Lotta uniform
The official dress is made of cotton. The course badge made of cloth
and the armband are worn on the left arm. The white course star is
attached on the breast pocket. The dress also includes a white collar
and cuffs, both decorated with hem-stitches. The Lotta pin closes the
collar. The Lotta badge is numbered, individual and made of silver. |
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Lotta uniform |
Lotta dress
The Lotta dress is made of wool. The skirt pocket is sewn-in. An armband, white gloves and Lotta coat are worn on festive occasions, such as taking the Lotta Oath, on complimentary calls, Lotta Days and other patriotic celebrations.
The Lotta dress is worn with black socks and shoes. The hemline of the
skirt is 25 centimetres above the ground in both the Lotta uniform and
dress.
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| Armband |
Lotta dress |
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Tunic
The tunic is a raincoat-like overcoat. The detachable wool lining is for
winter use. A sheepskin collar matching the overcoat's colour can also
be attached to the tunic. The collar is not to be used upside down! Supportive
members wear woven fabric belts whereas active members use leather
belts. A shield is attached on the left sleeve – without it the coat
could be used as civilian clothing. The Lotta districts are indicated
by the shield's colours. A soldier's cockade of the corresponding Civil
Guard is attached to the peaked cap. The gloves are the same colour as
the overcoat: grey or brown. White gloves are always worn on outdoor celebrations |
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Tunic |
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| Work dress |
White apron |
The so-called protective dress |
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Uniform history
In Finnish Civil War, the women of the Civil Guard's sewing circles
used costumes that were similar to the frieze clothing of the military. After the founding of the Lotta Svärd organization, the central committee began to make plans for a uniform. Fairly soon they decided on the model that is still in use today. Frieze was the chosen fabric because it was durable and easy to wash. The grey colour of the fabric made sure that the uniform did not appear soiled right away. The uniform included a white collar and cuffs and had to be kept clean at all times. The hemline of the skirt had to be 25 centimetres above the ground. The uniform increased a sense of solidarity and equality among its users. The Lottas also began to be recognized for their uniforms. Only signs of the organization were allowed to be used with the uniform. No personal jewellery was allowed to be worn except for wedding rings. Near the end of the war many Lottas had handed over their wedding rings for the war effort and wore rings made of iron instead. The shoes had low heels and were very plain. You were also allowed to use ski boots.
The Lotta uniform was used in all Lotta work. The Lotta uniform was expected to be worn in a dignified manner. Smoking was not allowed. The Lottas did not use nor serve alcohol when in duty.
A tunic and a cap were added to the clothing. A trouser-style ski suit was taken in use in 1929. Particular attention was paid to the Field Lotta's backpack and its contents. The Lottas had their own gymnastic suit with the Lotta pin swastika worn on the chest.
Veterinary Lottas had a grey protective jacket. When there was shortage of material, the Lotta clothes were made of rayon.
The Lotta Svärd organization was disbanded on November 23rd, 1944. The uniform could not be worn after December 15th the same year. Many Lottas returning home from their assignment did not have a spare set of clothes on them, so the uniforms were stripped of their insignia for the journey home. Later on many Lottas burnt their uniform so that it would not end up being used in an inappropriate way. If there was shortage of
fabric, uniforms were dyed, made into pillow cases, skirts and even carpet rags.
The Lotta uniform to be used today with consideration
The Lottas value their uniform and wish it to be worn with consideration. The Lotta uniform can only be worn by a person who has been a member of the Lotta Svärd organization. Both the Lottas and Junior Lottas have the same right to wear the Lotta uniform. A person who has not been a member of the Lotta Svärd organization can wear the uniform when introducing the organization and its activities or when their role in a play or an event requires its use. This role must follow good taste and the uniform must be removed immediately after the performance. A person who has not been a member of the Lotta Svärd organization does not have the right to wear the uniform as a dress in
parties or other social occasions.
We especially wish that persons who are not members of the Lotta
organization respect these recommendations.
The Finnish Lotta Heritage Association, The Association of the Civil
Guard & Lotta Svärd Tradition, The Lotta Svärd Foundation
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