The uniform conveyed to a skeptical public that the Navy, however stubborn and reluctant to have them, cared about its women and how they were perceived. A number of code breakers admitted that the Mainbocher uniform was one reason they enlisted; some felt it was the most flattering piece of clothing they ever owned. Others chose the Navy over the Army because they preferred the classic Navy blue over the drab khaki that was the fate of the WACs. The Army women even had to wear khaki bras and girdles, which the WAVES thought was hilarious. In true competitive-service fashion, Navy women felt
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