Eurostar has introduced a new, gender neutral uniform for its employees, including skirts for men.
The European international high-speed rail service operator unveiled its “inclusive” and “versatile” uniforms at Paris Fashion Week that ends on October 7. It said the uniforms were co-created with its teams and “reflects who we are today. One Eurostar, United in Diversity”.
“Unveiled at Paris Gare du Nord on a one-of-a-kind onboard catwalk, this 54-piece collection was designed with comfort and sustainability in mind,” Eurostar said on its social media pages.
“It reflects who we are today and is a celebration of the diversity of the teams who will wear it.”
In a reply to Brussels Signal, a spokesperson for Eurostar said today: “All the 54 items of the uniforms were discussed with 80 staff members during two and a half years. They all approved and tested all pieces. The idea is really that they can wear them all the way they like.”
Regarding the use of male skirts, which might be controversial with some passengers, the spokesperson added: “For the skirt particularly, it was worn by staff at Paris Nord station. Customer feedback was extremely positive, with passengers appreciating the nod to British culture and Eurostar’s quirky chic.”
All 2,600 train and station staff of the rail service company, which is controlled by French State railway group SNCF, started wearing the uniforms from yesterday.
From today, 2,600 @Eurostar colleagues will wear a new uniform: #inclusive, #versatile and co-created with our teams. Unveiled at Paris Gare du Nord, the 54-piece collection reflects who we are today — one #Eurostar, united in diversity. ✨ pic.twitter.com/r10rnzeXDE
— Eurostar Newsroom (@NewsEurostar) October 1, 2025
They were designed by Emmanuelle Plescoff, with the contribution of 80 colleagues.
Next to the male skirts, they also feature green Dr Martens boots and graffiti-print neckerchiefs.
Emmanuelle Scemama, the chief of staff of the Eurostar group, said that the new look was “chic, elegant and iconic” and that they included “a twist you did not expect”.
“Our new uniform tells the story of 30 years of Eurostar heritage, the trust from our customers, represented by the navy blue. Navy chic is suddenly awaked by the Eurostar twist: Iconic metropolitan accessories, that makes the look unmistakably Eurostar.”
She said: “The new look brings together the best of the European spirit – French elegance with the navy monochrome, street-art inspiration from Brussels and Amsterdam with the graffiti twilly and British icon of self-expression with the green Dr Martens”.
Eurostar said it had aimed for its most inclusive and versatile uniform collection ever, “suitable for all genders, body types and personalities”.
Travel trend outlet Globetrender noted: “Eurostar has emphasised sustainable manufacturing, with production taking place in factories within the Euromed region meeting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards with verified worker welfare and sustainability certifications.”
What neither Eurostar nor Globetrender mentioned was that most Dr Martens shoes are now made in China and South-east Asian countries, with only some “premium” lines, about 1 to 2 per cent of total shoes, being made in the UK.
The report continued: “Fabrics were selected for durability and environmental credentials, prioritising recycled polyester and organic cotton.”
Eurostar also recycles its old uniforms, repurposing them into products such as mattresses and hanging basket liners.
🇫🇷🇬🇧🚄👗👖 FLASH | Eurostar casse les codes avec ses nouvelles tenues, neutres en matière de genre. Les hommes auront le choix de la jupe, et tous pourront enfiler des bottes Dr Martens. pic.twitter.com/WgKVRPncfb
— Cerfia (@CerfiaFR) October 1, 2025
