Virgin Blue's flight attendants have started complaining to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority about their new polyester uniforms creating "very painful" rashes, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The 1960's-inspired uniforms, designed by a "Project Runway" alum, debuted to much fanfare only in February, with a catwalk presentation that included Elle Macpherson (see photos below).
Flight attendants have complained to the CASA about discomfort over the 100% polyester lining, the paper reports. One unnamed flight attendant claimed the airline had put fashion ahead of comfort and safety, telling the paper: "In an emergency these garments will be a hindrance, as the arms cannot be lifted above shoulder height due to the ill-fitting design. And in the event of a fire, being 100 per cent polyester it would be like having plastic melted on to the skin."
When the paper contacted Virgin Blue for comment, a spokeswoman said "The airline is not aware of any complaints or investigations by CASA."
Of course, it's hard to imagine any uniforms of the past were that comfortable; take a look at a history of flight attendant uniforms here and then check out the new uniforms below.