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with rows of buttons on the inside seams to convert them to skirts when not in the air. The general flying outfit for a woman consisted of a two-piece suit of blouse and wide-legged knickers, with high-top boots and either an automobile cap or soft fabric helmet with goggles. In contrast to most of the outfits which were made of dark-colored cloth, Harriet Quimby flew in a suit of plum-colored satin. 

Hélène Dutrieu of  France caused quite a stir when she admitted to flying corsetless. She said it gave her grater freedom of movement and also lessened the chance of injury in case of an accident.

In spite of all the publicity the women received, the many things they achieved, and the records they set proving their worth as pilots, no amount of evidence and persuasion could convince the War Department to allow any of them into the Air Service during World War I. Most of the women lobbied strongly to be allowed to fly for the war effort. Their ideal was combat flying, but they pleaded with the Air Service to allow them to enlist and to put to use their flying abilities in whatever ways might be of service.

Rep. Murray Hulbert supported their efforts and sponsored a bill in Congress to that end. There was active support and passage appeared possible until Secretary of War Baker flatly