode (although we are still waiting to see if those bizarre garments ever actually get off the ground)
yikes...Everything about these uniforms screams "frumpy", not premium - should have consulted with a local Atlanta fashion designer, not Lands End. Virgin Atlantic may lose money because of their misguided route network influence from DL, but at least their uniforms are functional and stylish for all sizes.
I am surprised no one has reported on the Delta brand refresh (they partnered with London-based brand agency DixonBaxi). A few design sites featured highlights.
Delta's current uniforms are ugly, with odd styling and poor color choices. The new uniforms just look dumpy. Who on earth would ever turn to Lands End for uniforms? Missoni lawyers just be busy figuring out how their accessories got paired with Lands End - not a capsule collection they would have wanted.
As a flight attendant for Delta Airlines of 35 years that ugly purple plum, whatever you wanna call it, it took the professional right out of me. I hated it with all my heart and soul.
It was horrible material that had tons of chemicals in it, it was uncomfortable, and as a flight attendant had to be in it for 12 hour flights to Europe, I sweated every second of it.
I wish [all] airlines would do away with neckties for FAs. It’s totally impractical for a job that requires so much bending and reaching, unhygienic, and there are loads of good looking uniforms out there that don’t need them to appear classy. Someday…
You know what’d go real nice with those uniforms…. a Delta flight attendants union.
Worker protection are the most stylish accoutrement.
Amen… could not happen soon enough