This green wool flannel cape with mauve satin lining is a replica of the ones worn with the first stewardess uniforms for United Air Lines in the early 1930s. The outfit, including the cape, was modeled on nurse’s uniforms and was intended to convey a sense of care and calm professionalism to flight-wary passengers. Registered nurse and pilot—and later head stewardess—Ellen Church championed the practice of hiring nurses as onboard attendants and helped design the tailored suit and cape to replace the standard nursing outfits previously worn by stewardesses.

This green wool flannel cape with mauve satin lining is a replica of the ones worn with the first stewardess uniforms for United Air Lines in the early 1930s. The outfit, including the cape, was modeled on nurse’s uniforms and was intended to convey a sense of care and calm professionalism to flight-wary passengers. Registered nurse and pilot—and later head stewardess—Ellen Church championed the practice of hiring nurses as onboard attendants and helped design the tailored suit and cape to replace the standard nursing outfits previously worn by stewardesses.