Demob Suits: One Uniform for Another?
Join Dr Danielle Sprecher as she examines the production and provision of civilian clothing for British servicemen demobilised after the Second World War.
At the end of the Second World War, the government implemented plans to provide each demobilised man with a complete outfit of clothing to help with his return to civilian life. This outfit included underwear, shoes, a hat, a coat and a tailored woollen suit. It was commonly referred to as the ‘demob suit’.
In this talk, Danielle Sprecher will discuss the significance of demob suits and how they were perceived by the men who wore them. She will also take a wider look at the relationship between men and fashion during this period.
About the speaker
Dr Danielle Sprecher is a historian specialising in the history of British menswear. Her research explores the industry from design to production and final consumption. She is the curator of the Westminster Menswear Archive at the University of Westminster and a co-author of the book ‘Inside the Westminster Menswear Archive’.
