Clothes for Work

Traditional servant's uniforms were worn well beyond the First World War, up to the 1930s, although reliable staff became increasingly difficult to secure, as the lowly salaries, arduous work and personal restrictions were unpopular. Women who might otherwise have worked as household servants could increasingly choose jobs in factories, shops or offices, work that did not impinge on their private lives and did not require "living in" or night work. This shortage of servants or "domestics" became a very popular subject for well-off correspondents in local press and women's magazines like 'The Lady' during the 1920s and 1930s. After the Second World War (1939-1945), affording a domestic servant became an expensive luxury, available only in the wealthiest households.

This oufit was worn by a parlourmaid in the middle of the 1930s, and comprises a dark green rayon dress, with cap, apron, detachable collar and cuffs in washable white stiffened muslin.

Full item descriptions:

"parlourmaid's dress & uniform" [1953.392/5], Bilkerton

Related Themes:

Women's Servant Dress
Men's Servant Dress
Aprons