WWII era SPARs uniform, ca. 1945

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

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MMN #105820
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WWII era SPARs uniform, ca. 1945

Description

Established in 1942, the United States Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, called SPARs, served during the Second World War. The acronym SPAR stood for “Semper Paratus” translated as “Always Ready,” the Coast Guard’s slogan. This seersucker SPARs exercise suit or romper issued by the US Coast Guard Clothing Division includes an overskirt design with ceramic buttons. The skirt could be removed to reveal a one-piece "skorts" ensemble, appearing as a skirt from the front and shorts from the back. Removing the skirt allowed the wearer to reduce bulk fabric, while maintaining a feminine silhouette when less active. Typically, SPARs wore dark blue dress uniforms of structured suits and blouses. However, the Coast Guard heavily emphasized physical activity, necessitating the need for active wear.

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About This Item

  • Title: WWII era SPARs uniform, ca. 1945
  • Creator: United States Coast Guard Clothing Division
  • Creation Date: circa 1945
  • Subject Date: circa 1945
  • Location: ME
  • Media: cotton
  • Local Code: 1993.300.01 a,b
  • Collection: Costume collection
  • Object Type: Physical Object

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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