Everyday Dress

The 20th century saw a revolution in work. Beginning in a world dominated by heavy industry, local agriculture, and rail and horse transport, it ended with computer technology, high-tech farming, and global travel. This period also saw more innovation in work dress than any other century. Health and safety regulations transformed industry and manufacturing, bringing in new lines of protective clothing. As incomes rose and professional jobs multiplied starting in the 1950s, the business suit was worn by more of society. Fishermen and farmers benefited from new waterproof materials introduced in the 1980s, and the birth of civil aviation in the 1930s produced the need for stewardess and pilot uniforms. Everyday Dress explores these developments and many more, and tells the fascinating stories behind some of the clothing we now take for granted. Book jacket.