Incredible WW2 National Fire Service Ladies Ski Suit by ‘Lillywhites’

An incredible and extremely rare women's National Fire Service ski suit uniform which was made by lillywhites during the Second World War. 

This truly incredible set is a private purchase example which the original owner would have purchased at their own expense. It is very different from the standard pattern issued during the Second World War although there is evidence of this pattern in us as illustrated in the last picture attached. The jacket shown in this picture clearly has the same cross belt fastening at the waist which is one of the notable features of this uniform, although in this instance it is worn with slacks. 

The set is made from a navy blue coloured gabardine wool material, similar to that used for raincoats in the period. The jacket is a fantastic design with double breasted front and large peaked lapels which can be fastened across the neck. Rifle patches are located to the shoulders and angled pockets are fitted to the chest which both fasten with a single button. The waist fastens with twin belts which cross each other in the same way as was used on British military shorts and trousers from 1944 onwards. They both fasten with leather covered metal buckles which have a single prong. An original NFS patch is fitted to the left breast and bears the district number '16' which denotes Lyndhurst. 

The interior of the jacket is fully lined with a navy blue coloured rayon material. The original label is still present and bears the maker's name of 'Lillywhites' which is set against typical period graphics. Above this is a size label which reads '34' and relates to bust size. 

The trousers are made from the same material as the jacket and are cut in a ski trousers style with a cuff that fastens with a narrow cotton tape in the same way as an army puttee does. The top features a side button opening to each hip and pockets are located within this and fasten with buttons. Inside the trousers is a size tag which reads '26' and relates to waist size. 

When laid flat the suit measures - 

Jacket
Chest - 18"
Waist - 13 1/2"
Inside arm - 17 1/2"
Outside arm - 24 1/2"
Shoulders - 14"
Length at back - 17 1/2"

Trousers 
Waist - 12"
Hips - 22 1/2"
Rise - 14 1/2"
Inside leg - 34"
Outside leg - 47"
Cuff - 5"

The suit is in excellent condition overall with some signs of wear and age. There is damage to the right sleeve as illustrated in picture 7 but aside from that it is in good condition. Please take time to study the pictures and bear in mind that this is a pre-owned, vintage suit which may have small flaws commensurate with age. 

A stunning uniform which is an incredible design. A very rare thing to find and a must have for the serious Home Front collector.