Women Cloth: 1940S Bra Underwear And Stockings
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Plus size fashion in the 1940s was not something overlooked like it had been in previous decades. Most women were not the ideal curvy hour glass shape. Colors usually matched just one accessory similar to a hat or belt. Then, while visiting friendsor intending to lunch, gloves were usually only worn for semi formal occasions similar to an afternoon gathering. For example, elaborate trim was removed and the overall fussiness of the 1930s was replaced by plain gloves once again. Of course gloves in the 1940s continue to have the gauntlet mid arm length and shape in the course of the war years. Neutral colors were preferred. Whereas the 1930s featured dresses down to mid calf, the 1940s brought them up to knee length. Dresses in the 1940s becameshorter, with the start of the war and a strict rationing on fabric. Basically the neckline of the 1940’s came in lots of cut outs. There was no cleavage! All dress top designsrevealed very little skin, compared to today’s fashion. They may be square, slit, sweetheart, keyhole, shirred, cross front, or V with shirtwaist tops.
Swimsuits and Beachwear Evening dresses were the exception. They’ve been spaghetti strapped or halter topped that revealed shoulders and chests but only mild cleavage. With a swimsuit style halter top, they’ve been also high waist shorts. Nonetheless, they have been button down, loose fitting dresses in light cotton. These were mostly worn by teens and younger single women. Beachwear, called play suits, were really just very short dresses that wrapped over a swimsuit. Nonetheless, when given the opportunity to play in Stage Band, in high school I jumped on it as long as they played plenty of the big band tunes. That still remains my favorite memories of high school. Wish I could find some vintage suits. My mom was a classy dresser and I always looked through family albums to see how they dressed.
Ahh the undergarments or foundation garments were the sole of 1940’s fashion.
Girdles were the worst offenders.
They looked like granny panties but with much tighter, flatter fronts that sucked in any belly bump and lump. They’ve been also very uncomfortable. You should take it into account. They encourage a natural rounded shape. This is where it starts getting really intriguing. They created the hour glass shape with smooth lines that were critical to 40’s fashion. I’m sure you heard about this. Bras were large with full back coverage. She would draw a line down the back of her before stepping out in public, My mom was telling me when she was in her early 20’s when WWI was going on there was a shortage of stockings, and what she use to do to make like she was wearing stockings. Next hat was the turbana piece of fabric wrapped around the head and decorated with flowers, feathers or jewels.
Small hats with veils were another trademark style.
Head wear of the 1940s was very diverse.
There were only a few new styles that became trademarks of the 1940s The first was the beret an one piece round, flat, french inspired hat that sat directly on top or angled off to the side. We have an article on fabrics. Just keep reading. All other topics about the 40’s are here. These should help you with your research. Notice our first ladies have heels and gloves. Bear in mind that the wide collars at right which soften the neckline. Then again, stockings are what kept women from feeling naked with those shorter dresses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qMJJE4juAQ
Both materials were needed for the war and women had to go without for a short time. They usuallythey had subtle brownish seems down the back but seamless stockings were increasingly common by the end of the decade. Nylon was invented prior to the 1940s and quickly replaced silk stockings. Stockings were a shade darker than natural skin. Certainly, stockings only came up to thigh high and were fastened on by garters. Dress at left, a summery afternoon floral, has what was called a swing skirt.
Socks were popular with working women and teenagers.
Women dressed smartly’ in the Fifties.
Good grooming and a tailored look were prized. They wore hair snoods knit bags that gathered hair back and out of the way or scarves tied around and up. Eventually, working women had to keep their hair tied back. Oftentimes later in the 1940’s more fabric gonna be used and more fabric choices were available. On top of this, america cotton was also a favorite for house dresses. Notice, if you are going to forget the depressing war, women embraced colorful patterns with contrasting trims. Seriously. Basically the material was light and airy. Fabric material was usually rayon, a newer synthetic invention.
Swimsuits came in one and for the first time two pieces.
Halter top style was very popular as well.
One piece suits were tighter fitted, therefore in the 30s, had padded bras for support, and thin shoulder straps. Basically, the neckline was a V but revealed little cleavage. Then, the two piece suits was like the one piece but with the middle cut out. Actually the Bikini invented in 1946 was similar in style but tighter and lower on the waist. Pants came up high above the belly button with only about 4 space inches between the top and bottom. Just keep reading. The following infographic may be helpful to in creating a vintage inspired 1940s style for yourself. There’re endless possibilities using new, thriftedor vintage clothes to recreate a style for a 1940s themed event similar to a a swing dance, WW2 remembrance day, or pinup photoshoot.
Catalogs and department stores now carried Stout size clothing lines with dresses, tops, coats and shoes in designs that were more flattering to the fuller figure.
