Australian WWII ‘Giggle Suits’

**BUNA** · 11-12-2013, 01:58 AM

I just thought I would post a couple of ‘Giggle Suits’ from my collection. I think these are a somewhat undervalued uniform.
These were issued to Australian new recruits and were worn during work duties, so to not soil the standard uniform. They have two internal pockets on each breast, basic tin buttons down the front and draw string around the waist.
They are not the prettiest uniforms but I still like them.
I hope you guys like.

**SteveR** · 11-12-2013, 02:43 AM

Very nice.

**Jerry B** · 11-12-2013, 11:57 AM

Not something you see in my part of the world

**reneblacky** · 11-17-2013, 06:15 AM

Lovely Buna,
I have a few of these including one that was dyed on the way to the pacific area of operations

**cricketchris1944** · 11-17-2013, 06:31 AM

Good stuff.
chris

**reneblacky** · 11-17-2013, 07:08 AM

I have to say that the trousers are ones that I've never seen on hand!

**BUNA** · 11-18-2013, 01:50 AM

I like your died green Giggle suit Rene, thanks for posting. I have never seen one like that before.
Im not sure but I assume the trousers are just standard khaki drill issue? any ideas?

**ObKrieger** · 11-18-2013, 02:27 AM

Why were they called 'giggle suits'?

**geelong** · 11-18-2013, 02:54 AM

by ObKrieger

Why were they called 'giggle suits'?

good question. i to would like to no to. i dont no anything about these items.

**BUNA** · 11-18-2013, 06:33 AM

The following is a passage from the Australian War Memorial website.

'Giggle' hats and their accompanying 'giggle' suits, a loose fitting pyjama-style khaki drill jacket and trousers, were so-called because the wearers thought they gave them the appearance of clowns.

The following is a passage from interview that the Australian War Memorial did with MATT NOLAN - 9TH FIELD AMBULANCE. It mentions giggle suits.

There was a story that you which you did tell us about
presenting arms to Major [Holcombe]?

We were at Ingleburn, Brigadier Holland with all his red
badges, you could see him coming in one of the staff cars, I
told one of the boys 'Go and get a rifle out of the tent and
present arms. They were in their giggle suits and the khaki
didn't always match with the top half for the coat and they 9
presented arms and even nod to him as he went past and you
know, it's like Dad's Army that's ...

What was what you called a giggle suit?

Well, it's long khaki trousers and a sort of a lumber jacket
which ties around at the bottom, you tied it with a cord at the
bottom and it's buttons down the front just like it's very
plain.