Eurostar has launched a new uniform designed to suit all genders, body types, and personalities. Along with a new colour combination, the collection even includes a skirt for men. But that’s not the only remarkable thing about the new clothing line. French designer Emmanuelle Plescoff drew inspiration from various European cultures and cities, combining them into a single, cohesive style. In this article, I’ll show you both the old and new uniforms.
Dutch readers: this article is available on Prettybusiness.nl
The old Eurostar uniform
The arrival of the new uniforms doesn’t come as a surprise. After Eurostar merged with Thalys in 2023, the company received a new identity. It continued under the name Eurostar and, due to a lack of time for a completely new wardrobe, only updated the accessories.
All 2,100 uniformed employees could choose from so-called “unisex accessories.” The ties, scarves, name badges, and lanyards featured different shades of blue and purple.
Eurostar launches new uniform
For the new uniforms, Eurostar collaborated with French designer Emmanuelle Plescoff, who previously worked with renowned fashion designer Christian Lacroix.
For this collection, Plescoff found inspiration in the various countries and cities through which the high-speed train travels. The monochrome blue suit, she explains, reflects French elegance. Graffiti art from Brussels and Amsterdam inspired the patterns on the scarves, while England influenced the footwear: part of the staff now wears green Dr. Martens boots.
Skirts for men and women
The collection includes 54 different garments that all employees can wear. The term unisex isn’t explicitly used, and judging by the photos, the garments have been tailored for both men and women. The only difference is that staff members can choose what to wear. That may sound modern, but Eurostar is simply complying with the law, which states that employers cannot force staff to wear only male or female uniforms.
Despite this freedom, the company chose to introduce both a men’s and a women’s skirt. The men’s version resembles a kilt, while the women’s version is a pencil skirt.
Starting 1 October 2025, all 2,600 Eurostar employees will wear the new uniform. However, that doesn’t mean the old ones are being forgotten. They will be donated to Cepovett in France and Belgium and Race Recycling in England, where the fabrics will be repurposed for items such as mattresses and basket linings.
Eurostar takes a new direction
Many people will likely criticise Eurostar’s decision to introduce a skirt for men and allow staff to choose what to wear. Personally, I think it’s a great move.
Eurostar is following the law, responding to modern times, and at the same time considering comfort and functionality. While many organisations now opt for unisex fits, with British police uniforms as a well-known low point, Eurostar has consciously taken a different route. In the photos, the clothing fits well and doesn’t appear oversized, reducing the risk of chafing or tightness compared to unisex fits.
Designer Emmanuelle Plescoff worked for two and a half years with 80 employees to develop the collection. According to Eurostar, the uniforms are made from “breathable, stretchable fabrics using sports-inspired technology.” They don’t specify what that means, but it most likely refers to temperature-regulating materials. That’s no guarantee of success, but Eurostar clearly made an effort to create a high-quality and representative uniform. And in my opinion, it looks fresh and modern. Chapeau!
With love,
Aileen
Photos: Eurostar