New Zealand’s timeline of fashion history has seen many trends and developments over the years, and the New Zealand Post postie uniforms are no exception. 

Museum studies intern Ruby Abraham takes us through the postie uniforms in our collection, from military styled suits to vibrant and funky tracksuits that leave little to the imagination!

Posties have been working and delivering mail to residents in New Zealand for over 150 years. Fearless when it comes to facing the ferocious weather elements, posties today continue to work hard delivering our mail.

Over the past 100 years, postie uniforms have changed to keep up with current fabric technology and contemporary fashion trends. I’ve spent the past few months researching these changing style trends between the 1910s to the 1980s.

Military fashions

The earliest uniform set in our collection dates to around the early 1910s and were worn by posties up to the late 1940s.

With its thick, dark blue-black woollen overcoat, along with a jacket and trouser set, this uniform is influenced by military uniforms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Although seemingly dark and formal, this uniform set has a number of interesting features. For instance extra reinforcements have been added in the groin and shoulder areas to avoid discomfort whilst biking and carrying heavy bags full of mail.

Our uniforms from this period also have employee name labels inside the pockets and belonged to a P. O. McGill of Auckland and a M. J. Armstrong of Taupō.

Postal uniform, 1920s– 1950s, by the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department. Te Papa (GH018178)

Postal uniform, 1920s– 1950s, by the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department. Te Papa (GH018178)

Postal uniform, 1920s– 1950s, by the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department. Te Papa (GH018177)

Fashion of the ’40s

Jumping forward to the 1940s, a change of uniform for the postie was proposed after WWII.

Heavily influenced by military uniforms, the new postie look consisted of a smart green blouson jacket with trousers, along with a new greatcoat.

Social pressures and influences swayed the way in which the uniforms were designed. In fact, there was a lot of thought surrounding the sensitivities to returned soldiers and possible triggers of the newly proposed military-style uniform. An excerpt from this proposal outlines these concerns:

‘One objection which was raised against the adoption of the battle-dress type of uniform was the suggestion that it would be a reminder of the War which returned soldiers might dislike. This objection does not appear to be sustained, for the reason that returned servicemen appear to be most keen for the adoption of the battle-dress style.’ ^[1]

Women in the Post Office

The first postwoman in New Zealand began delivering mail in Wellington in 1942, and was one of many who replaced the men who had been called up for military duties. Although they were paid less and completed shorter mail routes, this marked the beginning of the incorporation of women posties into the Post and Telegraph Department in New Zealand.

Prior to the introduction of the new grey uniforms in the 1960s, women did not have an official postal uniform which they were required to wear during their rounds.

The ’60s style

In 1964, the Post Office decided that it was that time again for a new uniform for their posties and telegraph workers. The new look, which was offered in a range of different styles, was grey, and kept a number of traditional elements like the red piping and silver buttons seen in earlier uniforms. Ties were worn by both women and men.

Postal uniform, 1960s–1980s, by G. Roy Ltd, The New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department. Te Papa (GH018182)

Postal uniform dress, 1960s–1980s, by Steyn & Dove Clothing Co. The New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department. Te Papa (GH018189)

Postal uniform ensemble, 1960s–1980s, by Duprez Ltd, The New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department. Te Papa (GH018183)

The arrival of the new uniform was announced in a 1964 Post Office Magazine article:

‘It’s time Post Office people had a new uniform. Fashions change; new materials are available. Our present uniform, influenced in its design by the battle dress of the war years, is getting out of date

Because persons in uniform stand out in a crowd, their uniforms should be as attractive as possible, up to date, and a source of pleasure to the wearer.

Uniformed staff in the Post Office cover a wide age group, from teenagers who are growing rapidly and who like to feel they are right fashion-wise, to elderly men who prefer a more conservative outfit. Then, too, the uniform must be designed to suit the type of work which these people do’. ^[2]

This new uniform was hugely successful and was worn right through to the 1980s.

Transformation of the 1980s

Comfort and style are definitely two things that can be said about these uniforms.

After a corporate design reform in 1975, The New Zealand Post Office introduced a new modernised look which changed the face of the company.

The introduction of the new logo, a crown atop a stylised envelope, replaced the traditional crest for New Zealand Post Office.

Postal uniform airtex shirt, 1984–1987 by Weldon & Company. The New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department. Te Papa (GH018190)

Postal uniform tracksuit, 1984–1987 by Weldon & Company. The New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department. Te Papa (GH018191)

The new sporty and relaxed features of a unisex tracksuit, sneakers and breathable mesh fabrics replaced formal uniform suits and ties, making them more practical for posties on the run.

It can definitely be said that New Zealand’s history of mail delivery has been carried out in style. From military fashions to colourful tracksuits, the postie timeline of fashion is one that has seen many developments and transformations over the past 100 years.

On the streets today, our posties are seen wearing a sporty red and yellow ensemble – what will be in store next for the postie look?

References

1. Joint Advisory Council Report of Special Committee on Protective Clothing Policy (1952), p. 5. NZ Post Office: History – Staff Uniforms. [Archival reference: AAME W5603 8106 Box 72] Archives New Zealand, The Department of Internal Affairs, Te Tari Taiwhenua

2. New Zealand Post Office (1964). New Uniforms. New Zealand Post Office Magazine. Vol. 4, No. 3. Post Office News – Set of issues [Archives Reference: AAMF W3327/182] Archives New Zealand, The Department of Internal Affairs, Te Tari Taiwhenua