This was the first uniform worn by Delta flight attendants, or “stewardesses,” as they were called at the time. Military styling of navy blue jacket fastened with brass buttons, a gored skirt, overseas cap and white gloves. White silk blouse had a pleated front.
The uniform was purchased from Rich’s department store in Atlanta, Georgia. Cost to employee: $110, which was payroll deductible. Introduced on Delta’s 14-passenger Douglas DC-2 flights.
Military styling continued for winter with navy jacket, gored skirt, overseas cap and pumps. Jacket fastened with brass buttons. White blouse had a jewel neckline.
One of Delta's prettiest uniforms—short Eisenhower jacket of cream worn over white blouse and slim navy blue skirt.
Uniform by Pan American Uniform Company of Miami, Florida. Hat by Mae Hanauer of New York, NY.
Light blue, form-fitting, long, collarless jacket fastened with three, fabric-covered buttons. Two slit pockets in front. Light blue skirt was slim with kick-pleat in back. White v-neck blouse, light blue overseas cap, and navy-and-white stiletto spectator pumps finished the look. Uniform by Hamilton Tailoring Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. Cap by Mae Hanauer of New York, N.Y.
Delta introduced this uniform after acquiring its first international flights—to the Caribbean and Caracas, Venezuela—from a merger with Chicago and Southern Air Lines on May 1, 1953. This "tropical weight uniform" was worn year-round on international flights.
Serving smocks, in dark blue, were issued for meal service for first time in 1960.
In 1962, Delta altered the jacket for a trendy look closer in style to its 1959-1965 Winter Uniform. Jacket was cropped to just below the waist, eliminating the two front slit pockets. Sleeves were shortened to 3/4 length.
Long, collarless jacket; narrow skirt; overseas cap in gray. Shoes were black-and-white stiletto spectator pumps.
Uniform by Hamilton Tailoring Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. Hat by Mae Hanauer of New York, N.Y.
