As far as I know from casual and overheard conversation with crew the relentless cost cutting we suffer from as passengers also means management do not provide enough uniform items for a proper rotation/cleaning, it’s easier and less bureaucratic to get clearance to the White House than a new shirt paid for by BA and they literally will not replace uniform shirts until they turn crusty and grey or suiting until it’s threadbare.
You should see the state of some of Iberia’s ground staff at Barajas particularly. Grubby frayed cuffs and collars, nicotine stained teeth and stale cigarette breath and clothing, down at heel shoes, greasy hair. Disgusting, and very often the the manners to match.
They make their IAG partners at BA look positively pristine in appearance.
