British Airways reportedly told female staff to wear white or skin-coloured bras as part of their dress code.
The airline has since updated its uniform to remove the instruction after intense criticism, and the company has now admitted the climbdown.
As part of their first uniform change in 19 years, Ozwald Boateng designed the new garments. But in addition to the new outfits, women were given further instructions stating: “Undergarments should be plain white or nude, with no lace, patterns or writing.”
The move provoked a response from staff, union action, as well as online backlash.
Travel website Paddle Your Own Kanoo stated: “Incredible that we found ourselves in the awkward position of having to discuss what underwear our female members were allowed to wear in 2023. It could be argued that we wouldn't have even been in this position if the blouse wasn't transparent in the first place.”
British Airways said that Mr Boateng spent time shadowing colleagues in their roles at the airline to create the unique collection.
The company said that more than 1,500 staff contributed to the design which, for women, is a grey dress paired with a red scarf.
Caroline Farrow said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Flown with British Airways a lot this year… Continued feedback from the crew is that they all hate the new uniforms.”
She added: “Still back in my day as crew we had to be regularly weighed.”
Linda Carmel added: “As someone who has travelled extensively with #BritishAirways and I'm astounded by this ever being suggested.
“Sexualising females within any industry tells me that this is high time this behaviour was stopped.”
British Airways told the Standard that it never told staff what underwear to wear and that wording was “recommended” guidance rather than mandatory. It has stopped short of an apology.
“We've removed a recommendation from our uniform guidelines and will continue to listen to our colleagues about what works best for them,” a statement read.
“The guidelines were designed to evolve with feedback from our colleagues.”
