A new problem for U. S. fashion experts has gradually emerged as more girls and women are taking jobs at machines and benches in American war production plants.  To date nearly three million women have left their homes or other jobs to work in the war industries, and up to now little thought has been given to the clothes they wear except that they not make the wearer conspicuous and conform to plant safety standards.  Many women have adopted serviceable coveralls such as those worn by automobile mechanics, while others, whose work does not involve machines, have worn plain washable dresses.
 

Workers Contributed Ideas

As the number of its women workers increased, the Sperry Gyroscope Company in New York, makers of plane gyroscopes and bombsights, decided something should be done not only to standardize the working clothes, but to provide as attractive garment as the best fashion designers could devise.  A "streamlined coverall” was decided upon, and the women workers were asked their ideas on various features.  Thirty-four specific requirements were culled from suggestions submitted.  These were given to Vera Maxwell, a leading designer, who produced six models, all in specified blue "lighter and with more bloom than navy blue."

Other specifications embodied in the model chosen, and asked for by women workers, included trousers "just long enough to cover and still show our ankles;" "a snug belt to accentuate slimness;" a collar shortened at the back to keep out of the way of hair or hat; no back yoke, to avoid the appearance of being "stoop-shouldered;" short "mannish" sleeves to allow ease both for work and in ironing.

Other requests were elimination of pockets in the trousers "because they make us look larger in the hips;" that front and back creases in the trousers be stitched in; and that the garment be one-piece with the front section designed in one piece, "darted to keep all extra material from making us appear larger through the “midriff."

A cotton material was chosen, because, as the women said, "we have to wash these outfits ourselves on occasion and we may be in a hurry.  A too-hot iron can do less damage to cotton than to any other fabrics."  Laundering is the girls’ responsibility although the uniform is provided by the company, according to Mrs. Lois B. Hunter, Sperry executive in charge of the project.
 

Chic Hat Completes Costume

Aside from the safety value of the uniforms, the Sperry Company wants to create an enthusiasm in its workers for wearing them to and from work, "with the exception of date nights."  Factory space for changing clothing is precious these days.

To go with the coverall, a leading designer created a hat of the same material which not only protects the hair from contact with moving machinery, but adds much to the costume.  The Sperry Company workers are proud of their new uniform, and it is probable that other big war production plants will adopt the idea.  The company also is pleased.  "We mean to make our Sperry production girl as outstanding as the WAACS (Women's Army Auxiliary Corps), or the WAVES (Women's Auxiliary Voluntary Emergency Service) of the Navy," declared Mrs. Hunter.
 

Captions
 
 

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A pretty girl employee of Sperry Gyroscope Company wears the trim new coverall work uniform and chic hat. The back of the hat has a snood effect to protect the hair from moving machinery.  (note distinctive company insignia device, Collection Shelby Stanton)

Another view of the new Sperry coverall for women workers. The color is blue, “lighter and with more bloom than navy;” the material is washable cotton. It has features the girls requested: narrow collar, high-set change pockets, trim silhouette, red and blue belt, red stripe on trousers.  (Collection Shelby Stanton)

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This variation of the Sperry coverall shows long sleeves which protect arms of riveters and welders, and ankle trouser-straps. (Collection Shelby Stanton)