Fact Check: The History Behind Malaysian Airlines (MAS) Stewardesses Uniform We Should Know

Stewards and stewardesses are like passengers’ companions while on the plane. They are always ready to help everyone with a smile on their face. If someone panics before or during the journey, they will be by your side to make things better. Sometimes, with their smile, it helps.

Aside from their friendliness and professionalism, flight attendants are pleasing to look at. We can’t deny that stewards and stewardesses are a good-looking bunch. Not only that, but their uniforms reflect the country’s identity.

Therefore, have you ever wondered about the origin behind their attires?

A brief history of MAS uniform

Before Singapore was separated from Malaysia, Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA) existed in 1968. For the cabin crew’s uniforms, a French designer, Couturier Pierre Balmain, was behind the sarong kebaya idea.

The borders from the edges of the batik fabric were added around the hem, neck and cuffs. This addition completed the traditional look.

Picture: Condé Nast Traveler

Stewardesses wore the sarong kebaya until today

A designer from Malaysia, Andy Chiew, developed Malaysia Airlines’ first official uniform. His design ranked first among nine designs made. The uniform came in two colours: brown and green. It depended on the attendant’s rank.

Picture: Poison Apple

Furthermore, MAS introduced its sarong kebaya uniform for female attendants. The School of Fashion at the Mara University of Technology (UiTM) designed the attire by adding bamboo patterns and Malaysian flowers like cempaka, jasmine and hibiscus leaves.

Interestingly, they added Sarawakian geometric patterns on the lapels and sleeve edges. Hijabi flight attendants wore light green shawls on their heads. Additionally, male flight attendants wore simple grey jackets.

Picture: Twitter Malaysia Airports

The uniform evolved from its first design in 1972 to 1991 with different coloured floral motifs. However, the essence remained.

Picture: Convergence by Malaysian Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB)

How to differentiate the flight attendant’s rank?

Every steward and stewardess has different positions. To differentiate them, we can look at the colour of their uniform.

Generally, this is what MAS female flight attendants wear:

Red with yellow flowers (Inflight Supervisors)

Chief Stewardesses (Green with pink flowers)

Leading Stewardesses (Green with pink flowers)

Flight Stewardesses (Green with pink flowers)

Ground front liners (Green with magenta flowers)

Picture: Twitter Malaysia Airlines

Sources: Poison Apple, Condé Nast Traveler, Convergence by Malaysian Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB)

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

From Cookies to Classrooms: Starbucks Raises Over RM100K to Revive Centre for the Deaf

What if your sweet tooth could change lives? Since 2018, Starbucks Malaysia has raised over… Read More

5 hours ago

Tous les Jours Expands in Malaysia with New Outlets at Sunway Pyramid and Sunway Velocity

Malaysian fans of delectable K-inspired baked goods will be delighted to hear that Tous Les… Read More

12 hours ago

Stitch Lands in KL, Disney’s Blue Menace Takes Over Pavilion This School Holiday

Get ready for a school holiday filled with tropical vibes as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur transforms… Read More

12 hours ago

Malaysia Gears Up for Southeast Asia’s First Smart City Expo, Here’s Why You Should Care

Kuala Lumpur just flipped the switch on something big. The 100-day countdown to Smart City… Read More

12 hours ago

Ejen Ali: The Movie Review, A Next-Level Win for Malaysian Animation

Ejen Ali: The Movie 2 isn’t just a sequel, it’s a bold upgrade that proves… Read More

13 hours ago

When Creativity Meets Comfort: LEGO® and IKEA Malaysia Reimagine Home Decor

When Creativity Meets Comfort: LEGO® and IKEA Malaysia Reimagine Home Decor With its latest collection… Read More

2 days ago

This website uses cookies.