Vintage Fashion Clothing in the 1940s
Women’s fashion in the 1940’s
During the war of the 1940’s there were severe fabric shortages. This meant that clothes were made with a minimum of fabric, few pleats and no trimmings.
To demonstrate that these limitations didn’t necessarily signal the end to style and fashion, London’s top fashion designers were asked by the Board of Trade to create a year-round collection. The focus of the collection was on line and cut, which create a elegant and simple look. This tailored and slim line silhouette, with pronounced shoulders and nipped in waists became standard wartime look.
Skirts were straight with a kick pleat or gently flared and hemlines were 18 inches from the ground, just below the knee. To add detail to the garments imaginative placement of pockets or buttons were used. Even some garments used the military style with breast pockets or belts and small collars.
The shoes that were worn were chunky and solid with wedges or low 2” heels. Open toe shoes were banned as impractical and unsafe.
Hand knitting became very popular in the 1940’s as women on the home front could make a contribution to the war effort by knitting for the troops. Many specialised patterns were developed such as the balaclava helmet with ear flaps for the use in telephone operations or the mittens with a separate forefinger for firing a trigger in the cold. Knit wear was also a cheap way to enhance a wardrobe and fine wool and pretty lace patterns became fashionable.
Women’s fashion after WW2
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After the war women were ready for a change, tired of much tailored garments. In 1947, Christian Dior introduced the “New Look”, featuring longer lengths and fuller skirts. The use of many yards of fabric in garments was now seen as lavish and opulent. These changes in fashion create a soft, feminine and romantic image.
Peplums with are a flounce or short, flared flap attached at the waist of a dress, blouse, coat, etc. and extending around the hips were very fashionable. Skirt hems, necklines and waists had ruffles. A-line skirts were topped with soft, feminine blouses. The blouses donned bows at the centre-front neckline and could have full or puffy sleeves. Collars were cut generously full.
Undergarments at the end of the 1940’s were made into two separate pieces, the bra and the girdle. After World War II, wire was introduced into bras and nylon stockings were back on the market.
Men’s fashion in the 1940’s
During the 1940’s most men were military uniform. Men in civilian clothing became less formal, with many opting for open necked shirts, pullovers and cord trousers. Many were also dressed in lounge suits with broad shoulders, wide trousers belted high at the abdomen.
Men's shoes adhered to the usual formula of hard wearing Oxfords or Brogued lace-ups.
It was not only women’s clothing that were restricted but men’s clothing also. There was a restriction on the number of pockets, a maximum length for shirts and a ban on turn up’s for men’s trousers.
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What are some good fashion clothing line names?
I am now the President of RYS New York fashions and I have decided to rename the fashion clothing line with something younger and sexier. Any ideas??
What are some a fashion blogs for artistic clothing for everyday wear?
I’ve been searching for a blog for fashion/ clothing ideas.
I’d really like the website to be updated daily and post clothing that is good for a teen’s price range.
And I also prefer more artistic, original, thrift store looking, unique clothing… if that makes sense?
If you know of any could you please tell me? Thanks!
Swagnation, stunterz, or the one.
visit mine, you can do it just like that and ive already gotten thousands of readers and its the first month. lulus has great clothes, along with forever 21 and anthropologie and free people, for that unique clothing.
here: http://www.tearosestyle.webs.com/
What are the best universities for studying clothing / fashion design on BS level in Italy, France and UK ?
A relative of mine has just finished high school and is so much interested in studying fashion / clothing design in an academic level.
What Site Can I Find Retro And High Fashion Clothing?
I’m doing a project and I need sites to find images on high fashion and retro clothing. Do you know any sites where I can find some images. Please don’t say google or other search engines. I need real sites.
Milan is known for fashion, so anywhere in Milan would be a great place. You should think a lot about the city you’re in, because with degrees in fashion it is often more about the experience and the internship. I would definitely head to Milan, but Paris or London would be great cities as well.
Fashion Clothing?
Where can i find Fashion Blouses I saw sum on Ebay from korea they were beautiful but i dont know where to look for more of that. Anyone know??
quite possibly check out the original mofo website. there style is catchy. and perfect for everyone looking to relax.
The best….
Gap, Maurices, TJ Maxx.