After an extensive development phase spanning over a year and a half, Delta Air Lines is providing its employees with an exclusive preview of the prototype collection for their brand-new, contemporary, and distinctly Delta uniforms. This initiative places the feedback of Delta’s 70,000 uniformed professionals – including crucial roles such as airport customer service agents, cargo agents, flight attendants, ground equipment mechanics, and aircraft technicians – at the very heart of the design journey.
Since 2022, Delta has strategically partnered with GPS Apparel by Gap Inc., leveraging their renowned expertise to bring this innovative uniform prototype collection to fruition. Collaborating with Gap Inc., a purpose-driven and iconic company celebrated for its diverse portfolio of globally recognized brands like Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, enables Delta to tap into over 50 years of product design and industry proficiency. This partnership also provides access to Gap Inc.’s extensive sourcing capabilities and scaled platform. Through a comprehensive approach encompassing job shadowing, focused group discussions, detailed surveys, and in-depth interviews, the Gap Inc. team gathered invaluable feedback from over 20,000 Delta employees regarding their preferences for future uniform designs. This rich feedback is instrumental in crafting prototypes that prioritize comfort without sacrificing sophistication, ensure modern aesthetics while maintaining durability, and above all, maximize functionality for daily wear.
The color palette of the uniform prototypes is rooted in deep navy blues and opulent burgundy shades, highlighted with vibrant accents of red and crisp white. This deliberate choice signifies a return to a more traditional color scheme, directly inspired by Delta’s established brand identity and rich heritage. With a strong emphasis on facilitating ease of movement, ensuring breathability, providing inclusive fit options, guaranteeing durability, and incorporating distinctive design elements, Delta’s uniform philosophy is clearly reflected in this collection. It delivers a unified and refined appearance, while also empowering employees to select from a variety of styles and looks that suit their personal preferences and professional roles. The garments are constructed using OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified fabrics and components, meticulously designed to meet the specific needs of each division and job function. Functional features are thoughtfully integrated to support employees in performing their duties effectively and to foster a sense of pride in wearing their Delta uniform.
Paying further tribute to Delta’s iconic brand identity and storied history, the design team has skillfully incorporated the recognizable widget logo throughout the collection. These integrations range from prominent displays to subtle placements, adding layers of brand recognition. Originally introduced in 1959, the widget, prominently featured on the tails of Delta aircraft, embodies the very essence of Delta’s spirit and culture. Its design is symbolic: the flat base represents the airline’s firm foundation, while the upward-pointing top section serves as a constant reminder to “keep climbing,” reflecting Delta’s commitment to progress and aspiration.
The comprehensive process of outfitting Delta’s extensive workforce with entirely new uniforms is anticipated to be a gradual undertaking. Delta will initiate extensive wear testing for each uniform piece later in the fall of this year. This critical phase will provide Delta employees with the valuable opportunity to continue shaping the fit, form, and overall functionality of the new collection through real-world feedback. The complete rollout of the new uniform pieces across all Delta workgroups is projected to occur over the next few years.
Ranjan Goswami, SVP of Customer Experience Design at Delta, emphasized the scale and employee-centric approach: “Delta is comprised of tens of thousands of uniformed employees, each with unique needs and individual preferences. This scale means that any evolution of our uniform program requires significant time and careful deliberation to ensure we get it right. We are deeply committed to utilizing this time to actively listen, continuously learn, and iteratively refine as we progress towards a new uniform aesthetic – one that genuinely reflects and proudly celebrates who we are as Delta Air Lines.”
