Changes in Japanese Stamps Uniform (8/13)

(Uniform At the Beginning of the Showa Period (1925 Onward))

With the ascension of Emperor Showa in 1925, various experimental changes and official improvements were made to the uniform to make it more practical and economical to purchase.
A revision to the jacket in 1931 replaced the stand-up collar with a turned-down collar. It also changed the color of the jacket to a bluish brown which did not easily absorb heat and which did not easily show stains. (The same material was adopted for the winter uniform four years later.)

In 1938 the knee-length trousers that had been used since 1889 were abolished and long trousers were introduced as standard wear.
Illustration Showing Measurements Being Taken for a Uniform Summer Uniform Which Doubled as a Shirt
(1931) (1931 Communications Ministry magazine)
In the Meiji Period the size of uniforms was extra-small, small, medium and large. From 1922 a number size system based on a person's height was introduced. There were ten sizes of uniform in 1929.
The illustration shows measurements being taken. The shirt and summer uniform for midsummer was the first uniform that required the collection and delivery personnel to wear a necktie. A bow-tie was worn with a stand-up collar but in 1935 this was abolished because it was uncomfortable and inefficient to wear in midsummer.

Uniform with a Turned-down Collar
(About 1935)

In addition to the Western-style uniform, a helmet-type summer hat (shown), floppy hat and straw hat were available. In cold areas where snow built up, a cap for protection against the cold was used.


Illustration Showing Measurements Being Taken for a Uniform	Summer Uniform Which Doubled as a Shirt
(1931)	(1931 Communications Ministry magazine)
In the Meiji Period the size of uniforms was extra-small, small, medium and large. From 1922 a number size system based on a person's height was introduced. There were ten sizes of uniform in 1929. The illustration shows measurements being taken.	The shirt and summer uniform for midsummer was the first uniform that required the collection and delivery personnel to wear a necktie. A bow-tie was worn with a stand-up collar but in 1935 this was abolished because it was uncomfortable and inefficient to wear in midsummer.