Nursing uniforms have long been more than just practical attire - they’ve symbolised discipline, professionalism, and the evolving role of nurses and midwives within healthcare. 

From rigid dress codes to modern scrubs, each era’s uniform reflects broader changes in medicine, gender roles, and workplace culture. This article explores the transformation of nursing uniforms, beginning with their formal introduction in the late 19th century. 

The first uniforms 

While Royal Adelaide Hospital opened its doors in the 1840s, it wasn’t until 1889 that standardised uniforms were introduced by London-trained nurse, Matron Thackthwaite, creating a clear visual hierarchy. Strict dress codes dictated who was who: a trained nurse was distinguished by an ankle-length serge dress protected by a white apron, with the colour of the dress distinguishing which hospital a nurse was working at. Meanwhile a probationary nurse wore the same dress in black, garnering them the nickname ‘black pros’. 

This was just the beginning of the ensemble. To complete the look, nurses sported a white cone cap, black stockings, starched cuffs and a high collar. And when they were occasionally permitted to leave the hospital grounds, they were required to don a bonnet tied under the chin and cover their uniforms with a full-length black cape, creating a sense of both professionalism and modesty.

The chatelaine 

Before the days of hospital supply rooms on every floor, a chatelaine ensured a nurse had her crucial equipment, like scissors, forceps, a thermometer, and pins, always within arm’s reach. A chatelaine was a small, leather or calico pouch that hung from a nurse’s belt. It was a stylish and efficient way to carry everything needed for rounds, and it became a distinctive part of a nurse’s uniform, showing that she was ready for any task at a moment’s notice. Should a nurse be stopped at random and fail to produce one of the key items required to be in her chatelaine, she could expect to be reprimanded.

Wartime wears 

Nurses who served overseas with the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) starting in 1914 wore a variety of uniforms, largely because they were not standardised and issued by the army at the time. Instead, nurses were given a uniform allowance and could sew together their own attire if they chose. 

The most consistent uniform was the ward dress, which was worn throughout World War I. This ensemble included a practical grey cotton dress with a starched collar and cuffs, a white linen veil, a stiff bibbed apron, and a striking scarlet shoulder cape fastened at the throat with the silver Rising Sun badge. The outfit was completed with black stockings and sturdy shoes or boots. In warmer climates, such as India, the uniform was adapted for comfort, with the grey dress being replaced by one of white cotton. 

Donning the cape 

By the 1920s, the nursing uniform began to evolve, moving away from the restrictive floor-length dresses with mutton sleeves toward a more practical, shorter style. Along with this change came the introduction of a striking red, elbow-length cape for Charge Nurses. 

This cape wasn’t just a fashion statement- it was a symbol of authority and an essential part of the uniform. It had to be worn at all times when a nurse was outside the hospital grounds, instantly identifying them to the public.

However, it was strictly forbidden at the bedside or on the ward, ensuring hygiene and practicality remained paramount during patient care. A cloth badge proudly displaying the Adelaide Hospital’s insignia was sewn onto the front, marking the wearer’s professional identity. 

The art of the cap 

For South Australian nurses, the cap was more than just a piece of uniform- it was a powerful symbol of rank, position, and experience. In the early 1900s, starched caps, often trimmed with a frill or streamers, sat proudly on top of the head, with these decorative details indicating a nurse’s seniority. As decades passed, the style evolved, and by the 1970s, nurses wore shovel-style caps marked with green velvet stripes to signify their rank. Due to the fashion of the day, caps slowly moved to being pinned on top of the head to being pinned on the back of the head, to better accommodate more voluminous hairstyles.

The cap was so important that it took centre stage at every ‘capping ceremony’, a pivotal event where probationers officially became trainee nurses. During this rite of passage, they would proudly receive their iconic ‘ice cream cone’ caps, a symbol of their new status. However, as the 1970s came to a close, a new generation of nursing leaders and members of the ANMF SA rejected the caps as an outdated symbol of servitude. Today the caps are still hotly debated- loved dearly by some, while others are glad to see them gone. 

The workforce changes 

In 1965, the Royal Adelaide Hospital welcomed its first cohort of male nurses, and with them, the steady adoption of more practical and gender-neutral uniforms for the modern workforce. Male students and RNs wore short-sleeved ‘Ben Casey’ shirts, named for a popular television show with a surgeon in the titular role. This was just the beginning. 

As the twentieth century progressed, practicality became paramount. The uniforms evolved rapidly as nurses abandoned traditions of the past. Starched collars and cuffs were phased out, aprons were no longer required, and black stockings were scraped after industrial action deemed them an unfair expense. The iconic red cape was eventually replaced by blue blazers and windcheaters, making uniforms more functional and better suited for the demands of a modern nursing career. 

Scrubbing up 

In the 2000s, South Australian nurses, working in an increasingly fast-paced and demanding environment, began to favour a new type of uniform: scrubs. 

Scrubs, originally designed for the operating theatre, were a game-changer. They were no longer just about looking professional, they were about being practical. The simple, loose-fitting design offered unparalleled comfort for long shifts, while the durable, easy-to-clean fabric meant that nurses could maintain high standards of hygiene without the hassle of ironing and starching. Scrubs quickly became the uniform of choice, not just for their functionality but for what they represented: a move towards a modern, no-nonsense approach to nursing. Today, with their endless array of colours and styles, scrubs are a clear symbol of a diverse and dynamic profession.

History of nursing and midwifery in South Australia? 

Want to learn more about the history of nursing and midwifery in South Australia? All members can explore the many resources, books and artefacts available at our ANMF SA Library, situated at our Ridleyton office. 

If you have any photographs, uniforms or relics like those depicted in this article, you can also play a role in telling our profession’s story by donating them to the ANMF SA Healthcare Museum. Help us remember the people and traditions of South Australia’s nursing past. By learning from our past, we can better inform our future. 

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