United is taking a second look at its uniforms

Three years ago, at the height of Jeff Smisek's rocky reign as United CEO, the carrier introduced new uniforms created by a down-market uniform provider Cincinnati-based Cintas. At the time, some viewed United's "fashion" statement, like that made with the coffee United served on board, as another effort by Smisek and his management team to cut corners and, of course, costs. But now, with Smisek abruptly exiting last fall, United is about to unveil reworked uniforms for some of its key employee groups, including thousands of customer-service agents and flight attendants. Cintas is still providing the uniforms, but with a different mandate from United management. The new uniforms being tested reportedly include higher-quality fabrics, reinforced pockets and blazers with a more functional construction. Sources among United's ranks of flight attendants said the outfits introduced in 2013 were of poor quality, with baggy pants and blazer coat pocket flaps that weren't properly attached. A team of 120 United employees is now testing the reworked Cintas uniforms. More changes could come based on the feedback from the uniform testers, with final versions of the new uniforms expected to be available in early 2017.<br/>