These 8 airlines are relaxing traditional flight attendant uniform rules in favor of more gender-neutral polices

Virgin Atlantic abolished the distinction between "male" and "female" for flight attendants' uniforms in 2022. The uniforms, which were designed by Vivienne Westwood, did not change, but the airline now allows its employees to wear the clothing that they prefer.Courtesy of Virgin Atlantic

• Some airlines around the world are making flight attendant uniforms more gender-neutral.
• Flight attendant uniform trends are often representative of the time when they are worn.

United said in June it will start allowing flight attendants to wear name tags with their pronouns on to allow them to identify "in the way that feels most true to themselves."

The move — part of the airline's major uniform redesign — is the latest in a trend that sees carriers around the world taking steps to make their strict rules for flight attendant uniforms more inclusive.

Flight attendants' uniforms are often representative of a particular time, Amanda Hildebrandt, an academic researcher who specializes in the topic, told Insider. During the 1940s, for instance, there was a preference for military-style uniforms.

"Flight attendant uniforms are often issued with a manual that instructs on the 'correct' way to wear the uniform. The list of requirements can be exhaustive, down to approved hairstyles and shades of makeup," Hildebrandt said. "Nowadays, a number of airlines appear to be trying to make their uniform regulations more inclusive and reflective of changes in social norms."

Here are 8 airlines that are opting for more gender-inclusive regulations: