What do the stripes on a pilot uniform mean?

You have probably noticed the stripes on a pilot uniform. On the shoulders and sleeves, you can see 1, 2, 3 or even 4 stripes. These are not decorative: they indicate a pilot’s rank and level of responsibility. In this article, I’ll explain what the stripes mean and where this tradition comes from.

Nederlandse lezers: dit artikel is ook beschikbaar op Prettybusiness.nl.

The history of stripes on a pilot uniform

The stripes on pilot uniforms did not originate in the aviation industry, but in the military. In the eighteenth century, epaulettes were initially used to hold straps and sashes in place on the shoulders. British and French officers wore them in gold or silver, which made the epaulettes very expensive. During the early period, officers wore epaulettes that started at the collar and ended at the shoulder with a row of fringes. Sergeants wore them too, but their epaulettes were made from cheaper metals and fabric.

During the Revolutionary War (1775–1783), naval officers also started wearing epaulettes. From that point onwards, they appeared on more and more naval uniforms. Because epaulettes were very expensive, both the army and navy increasingly started using stripes from 1830 onwards. From 1852, stripes also appeared more frequently on the sleeves.

Left: (cropped) Samuel W. Preston (1840–1865), U.S. naval officer (via Wikimedia Commons) | Right: (cropped) Louis François Achille de Perier de Salvert (1764–1834), French officer and captain of a cuirassé (via Wikimedia Commons)

From the 1930s onwards, pilots, a profession that at the time had existed for less than 30 years, increasingly started wearing uniforms. To convey status and authority, airlines took inspiration from military uniforms.

The American airline PAN AM therefore referred to pilots as ‘captains’, a term originating from captains in shipping. The airline wanted to give pilots the same responsibility as captains on a ship. PAN AM was also one of the first airlines to add gold-coloured stripes to pilots’ shoulders. The choice of gold originates from the navy, although today you increasingly see silver stripes as well.

The term ‘epaulettes’, by the way, comes from the French word ‘épaule’, which means shoulder.

What do the stripes on a pilot uniform mean?

The number of stripes on a pilot uniform indicates someone’s position. The more stripes a pilot has, the more responsibility they carry.

1 stripe: worn by pilots in training.

2 stripes: worn by the Second Officer, or junior co-pilot. This person supports the First Officer and Captain, although not every airline has this position.

3 stripes: worn by the First Officer, who is the Captain’s operational right-hand person.

4 stripes: this is the highest rank and is only worn by the Captain. This person is the commander and has ultimate responsibility for the flight.

Why don’t all pilots wear the same number of stripes?

Although the stripes clearly indicate how much responsibility someone has, this can differ in practice. Some airlines use a different system. For example, there may be no Second Officer and only a First Officer. Some companies also use titles such as Senior First Officer. Cargo airlines may have different positions as well, which means the number of stripes can have a slightly different meaning.

It is not only the number of stripes that varies. The appearance of the stripes or rank can also differ. Some airlines use gold or silver stripes, with these details often repeated on the cap. The placement of the ‘wings’, the winged pin that pilots receive, can also vary.

The photos below show pilots from different airlines and clearly demonstrate how the stripes can differ.

Why do pilot uniforms have stripes on the sleeves?

In addition to the stripes on the shoulders, you increasingly see the same number of stripes on the sleeves of the jacket. This is often done for recognisability. Not everyone immediately sees what is displayed on the shoulders, while the sleeves are much more visible. This placement of stripes also originates from the navy, where they have been worn for much longer.

Can you be promoted from three to four stripes?

As a pilot, it is possible to be promoted within your profession and thereby earn more stripes. A pilot in training can progress to Second Officer, then First Officer and eventually Captain. But because not every airline has all of these positions, and some use their own system, promotion opportunities can differ.

Why do some pilots have no stripes at all?

It does not happen often, but occasionally you may see a pilot who does not wear any stripes. Pilots working for smaller charter airlines and private pilots, among others, sometimes wear uniforms without stripes.

More than just a rank

Although the stripes clearly indicate the positions of pilots, they serve other purposes as well. The stripes also make pilots recognisable. When you see someone walking around in a suit with stripes, you immediately know that they are a pilot.

This often creates not only a sense of authority and international recognition, but also clarity during emergency situations. People immediately know who to approach and who they can rely on when something goes wrong on an aircraft. This applies not only to passengers, but also to cabin and ground crew.

Want to know more about pilot uniforms and their dress codes? Read my articles about why pilot uniforms have looked the same for so long and why beards are such a sensitive subject.

Best,

Aileen