The 1916 U.S. Army Nurse Corps uniform in wool twill represented a major step in the professionalization of the American military nursing service during the First World War. This version, adopted shortly before the U.S. entered the war, balanced practicality and military formality while providing the nurses a distinct service identity parallel to that of commissioned officers.
Our uniform, just like the original is constructed from fine, olive-drab wool twill, the uniform consists of a tailored tunic jacket and matching long skirt. The jacket feature as notched collar, four brass plain buttons to the front, and four flapped box-pleat pockets—two on the chest and two at the waist. The sleeves are plain but there is a red and black branch-of-service color tab on the collar. The jacket is closely fitted through the waist to maintain a neat, formal appearance and included a matching fabric belt secured with a brass buckle.
The skirt is ankle-length, made from the same olive-drab wool twill, with a slight flare for ease of movement. A white cotton blouse and black tie are worn underneath the tunic, and comes with a service hat . For colder climates, a heavy wool greatcoat or cape was worn over the ensemble, for which we have not been able to procure a sample or specifications to replicate so far, so sorry – it is unavailable.
This uniform, issued to Army nurses serving in U.S. and overseas base hospitals from 1916 through 1919, reflected both military precision and feminine distinction—an enduring symbol of wartime service.
This is great buy for reenactors, history afficianados, museum displays, collectors, films/theater/movies.
Custom tailoring available at no extra cost.
