It is likely that the uniforms in the early days of nursing (1850-1900) were based on the habits of religious orders. The clothes were designed to conform to the requirements of the times. Thus during the cholera and other epidemics the visiting nurses wore a full-length dress with a cowl, mask and possibly gloves. The colours were usually sombre and dark. Later in the century white aprons were added. The hats were dark and somewhat ornate and capes of full length were used to visit outside the hospital.