Uniform Industry News

Do you ever wonder what certain phrases mean? Do you ever use certain words or terms without having a clue regarding origin or meaning? Here's one for you: "Dressed to the nines." We use it more with the upper crust than the lower, and maybe more with women than men. But the term itself has been around for a few hundred years; perhaps longer than that. It's been used with the height of couture fashion, covering designs for daytime and evening wear; it's been used to describe the average Joe who is one step above; and it's been used with top-notch uniforms.

In truth, no one knows where "dressed to the nines" comes from, but there are numerous possible origins: Some say it has to do with the nine muses from Greek mythology and the arts—the best that aesthetics had to offer in every genre: Some say it refers to the nine Worthies, who are outstanding heroes from both literature and history—King Arthur, David, Joshua, and the like. The number nine is the last and highest of the single digits, and its square root is the mystical number three; nine has always been regarded as magic.

There is 18th century poetry from Scotland, with Robert Byrnes waxing over nature as being painted beautifully to the nines. There is the possibility of the medieval phrase, "dressed to thine eyne," referring to one's eyes being the loveliest ever—with the words gradually evolving to "the nines." In 18th century England, poet William Hamilton referred to the nines—how they contented him. In 14th century France, John de Mandeville wrote that war without peace would always be to the ninth degree if his king were not to reform.

"Dressed to the nines" simply means that one's fashion statement is tip-top. For the uniform industry, we are talking about an identity that puts our best feet forward, that advertises us as par excellence, that outwardly displays the kinds of qualities that we apply to our companies inwardly, with our entire collective focus as a team.

When it comes to apparel, some say that it refers to the "whole nine yards," which at one time was the amount of fabric used to make up a suit for an elegant gentleman or, imagine a single elegant shirt! (Figure narrow, 36" wide goods, or even the most foppish 18th century dandy would drown in ruffles and lace at this quantity if it were a 45" or 60" fabric width).