Source: OT-Team(G), 央广网
A recent trending topic on Chinese social media—"airlines ditching high heels and allowing pants for female crew"—has sparked widespread public debate.
The shift challenges long-standing aesthetic norms in the aviation and rail industries and reflects a growing emphasis on health, safety, and comfort over traditional standards of appearance.
From Glamour to Function: Rethinking Cabin Crew Attire
For many, the image of a flight attendant evokes a polished uniform, flawless makeup, and a pair of elegant high heels. But that stereotype is now being questioned. As the public pays increasing attention to the wellbeing of service workers, calls for more practical, health-conscious dress codes are gaining momentum. The focus is shifting from aesthetic expectations to fundamental service values: safety, efficiency, and comfort.
Public Support: "End the Beauty Burden"
Over the past year—and especially in July—numerous social media users have posted about their desire to see female flight attendants and train staff freed from outdated appearance requirements. Posts advocating for ditching heels and makeup have received thousands of likes, shares, and comments.
On July 24, a passenger surnamed Deng handed a handwritten letter to a flight attendant, listing five recommendations for improving female crew attire. Her suggestions included allowing a choice between pants and skirts, replacing high heels with flat shoes, scrapping mandatory pantyhose, allowing freedom in eyewear choices, and eliminating compulsory makeup. After she shared the letter online, it quickly went viral and received wide support.
Airlines Lead the Way: Flat Shoes and Flexible Uniforms
Wearing high heels during long shifts not only increases the risk of ankle injuries and slips but also contributes to varicose veins and long-term musculoskeletal strain. For many crew members, standing or walking for hours in heels has become an unnecessary and painful burden. The rise of online platforms has amplified their voices, turning workplace discomfort into a public conversation—and pushing companies to act.
The shift toward health-conscious policies gained formal support when China's Civil Aviation Administration issued updated guidelines on December 7, 2024, stating: "From taxiing until the aircraft arrives at its destination and passengers have disembarked, cabin crew shall not wear high heels."
Multiple airlines have since adopted new uniform policies reflecting this guidance:
Shandong Airlines introduced uniforms allowing women to choose between pants and below-the-knee skirts, paired with lightweight flat shoes.
Spring Airlines announced that from July 7, 2025, female crew members must wear self-purchased flat shoes throughout their duty shifts. Their winter uniform also includes a pants option.
Hunan Airlines mandated flat shoes for all female flight attendants starting August 1, 2025.
Juneyao Airlines now provides both high heels and flats, allowing crew to choose—though only flat shoes are permitted during flights.
Railways Follow Suit: Skirts No Longer Mandatory
The shift toward comfort isn't limited to aviation. On July 25, a passenger surnamed Liang submitted a suggestion during a train ride, proposing the abolition of mandatory skirts and pantyhose for female train crew. She argued that skirts are impractical and prioritize appearance over functionality—citing discomfort, limited mobility, and potential wardrobe malfunctions.
Liang, who occasionally wears heels and tights herself, emphasized that railway staff should be able to move freely and comfortably to assist passengers. She believes pants and flat shoes offer a more functional alternative.
Since the start of 2025, at least two regional railway bureaus have rolled out new uniforms for high-speed rail attendants, offering both skirt and pants options. Another has adopted an all-pants uniform set for women.
A Broader Industry Shift: Prioritizing Staff Wellbeing
These changes reflect a broader evolution in service-sector thinking. Instead of enforcing rigid standards based on traditional aesthetics, companies are beginning to prioritize employee health and practical needs. The Civil Aviation Administration's new regulation banning high heels during flight operations offers an institutional backbone to this cultural shift.
Importantly, these reforms also signal respect for workers' rights and professional dignity. By emphasizing functionality and comfort over ornamental appearance, service providers are recognizing their staff not only as brand ambassadors but as professionals deserving of agency and care.
That said, uniformity and professionalism remain key principles in the service industry. As the sector transitions toward more worker-friendly policies, maintaining high service standards will be essential. Striking the right balance between comfort and professionalism will be critical for sustainable industry growth and continued consumer trust.
What do you think? Should flight attendants and train crew have full autonomy over their uniforms? Would you feel differently about service quality if uniforms looked less traditional but were more practical?
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