THE SCHOOL TUNIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 37, 13 February 1934, Page 13

THE SCHOOL TUNIC.

SWEDISH ORIGIN. School's in again and from thinking of school hours and regulations, one naturally .turns one's mind to school uniform and the school tunic, which curiously enough is of Swedish origin. New Zealand children probably owe this school garment to a Madame Osteberg, who came to England in the 'eighties from the Stockholm Institute of Physical Culture, and set up a similar institution near London. She it was who first introduced the tunic garment, for she was a famous teacher to whom came pupils from various parts of the world, and all her students had to wear the tunic for their gymnastic work. The tunic was elaborated after many years of experiment; 10 years, it is said, was spent in designing what was considered the ideal garment for sport, and it still reigns supreme in girls' schools not only in New Zealand, but all over the Empire. Certainly the tunic has the advantage that it hangs from the shoulders, the pleats hold close to the figure above the waist, and yet the skirt gives plenty of freedom, and there is no strain on the sleeves, for the blouse is separate, and allows freedom for the arms, and those who find it monotonous should remember these advantages.