Research and text contributed by Anna, Erica, and Molly
Photography by Sammi, Corey, Matt, Kaitlyn, Riley, Ronnie, Alania and Brandon
Green print dress, Bangor, ca. 1949
Green printed dressBangor Historical Society
During the 1940s fashion just wasn't the same as it is today. Many materials were needed for the war effort. Conservation affected all areas of the fashion industry, such as the "no fabric on fabric" rule as well as the banning of pockets and cuffs. In general, World War II generated a mind-set of "make do" and "mend".
War time fashion restrictions included hose (today we would call them pantyhose) as well as many other articles of clothing due to the need for the materials in the war. Silk and nylon were not available for ladies’ hose. To adjust, women began wearing trousers instead. Some women chose to apply creams on their legs to create an illusion of hose, and some drew thin pencil lines on the backs of their calves to create an illusion of the hose seam.
Grey Lady Uniform, Bangor, ca. 1942
Gray, red cross ladies uniformBangor Historical Society
The use of rubber was also banned during war time, so as a result, girdles were gone and people had to begin to make dresses and other suits with an adjustable waist to guarantee the items fit individuals for a longer period of time.
Boy's snow suit, Bangor, ca. 1940
Brown, wool, double-breasted boys snowsuitBangor Historical Society
During the war, because so many men were in the military, women went to work in factories to help make machines. Because of this new need for women in the workplace, it meant that women’s styles would have to change drastically. Hairstyles also reflected women’s new role in the workforce with shorter lengths, appropriate for the work place.
During the war, there were many restrictions placed upon materials that had always been readily available. Like other areas in the war effort, the public considered these fashion rations to be just another way they could help win the war. Just think, could you ever live through the circumstances of fashion like many did during the 1940s?
FashionMore examples of fashion during the '40's
