The 1940s Fashion

Thinking About The 1940's Fashion

Executive Summary about 1940 dress fashion By Jodi Cressy 

1940s fashion in the United States has stirred style alternatives individuals still make today. 1940s fashion aided women accentuate the attractive parts of their bodies while hiding the parts they weren't so crazy about. Numerous apparel alternatives were not available any longer so women needed to refocus on what dressing everyday meant. Ladies must be prepared to step into men's shoes immediately and their clothing had to mirror this. Ladies began wearing clothes that were much easier to clean and obtain.

Since most items were rationed, women didn't gain access to plenty of items for their hair. Mitts were significantly essential in this period. Night gowns were accompanied by elbow length gloves, and day attires were used with short or opera-length gloves of fabric or leather. Companies and retailers launched matching ensembles of hat, gloves and shoes, or gloves and scarf, or hat and bag, often in striking colors. Men usually used service clothing from the army, navy or air force. Men took satisfaction in serving their country and the traditional outfits symbolize bravery and determination. Men nowadays still wear their military uniforms when they're serving their country and when home on leave with family and friends.

1940's Women's Fashion Inventions

Executive Summary about 1940 dress fashion By Debbie L Wells 

1940's Women's fashion was a time of great restrictions on design, fabric, and trim materials. 

The girdle.

Prior to the 1940's a women's shape was made by metal boned corsets. In the 1940's the girdle was invented as a form of tummy tuck underwear. It shaped just the middle down to the hips and created the smooth hourglass silhouette associated with vintage fashions. Today the girdle returns with body shapers, control top stockings, control top underwear and other suck and smooth foundation garments.

Wedge shoes.

Leather and wood was needed for the war so shoe designs had to get creative. The solution was cork.       A cork sole was used for shoe heels and then wrapped in a pretty fabric, mesh or even reptile skin.

Rayon.

If you didn't know, Rayon is a synthetic fabric. Silk and cotton were needed for the war so Rayon was used instead.

Nylons.

Prior to the 40's women's stockings were made of silk. Dupont then invented nylon and thus "Nylons" became a brand name for stockings.

The Zipper.

Thanks to new inventions of the 1940's women can zip up clothing instead of using buttons, snaps or lacing.

Plastic.

Jewelry was made of Bakelite plastic in big colorful designs. You may not recognize these plastic names but I am sure you are aware that plastic is everywhere in fashion- from cute barrettes to zippers to purse handles.

Shoulder pads.

The 1980's were heavily influenced by 1940's fashion and thus shoulder pads came back in style.

1940's Day Dress for Women

Executive Summary about 1940 dress fashion By Debbie L Wells

In the mid 1940's, after world War two, women left the work world and returned home to their busy lives as house wives. Suddenly women who used to wearing work clothes during the day needed new day dresses. Dress lengths hovered around the bottom of the knee for a proper women. Decorative trim for day dresses was more common than for housework and even evening dresses. Patent leather became increasingly popular as well as kid leather and suede. Even sandals with strappy sling backs or sophisticated mules dominated summer wear. Shoe colors usually matched the dress or coat for a unified look.

Socks, necessary during the war only remained popular with young women, working women, and the lower classes.Jewelry was only worn to accent your outfit. Brimmed hats helped to keep the sun off your face while small pill box hats with black netting were a fashion accessories for indoor activities. Even dainty handkerchiefs matched or complemented a ladies dress.

1940's day dress fashions have remained popular for nearly a century. 

1940's Men's Fashion - A Time of Transformation Toward the Swing Era

Executive Summary about 1940 dress By Jackie D.

This time period brought on a dramatic shift in men's fashion.  In fact, some people consider the 1940s as one last great hurrah in the elegance and style of men's fashion.

Influence of World War II 

Fashion quickly became more about substance and functionality than style. During the early 1940s men's fashion was to be transformed forever.  Practical, sturdy clothing became the norm.  It was during this time that men's suits actually lost the vests, pocket flaps, and trouser cuffs to conserve material.  At the end of the war, men's fashion changed again, and perhaps became one of the most iconic periods in recent history. 

Swing Era in Full Swing 

Designers began to create more stylish outfits meaning that men's suits were full-cut again. 

Flamboyant Neckties

Neckties became a personality-defining accessory that many men took advantage of. Men who chose not to wear the more flamboyant neckwear opted for solid colors of red, blue, or white stripes.  Regardless of pattern or color, neckties were quite wide and fairly short. 

Accessories that Make the Man

Aside from ties, hats and shoes became quite influential. 

Conclusion

We often think back on men's fashion and the daring styles remind us of swing-dancing and gangsters.  Today, we can see the influence of the 1940s in the most elegant and classy of men's fashion design.