| Early automobiles offered no protection
from the elements. With no windshields, no heaters, and no roofs,
drivers and their passengers were subject to rain, snow, heat,
cold, dirt, dust, and mud. Because of these elements, protective
clothing was developed to make life on the road more bearable.
Dusters, goggles, motoring caps, dust “hoods” or “curtains,”
leggings, rubber sleeves, wheel muffs, lap robes, and baby bags
are just a few among the many creative inventions to keep the
motorist clean and warm. By the 1920s, roads were better and more
cars were enclosed, making motoring fashions no longer necessary.
Motoring Togs
In the early 1900s it was common for women to change their clothes
several times per day in order to be dressed appropriately for
the time of day, occasion, or social setting. Motoring was no
exception and was probably seen as an excuse to buy new styles
of clothing and accessories. In a 1915 issue of Ladies Home Journal
the fashion editors declared that “Good taste, comfort and
etiquette demand correct motor ‘togs.’” Examples
of appropriate dress included a small hat with a chiffon veil
worn over it, “in a color that will not injure the eyes.”
|
Woman dressed in motoring fashions beside a 1903 White Steam car (left) and a Franklin air-cooled car, ca. 1903.
Woman's beige raw silk duster, ca. 1905-1910, driving goggles with purple fur trim, ca. 1900s, black and white satin driving hood, ca. 1905-1910.
 First privately owned auto in St. Louis, ca. 1904.
Automobiling hair net, ca. 1900.
Ad from The Auto Review for William Barr Co. automobile apparel, 1906.
Ad from The Auto Review for Leonard Roos Fur Co. outerwear for automobile travel, 1906. |
