Nobby Blouse Workshop Spring ‘23

In the late 1800s and early 1900s there was an explosion in women entering the workforce, women had always been a large part of the workforce, but with the industrial revolution more women than ever entered both factory work as well as domestic labour being seen as a valuable resource.

A major symbol of this shift was the changes in fashion. Women were in need of a practical and professional attire, one that was in line with the social customs of the times, but wouldn’t hinder their work. And so, the Shirtwaist Blouse, also known as a Nobby Blouse, became the fashionable attire.

The Shirtwaist Blouse grew out of the standard male Shirt but altered to suit the fashions of the day. The Edwardian era’s silhouette was considered, using gathers, pleats, and trim for a pigeon-breasted look, with a snatched waist, while still being practical and professional. It was a garment both for the workers and the consumer. Women of all social classes would wear this blouse; it was immensely popular. For the first time, working women were leading the fashion evolution.

PCMS supplied a huge number of Draperies, Tailoring, and Millinery. The women working in the factory would work fast and efficient, and they were paid better wages than most other factories of the time. Blouses and Shirts would be made in bulk to order, or to measure if it was a particularly fancy blouse.

Each workshop was inspired by the different aspects of the PCMS Drapery department, and by the end the attendees had a Nobby Blouse for themselves, a friend, or just to show they could!