Beginning in 2018, more than 12,000 Alaska Airlines employees will begin wearing newly designed uniforms. Seattle-based designer Luly Yang was selected to create the collection as part of the airline’s recent brand refresh.
“The uniform has to perform, it has to represent the brand and it has to represent the soul of the employees who wear it,” said Yang. “I’ve been fascinated with flying ever since I was a child, so I’m very inspired by this project. Alaska is my airline, and every time I board an Alaska Airlines flight I feel as though I am already home.”
Yang’s design process will extend over two years and include focus groups with a wide range of Alaska Airlines staff—from pilots and flight attendants to ground service workers and aircraft technicians. These sessions will inform practical decisions about fit, fabric, and functionality to ensure the uniforms meet the daily demands of each role.
“In starting this project, I’m beginning to learn about the details that go into making the complex process from check-in to baggage claim hassle-free for customers. These are the things I used to take for granted when flying. While our goal is to create a beautiful, timeless uniform line, I’ve also realized that some of the most important features you won’t see from the outside are going to be instrumental in making a difference in seamless job performance for employees,” Yang said.
The new collection will showcase an energized color palette and incorporate the updated Alaska Airlines logo introduced earlier this year. Beyond aesthetics, the redesign aims to balance style with practicality—focusing on fabrics that perform well across climates, silhouettes that allow unrestricted movement, and details that support the varied tasks employees perform throughout the day.
Alaska Airlines describes the redesign as part of a broader effort to modernize the brand while honoring its regional roots and the people who represent it. By involving employees directly in the design process, the airline hopes to deliver uniforms that feel authentic, comfortable, and functional for day-to-day operations.
Yang’s involvement highlights a collaboration between a local designer and a major carrier, reflecting Seattle’s influence on the airline’s identity. The updated uniforms are expected to roll out gradually, with the transition starting in 2018 as employees receive the new pieces tailored to their roles.