Air New Zealand flight attendants have begun wearing the controversial new uniforms that made international headlines when the concepts were announced.

The Trelise-Cooper designs are slightly different from the concept photos released in January that had some cabin crew describing them as "Barbie-like" and others saying the uniform belonged in Sydney's Mardi Gras.

International cabin crew members are the first to be wearing the new wardrobe.

Fittings are still being carried out for most of the 5000 staff, who will be sporting the new gear in September.

Ms Cooper was inspired by the colours of New Zealand, as well as the new interiors of the 777-300ERs.

Cabin crew members are wearing Twilight Pink – in a shade that's less comparable to Barbie than the concept photos released by Air New Zealand.

Managers will wear a sky blue and ground staff will be kitted out in Godzone Green.

The traditional koru logo now has the shape of New Zealand added to it.

Air New Zealand has released a video of the new uniforms on YouTube.

The response from viewers has been mixed.

"I'm no expert but those outfits are hideous. Look like they could induce a spot of air sickness," one viewer said.

Others say they look "great" and will give Virgin Australia a run for its money.

Female cabin crew have the choice of a dress, two different skirts, trousers and four different types of shirts and blouses that they can combine with the choice of three different suit jackets.

Men will wear dark pinstriped suits with compulsory ties. Their striped shirts have "kia ora" embroidered on the cuff.