Cabin crew had described the new design, which replaces the Nina Ricci uniforms used for 10 years, as ugly and too sexy.

Mr Lang said skirt waistbands were higher and blouses longer so passengers would not be able to see an attendant's bra when she reached for overhead lockers.

Short wrap-around skirts have been modified so less leg is revealed when the women walk, and skirt lengths can be altered to fit the wearer's taste. Staff wearing long skirts can choose how high they want the slits up the sides - ranging from mid-knee to mid-thigh.

'It has a highly sophisticated look - no bows, frills or pleats - it's just very simple and elegant,' Mr Lang said.

The new uniform, created by local designer Eddie Lau Pui-kei, consists of seven different outfits to be worn by about 8,000 flight and ground staff, depending on their job and rank.

The distinctive stand-up collar is intended to echo a mandarin collar and give the airline a more Asian appearance.

Flight Attendants' Union spokeswoman Becky Kwan Siu-wa said many staff still thought the design was unattractive and the 'mandarin look' did not suit workers of all body shapes and nationalities.

While the company had addressed concerns about how revealing the outfits were, Ms Kwan said: 'The sentiment is still the same - those who didn't like it still don't like it.

'But we go through this every time. People grow attached to their present uniform.

'We have to wear it and people will just have to get used to it.'