Fitting In?


Changing Values and Identities in Canadian Women’s Uniforms
1945-1980



About
Historical Background
Acknowledgments

Uniforms:
1. Gymnastics, 1945-1955
2. Graduation, 1948 
3. Domestic Service, 1950s
4. Royal Canadian Air Force (W.D), 1953
5. TTC Guide, 1955
6. Nursing, 1950s- 1960s
7. Expo 67’ Canadian Pavillion, 1967
8. PWA Flight Attendent, 1971
9. CN Tower Jumpsuit, 1976
10. Unitarian, 1950s -1980s
11. Tim Hortons, 1970s



Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Guide

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Year: 1955
Material: Wool, Polyester, Metal
Maker: SaintHill-Levine & Co.Ltd. 
Accreditation: Fashion Research Collection, 
2013.99.072 AB


This uniform was worn in 1955 by fifty-five female Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Guides. This particular role existed between 1942 and 1995 where guides were expected to help inform the public about local transit by determining the best appropriate routes for passengers in addition to selling tickets. Women interested in employment were required to be above 5ft 6 inches, young, friendly, and follow a three-week training program. The design of this uniform is heavily influenced by WWII military uniforms, notable in details such as the shoulder straps, fabric patch, and embossed metal buttons. 
Physical Description:  This three-piece uniform includes a jacket, skirt, and a belt of which there are two of. This ensemble is constructed from a wool fabric in a grey blue colour, while the contrast fabric on the blazer is a scarlet twill wool. Handwritten on the tag with black pen is “SIZE 18, W30, 29-6-55, T.T.C. 22/55” signifying that this ensemble was made in June 1955 for a woman with a size 30 waist. This was the 22nd set out of 55 commissioned identical uniforms. Upon the left breast is an embroidery patch with the TTC logo with the word “GUIDE”. The shoulder straps and decorative two stripe cuffs that are both in the TTC scarlet red colour. The jacket has shoulder pads, two deep flap pockets, four darts at the front and a back seam that turns into a flap which combine to create a tailored and feminine hourglass silhouette. The jacket has a half lining which is best suited for warmer months. Upon a closer look, these buttons display the City of Toronto coat of arms. 

Detail of  waist and button.
Photo courtesy of the Fashion Research Collection.   
Detail of  tag, “Sainthill-Levine & Co. Limited Toronto”.
Photo courtesy of the Fashion Research Collection. 
Manufacturer's tag indicating that this garment is a size 18, from June 6th 1955
 and the 22nd of 55 uniforms. 
Photo courtesy of the Fashion Research Collection. 
Detail of custom TTC button with the Toronto coat of arms and the words 
“Toronto Commission Transportation” .
Photo courtesy of the Fashion Research Collection. 

References:
  1. Gray blue wool TTC Guide Uniform. Fashion Research Collection. Toronto, ON. https://ryersonfashion.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/BB8F7224-1CE5-46C4-9EAF-300652633611
  2. “Canadian Transportation”. Toronto Introduces Unique Service. 1942, pp. 288.  
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