Women had to adopt clothing that was suited to their new jobs. Job safety and comfort, not fashion, were major considerations. The government promoted public acceptance of women’s new roles and fashions in patriotic posters and educational brochures.

Learning of serious injuries to women war workers, the Women’s Bureau encourages safety in learning the essentials of good cap safety, particularly in production jobs.

From waitress to production worker, each woman chose clothing with safety in mind.

Credit: Women’s Bureau,
U.S. Department of Labor

Credit: Women’s Bureau,
U.S. Department of Labor

Women model safety eye glasses and
a safety bra designed for production work.

Credit:  National Archives

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From head to toe, cap and shoe safety was important to women in production jobs in the factories, farms, hospitals or community. For women machine operators, safety hats were a necessity, not a fashion statement.
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Credit: Women’s Bureau
U.S. Department of Labor
Click on image to see larger version

Credit:  Women’s Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor
Click on image to see larger version