After an extensive development and design phase lasting over a year and a half, Delta Air Lines is offering its employees a first look at the prototypes for their brand-new, modern uniform collection. These “distinctly Delta” uniforms are the result of a collaborative design process, heavily influenced by feedback from Delta’s 70,000 uniformed employees, including airport customer service agents, cargo agents, flight attendants, ground equipment mechanics, and aircraft technicians.
Since 2022, Delta has partnered with GPS Apparel by Gap Inc. to bring this new vision for Delta Airline Uniforms to life. This collaboration with Gap Inc., a company renowned for its iconic and purpose-driven brands like Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, allows Delta to tap into over 50 years of product and design expertise. Gap Inc.’s scaled platform and extensive sourcing capabilities are proving invaluable in this ambitious project. The design team at Gap Inc. diligently gathered input from over 20,000 Delta employees through job shadowing, focus groups, surveys, and interviews. This feedback is directly shaping the prototypes, ensuring the new delta airline uniforms are not only comfortable and elevated but also modern, durable, and, above all, functional for the diverse roles within Delta.
A Nod to Delta’s Heritage with Modern Design
The prototype delta airline uniforms are grounded in a sophisticated color palette of deep navy blues and rich burgundy, accented with bright red and white. This marks a return to a more classic aesthetic, drawing inspiration from Delta’s strong brand identity and long-standing heritage. Understanding the diverse needs of its workforce, Delta has prioritized ease of movement, breathability, and inclusive fit in the uniform design. Durability and distinct design elements are also central to the ethos of the collection. The new delta airline uniforms aim to present a cohesive and elevated look across all employee groups while offering individuals the flexibility to choose from different styles and garments to best suit their roles and personal preferences. Reflecting a commitment to quality and sustainability, the garments are crafted from OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100-certified fabrics and components. Each piece is purpose-built for specific divisions and roles within Delta, incorporating functional elements to enhance employee performance and instill pride in wearing the delta airline uniforms.
The Iconic Widget: A Subtle Yet Prominent Feature
In a further tribute to Delta’s iconic brand identity and rich history, the designers have cleverly incorporated the widget logo throughout the delta airline uniforms collection. This recognizable symbol, first introduced in 1959 and prominently featured on the tails of Delta aircraft, embodies the spirit and culture of the airline. The widget’s design is deeply symbolic: its flat base represents Delta’s solid foundation, while the upward-pointing top section serves as a constant reminder to “keep climbing,” reflecting the airline’s ethos of progress and aspiration. The integration of the widget in both obvious and subtle ways across the delta airline uniforms serves as a constant connection to Delta’s enduring values and brand promise.
Wear Testing and Future Rollout
The process of fully outfitting Delta’s vast workforce in these new delta airline uniforms will be a phased approach. Delta will commence extensive wear testing for each uniform garment later this fall. This critical phase will allow Delta employees to provide further feedback, directly influencing the fit, form, and function of the final uniform collection. The full-scale rollout of the new delta airline uniforms across all workgroups is anticipated to take place over the next few years.
Ranjan Goswami, SVP of Customer Experience Design at Delta, emphasized the importance of this meticulous approach: “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.” This commitment underscores Delta’s dedication to creating delta airline uniforms that truly meet the needs and expectations of their employees while embodying the airline’s distinguished brand.
