Evening star., 1942-05-23
Our Women's S Corps
Will Go 10 War in
S|enderiizing Garb
Chic WAAC Uniforms
Expected to Set New
U. S. Fushion Trend

cXPeCteo 10 Der rev
U. S. Foshion Trend
The War Department today an
nounced its long-awaited decision on
summer and winter uniforms for the
Women's Army Auxiliary Corps,
which no doubt will have a marked
influence on women's wear for the
duration of the war.
The color will be olive drab, but
smartly cut to give "a slenderized
appearance"
War Department researchers went
back to ancient Greece to design an
appropriate insigne for the WAAC.
1t is q gold-color metal disc on
which the head Of Pallas Athene,
the goddess Of victory, is imposed.
1t will be fastened to the left side of
the collar. Another disc. bearing
the letters U. S., will be worn at the
right Of the collar.
There is little difference between
the uniforms for the officers and
auxiliaries. The officers will be dis
tinguished by 3-inch shoulder straps
placed parallel with the armhole
A detachable belt of covert cloth will
have a cloth-covered plastic buckle
The uniform will be single
breasted. four button olive drab
jacket, blending with both light and
dark drab for the skirt.
C<vl><l ;n Avn>,fco~ HoIn
Styled in typical American fash
ion Of six panels, the skirt will be
flared to allow freedom of movement
and to effect slender appearance.
For winter wear, the uniform will
be cut from 12-ounce covert cloth,
while that for warm weather will be
cotton twill and gabardine for the
officers and 8-ounce cotton water
repellent twill for the privates.
Soft lines will characterize the
summer headgear. A hat with a six
section, unlined, easy-fitting crown,
which will be semi-soft, with a cot
ton khaki brim Is the oficial selec-
ton for headgear.
One typically feminine part Of the
uniforms Is q combination hand bag
and general use bag of golden to-
bacco brown. The main bag will
contain several small fitted cases. A
change purse and compartments for
personal items will be in the hand
bag. Both bags will be equipped
with slide fasteners.
The winter cap Of covert cloth
will have the cloth chin strap and
semi-stiff crown and visor. The cap
insigne will be an eagle design.
Each WAAC will be provided with
three types of hosiery, three types
OF shoes and a pair of galoshes.
The work stockings will be of mer-
cerized cotton Isle, medium weight
and suntan shade. This same color
will be repeated in the full-fash-
ioned rayon hose for dress wear.
Cotton anklets in old gold and moss
green, the Official colors of the
corps. will be issued. These anklets
will be seamless and have a turn
down cuff.
Shoes follow the same general
plan, lace oxfords Of the golden to-
bacco brown, but the heel will be OF
military height. An athletic laced
oxford shoe will be issued to match
the anklets. These will have white
canvas uppers and black soles. A
moccasin type slipper done in cape
skin with soft leather sole will be
issued for barracks wear.
Gloves to match the clothing issue
will be Of the same high standard
set for the rest Of the outfit.
Supplemental clothing designed
for the women include a double
breasted overcoat a utility coat with
q removable woolen lining, a light
weight raincoat with a hood, a shirt
waist with q convertible collar and
. necktie.
The overcoat will be OF smart mill
tary effect of 16-inch covert cloth
with vertical slashed pockets and
inverted pleat in the back held in
by half belt. A scalloped cape
has been designed for the utility
coat to set off this garment and
give it additional protection across
the shoulders.
Long sleeves and two patch
pockets feature the modish official
blouse of woven mercerized cloth
for the uniform. A necktle some
what narrower and shorter than
the regular Army khaki issue will
be worn with the shirtwaist.
Rank insignia for officers will be
the same as that for Army officers
Of corresponding grade and this
applies also to the auxiliaries who
rank with non-coms. In addition,
a patch with the letters WAAC
will be placed below the chevron
In selecting materials and colors
for the uniforms and accessories,
the War Department said, the de-
signers considered carefully the
availability and cost Of the supplies
required.