Uniforms for Women

From the Derbyshire Courier, 18th January 1916.

Uniforms for Women.

For many of the occupations in which women are taking the place of men, a uniform is necessary, and thus a new problem confronts railway, tramway, and other companies.  In every instance first attempts at designing a uniform that would stand hard wear, rough weather, and not to be too masculine, were a failure, and it was not until the help of a firm of well-known ladies' tailors was sought, that the trimmest, neatest, and yet most becoming of suits and overcoats were evolved.  Braid is, of course, much in evidence on the greater number of the uniforms, not only in black, but in gold and silver.  The caps and hats that accompany the suits have received the attention due to their importance, but the former are gradually disappearing, a neat felt with a round crown, and a narrow brim, taking their place.  In no single instance have objections been raised to the donning of these practical, smart and serviceable clothes.  The effect promises to be far-reaching, for it may lead to the adoption by women generally of a working dress, suited to the occupation of each class of workers.

[I wonder which 'firm of tailors' it was?  Perhaps Burberry, whose smart, well-tailored, clothes for women as well as men were advertised at the time in magazines such as  the Illustrated London News.]