A Blog About Women Who Were Homefront Heroines: the WAVES of World War II
From the Navy-provided caption:
Sk3C Sharlene Osler models the new uniform, consisting of dungarees slacks and chambray shirt, which will replace the present aviation coverall worn by members of the Women’s Reserve engaged in work requiring protective covering. The slacks are Navy blue denim with pockets on each side. The cotton chambray shirt is a lighter blue, with short sleeves and one patch pocket. The wrap-around turban is of Navy blue material.
The photo comes from the National Archives.
We showed you the hats. Now here is the rest of the uniform, as WAVES wait to get fitted. The WAVES uniform was designed by the couture designer Mainbocher.
The photo comes from the National Archives.
After yesterday’s comic, we thought you’d like a look at the real thing. WAVES officers and enlisted hats from the World War II-era – plus some gloves.
The photo comes from the National Archives.
There were lots of different ways to look fetching in the WAVES uniform hat, obvious from this cartoon published in a WAVES Newsletter.
If you talk to one of World War II’s Navy WAVES, you are going to hear about her designer uniform. The Navy was already known for having “sharp”-looking uniforms for men and with the creation of the WAVES, a lot of thought went into making an appealing uniform for women. The women took great pride in the comfort, quality make and fashion of their Mainbocher-designed dress.
Fashion designer Main Bocher opened his own shop as an American in Paris in 1929. He became a sensation in Europe and the United States, with many wealthy clients in both places including the Dutchess of Windsor. His clothing was beyond what many WAVES could have afforded which is another reason they became prized possessions.
(Main Bocher)
(One of Mainbocher’s most famous designs made famous by Horst’s photo – “Mainbocher Corset”)
The WAVES uniforms were so trendy that in 1943 the WAVES and other women in uniform were named as Vogue’s “Best Dressed Women in the World Today.”
Check out this Exhibit on the uniform identity of the WAVES to learn more.
Hinges of History 