Fashion in the 1940’s

The 1940’s was a major point in time for the fashion industry. Accessories made from Bakelite were available during the 1920’s, but they became a more popular fashion statement in the 40’s. Bangles, earing’s, pins, and even purse’s were commonly worn at this time. Small hats with netting over the face were also popularly worn.

Silk and nylon became difficult to come by as a result of WWII. Many fashion materials previously available were needed for the war, and were not so readily available as they had been. Nylon was donated for the purpose of making parachutes. Ladies began to wear leg make-up and even drawing a fake faux seam down the back of their legs if they desired. The women would use their husbands suits and old curtains, or any material they could find to make clothes for themselves. To make up for the lack of good materials used, the women began to wear more vibrant colors. Materials were used that enhanced the female figure. Leather was rationed, so wooden wedge heels became a popular choice for women’s shoes. Heels of 2 inches were popular, and the shoes would most likely have had peep-toe’s and be of a slip on style. Artificial materials were used as substitutes, such as, viscos and rayon.

During the late 1940’s blouses became more fitted with short sleeves. Skirts began to take on a fuller look, and the broad shoulders of the past were virtually gone. Horned glasses became popular in 1947. Hawaiian style shirts, and clothes in general came into function when the men came back from war. The finger-curls hairstyle look of the early 40’s had almost disappeared by the time the late 40’s came around. More discreet curls with shorter hair was fashionable towards the end of the 40’s. For the younger college females the fashion was rolled up jeans, with over-sized shirts, and sweaters.

Zoot suits for men were popular in the early 40’s. The suit consisted of a pork-pie style hat, large bow tie, pegged pants, and a pocket watch with a chain that was usually knee length. Military men would dress in their uniform when they decided to get married. However, the bride would wear something similar in style to today’s office style women’s suit’s. V-neck sweater vests, or knitted waist coats would be worn by men, but only on special occasions. After the war there was a large amount of sport’s wear that started being made. The Hawaiian, or Carisa shirts were first worn on the beaches of California and Florida. There were various designs on these shirts, such as, floral patterns, flames, and images of women.