Core Viewpoint - The introduction of Shandong Airlines' new uniform "Qing Weila" reflects a shift towards comfort and practicality in airline service attire, incorporating traditional Chinese elements while allowing female crew members to choose between pants or knee-length skirts and replacing high heels with flat shoes [2][6]. Group 1: Industry Trends - There has been a growing public discourse around the need for more comfortable and practical uniforms for female service workers, particularly in the aviation and railway sectors, with many suggesting the replacement of high heels with flat shoes and skirts with pants [6][7]. - The Chinese Civil Aviation Administration has issued guidelines stating that cabin crew should not wear high heels during flight operations, indicating a regulatory shift towards prioritizing safety and comfort [6][10]. - Several airlines, including Spring Airlines and Hunan Airlines, have announced policies allowing or mandating female crew members to wear flat shoes during their duties, reflecting a broader trend in the industry [6][10]. Group 2: Public Response and Changes - A significant public response has emerged, with individuals like Ms. Xie advocating for changes in uniform policies for female train attendants, leading to discussions about uniform standards across various service industries [7][10]. - The introduction of new uniforms by the Harbin Railway Bureau, featuring pants for female attendants, demonstrates a response to public feedback and a shift towards more practical attire in the railway sector [10][11]. - The ongoing dialogue about uniform standards highlights a growing consensus on the importance of occupational health and comfort for service workers, with many advocating for changes across multiple sectors, including aviation, railways, nursing, and banking [6][7].

Group 1 - Shandong Airlines has introduced a new uniform called "Qing Weila," which incorporates traditional Chinese Hanfu elements while prioritizing comfort and practicality for flight attendants [1][4] - The new uniform allows female flight attendants to choose between pants or knee-length skirts, and replaces high heels with comfortable flat shoes, addressing long-standing concerns about the health risks associated with high heels [4][5] - There has been a growing public discourse on the need for more practical uniforms in service industries, with many advocating for the replacement of high heels and skirts with pants to enhance safety and comfort [4][5] Group 2 - The Civil Aviation Administration of China has issued guidelines stating that flight attendants should not wear high heels during flight operations, reflecting a shift towards prioritizing safety and efficiency in the industry [4] - Other airlines, such as Spring Airlines and Hunan Airlines, are also moving towards allowing female crew members to wear flat shoes, with specific implementation dates set for 2025 [4][5] - The railway industry is also responding to similar calls for uniform changes, with some railway companies beginning to adopt pants for female train attendants, indicating a broader trend across service sectors [5][7]

Core Viewpoint - The recent shift in the airline industry towards the "flat shoe reform" reflects a growing recognition of employee health and safety over outdated aesthetic standards, marking a significant change in the perception of professional attire for flight attendants [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Changes - Following Hunan Airlines, Spring Airlines has implemented a policy requiring female flight attendants to wear standard black flat shoes during their entire duty period, effective from July 7 [1]. - This reform is based on the Civil Aviation Administration's guidelines, which prohibit flight attendants from wearing high heels during flight operations, aiming to eliminate the cumbersome practice of switching between high heels and flats [1]. Group 2: Social and Cultural Shifts - There is a notable increase in the willingness and action among women to challenge unreasonable workplace dress codes, with the sentiment that "high heels should not define flight attendants" gaining traction in public consciousness [2]. - A stand-up comedian, who is also a former flight attendant, has transformed her experiences with high heel dress codes into a popular performance, highlighting a societal shift in understanding professional image and employee rights [2]. - The movement away from high heels is seen as paving the way for all service industry workers to redefine what constitutes a professional appearance, emphasizing health and efficiency over outdated norms [2].