- Striking Vivienne Westwood uniforms were launched on September 1
- Cabin crew say outfits are too tight and shoes give them blisters
- Skirts are ‘high-waisted’ and collars so tight they make them bleed
- Virgin Atlantic said the new outfits were ‘comfortable and practical’
- Claimed uniforms had undergone a trial and staff had provided feedback
It may be one of the most stylish uniforms in the skies, but Virgin Atlantic’s cabin crew have been getting a bit hot under the collar about their new look.
The striking red outfits were designed by Vivienne Westwood and launched to much fanfare on September 1.
But the airline’s crew members have since complained that the uniforms are too tight and that the shoes give them blisters.
Staff also complained that the skirts are too high-waisted and don’t fit properly, while the collars are so tight they make them bleed, according to union Unite.
A Unite spokesperson told The Sun: ‘We’ve had members complaining of poor comfort and injury caused by the new uniform and mainly as a result of blistering from shoes and garment fit.’
But Virgin Atlantic said the initial feedback from staff had been ‘fantastic’ and that the uniform could be tailored to fit all shapes and sizes.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Virgin Atlantic is extremely excited to launch its new uniform collection and initial feedback from staff has been fantastic
‘To ensure the uniform was fit for purpose across our network, we conducted wearer trials globally for six months with over 150 staff volunteers who provided daily feedback on the fabric, fit, practicality and wearability of the uniform.
‘Adjustments were then made accordingly before the designs and fabrics were finalised.
‘We recognise that the fit is different to the previous uniform and to ensure correct sizing, all staff tried on the uniform and were fitted by our expert team upon collection. We have uniforms available in sizes from 6 to 30 and garments can be tailored to fit all shapes and sizes.’