WWI / WW2 Nursing dress

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · May 1, 2015

Can't help with the pattern, but ANZAC refers to the combined Australia/ New Zealand military forces that fought during WWI.

ANZAC day is a federal holiday down under. Fascinating story- look up the wiki article on Gallipoli.

And, even being a skirt and dress kinda girl- you REALLY do not want to wear a long skirt a la' WWI. There are plenty of scrub manufacturers that still make scrub dresses. Look at one of those as a pattern.

Amazon even carries them- just look around.

Amazon.com: scrub dresses: Health & Personal Care

Parakeet · May 1, 2015

Thank you 'meanmaryjean', I understand what you mean. My problem is that most of the scrubs and skirts they sell today are too short or too narrow. I am looking for something that is mid-calf or longer. And I also hate to be hobbled in a skirt. I should be able to sprint in it, or else it is not functional! Just my particularities, if you know what I mean.

I really am looking for something more along the 40s / 50s style that is neat and functional. I know I will find something somewhere, if I look hard enough. Thanks again.

Proton · May 7, 2015

OK. I know this is a topic that has probably been raised before, but I need an answer.
I am a dresses and skirts only person. I have been looking for either a pattern or nurse dress that is in the WWI / WW2 style. So far, I have not been able to find even a shirtdress pattern that I could make over.
I love the nursing dress idea. I may not go white unless I have to, because that colour looks horrible on me! I want to find a pattern that I could make in a variety of different colours. If anyone has a dress or pattern they want to get rid of, or knows of a good place to get such, I would really appreciate it.
Even if I found a dress in one of those styles ( I am really more looking to the 1940s), though not authentic. I would most likely take it apart, use the pieces to make a pattern, and put it back together again. I just want help! It would be so much easier than trying to coordinate tops and bottoms. And yes, I would probably love wearing the caps as well!
I saw an advertisement for a movie, I guess it is called the ANZAC Girls and nursing. I have no idea what it is about, but it looked like their outfits were WWI. I found a pattern for that outfit, but I am thinking that a later time would be more practical! Any advice is appreciated!

Hi there, this is a long blog but found it searching for 'Call the Midwife' WWII era:

Just Another Crafting Blog: DRESS-OF-THE-DAY 9: Nurse Uniform (via Call The Midwife)

Proton · May 7, 2015

I also saw one on eBay if you search WWII U.S Cadet Nurse Corps.

Leedeedee · May 14, 2015

It's easy to buy traditional nurses dresses in the UK. I'm sure some of the companies will ship to the US. They usually come pretty long (calf length) and then you can adjust them as necessary for your height. They've also got really well designed vents, in the side and on the back, to allow free movement. You can also buy the long tunics in the same style to wear over trousers. Not sure if I'm allowed to post a link to this, but just as an example Female Dresses

blah_blah_blah · Jun 5, 2015

Ah! I've always loved the old WWI/WWII style nurse's uniforms and caps! I always thought they were really cute. Work it girl.

Parakeet · Jul 11, 2015

K! I finally found three patterns that I can merge to make the one I want. It will be a toughie, but it is not impossible. The bummer is that I will have to wait for winter break to do it, as I am up to my ears in homework right now!

Anybody, Anybody see Simplicity 4626 Red Cross or McCalls 5243 nursing uniforms?????? I don't think it is against AN rules to ask this, but if it is, please tell me. I found those two patterns, only to find out that each one sold just as discovered it! :arghh:

Anyway, thanks for the help. I greatly appreciate it! :) I will do what I can with what I have right now.

Here's a couple of pics of the beauties I missed!

attachment.php?attachmentid=18777&stc=1

MsCupcakes · Jul 11, 2015

Parakeet, I sent you a PM with some information.

allnurses Guide · Jul 11, 2015

OK. I know this is a topic that has probably been raised before, but I need an answer.
I am a dresses and skirts only person. I have been looking for either a pattern or nurse dress that is in the WWI / WW2 style. So far, I have not been able to find even a shirtdress pattern that I could make over.
I love the nursing dress idea. I may not go white unless I have to, because that colour looks horrible on me! I want to find a pattern that I could make in a variety of different colours. If anyone has a dress or pattern they want to get rid of, or knows of a good place to get such, I would really appreciate it.
Even if I found a dress in one of those styles ( I am really more looking to the 1940s), though not authentic. I would most likely take it apart, use the pieces to make a pattern, and put it back together again. I just want help! It would be so much easier than trying to coordinate tops and bottoms. And yes, I would probably love wearing the caps as well!
I saw an advertisement for a movie, I guess it is called the ANZAC Girls and nursing. I have no idea what it is about, but it looked like their outfits were WWI. I found a pattern for that outfit, but I am thinking that a later time would be more practical! Any advice is appreciated!

Back in the time period you are referring to a lot of people mad their own cloths - I would start by looking up the names of pattern companies that were around in those times - then maybe look on E-bay or other auction sites for patterns. If you sew are good a drawing pattern you may be able to make your own pattern. Sounds like fun good luck.

Hppy

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2015

I think the long skirt may be an infection control issue. WWII dresses may be the better option. Keep in mind that each hospital may require a certain color. Navy seems to be the most common but some may require certain school colors or the like. I know we have a vague policy of certain scrub-like material but scrubs can be made out of anything. It has to do more with the long sleeve fleece jackets have to be antimicrobial or something like that. They seem like cheap fleece jackets to me.

K+MgSO4, BSN · Jul 25, 2015

Have a look at some English nurse uniform websites.