1940s - The War

WW2 put a halt on the fashion world as many fashion houses closed down in Paris as the Nazis tried to control the haute couture and move it to Berlin until they realised how complex the connections of the fashion world were.

Shortages in fabrics and the long absence of men meant masculine military styles were in. Women would recycle their husbands’ old clothes into suits for themselves. This utility style was popular anyway due to the little amount of fabric needed and little need to use dyes as they were also short of supply; and the women needed suits to fill in for the men again in the factories when they went to war, not just to replace their jobs but in the factories that made the army's resources. 

Rationing clothes meant coupons were used to buy essentials and magazines gave tips to women to use these to help become efficient and economical. Knitting became popular, but the wool was usually made from old knitwear. The confiscation of natural fibres meant that silk tights were switched to leg make-up, nylon tights were also in short supply as nylon was used to make parachutes for soldiers. It was important for a woman to look her best in these times as it was a sign of patriotism and positive moral to do so. 

Left: A magazine article showing women how to make their own clothes and recycle them

Right: Women applying leg-make up as a substitute from tights

Bibliography

Bayley, J. (ND) French, American and British Wartime Fashions [online] 1940s Society. Available from: http://www.1940.co.uk/history/article/fashion/fashion.htm [26/04/2012]

Bzdan. (2012) LIFE: Liquid Stockings [online]. Tumblr. Available from: http://bzedan.tumblr.com/post/3331088253/life-liquid-stockings-hosted-by-google-the [26/04/2012]

Debbie. (2011) 1940’s Womens Suits [online]. Vintage Dancer. Available from: http://www.vintagedancer.com/what-did-women-wear-in-the-1940s/thereadbaron-blogspot-com_-_suits/ [26/04/2012]