On the Job

Heather Akou is Associate Professor of Fashion Design at Indiana University, USA, and a historian of fashion, dress, and the body. Her work has overlapped with African Studies, Islamic Studies, and American Studies, with recent publications on working-class histories of dress including prison uniforms, political t-shirts, secret society regalia, and work uniforms.

List of Figures
Preface
Acknowledgments
List of Abbreviations

1. Introduction: Why Uniforms?
Uniforms in the body of literature
Uniformity and the limits of fashion theory
Standardization in the late nineteenth century
Purpose and outline of this book

2. Taking Cues from Royalty: Maids, porters, and doormen
Uniforms for maids
Uniforms for porters
Uniforms for doormen
Conclusion

3. Working for Mom and Pop: Barbers, attendants, and waitresses
Uniforms for barbers
Uniforms for theater attendants
Uniforms for gas station attendants
Uniforms for waitresses
Conclusion

4. Contagion, Caring, and Qualifications: Uniforms in the healthcare industry
Professionalization and cleanliness, 1870-1920
Prestige, branding, and fashion, 1920-1970
Equality, wellness, and protection, 1970-2020
Conclusion

5. Government Work: Postal carriers, meter maids, and park rangers
Uniforms for postal carriers
Uniforms for meter maids
Uniforms for park rangers
Conclusion

6. Corporate Branding: Receptionists, bankers, and baristas
Uniforms for receptionists
Uniforms for bankers
Uniforms for baristas (and other fast-food workers)
Conclusion

7. Adult Entertainment: Sexualized and embodied uniforms
Aesthetic labor in adult entertainment
Barmaids and cigarette girls, 1880-1960
Carhops and topless dancers, 1920-1985
Chippendales, bouncers, and cocktail waitresses, 1975-2020
Breastaurant workers, 1980-2020
Conclusion

8. Conclusion: The future of work uniforms
Policing compliance
Activism for change
Expanding health and safety
Opportunities for further research

Bibliography
Index