1940s wardrobe essentials

[Sunny]

Golly, how does that work with a girdle? I'm trying to grasp the layers and I'm getting confused.

 

[LizzieMaine]

I have a feeling those actually fit a lot looser than it appears in the picture -- I have a knit slip from the same period which fits very loose, and I believe it's the same sort of fabric used here. It tends to stretch out quite a bit once you've got it on. So it would be possible to wear a short open girdle underneath -- the look would be a bit lumpier than it appears here, but it'd work.

There were also versions of these suits that had a lower crotch and flared legs -- looking very much like a utilitarian flannel teddy -- and these would have worked even better with a girdle underneath.

 

[Mrs. Merl]

I would think, too, that if it were cold enough to wear a mini union suit they may very well have worn long sock type leg covers and would have possibly skipped the (sorry edit) - girdle.

 

[Inky]

There is a knitted pattern for some "french knickers" that would do the trick, then you could make a knitted cami for the top part. It would be pretty easy to knit them together if you wanted a one-piece garment.

http://vintagestitchorama.blogspot.com/2007/06/french-knickers-1940s.html

http://www.vam.ac.uk/images/image/13093-popup.html (a 1940's era cami top, with underpants)

 

[imported_miss_molly]

Thank you everyone for all the information!
It's really interesting and I'm learning so much!

 

[exquisitebones]

OooO I am going to have to try my hand at that cami. how CUTE would that be!!

 

[Cleery]

This is a great thread! I'm making a checklist.

 

[exquisitebones]

There is a knitted pattern for some "french knickers" that would do the trick, then you could make a knitted cami for the top part. It would be pretty easy to knit them together if you wanted a one-piece garment.

http://vintagestitchorama.blogspot.com/2007/06/french-knickers-1940s.html

http://www.vam.ac.uk/images/image/13093-popup.html (a 1940's era cami top, with underpants)

fftopic:
that first webite is amazing, there are some great sweaters I want to make on there, check this one:

its form teh 30s though. still neat!

ok, back to 40s essentials

 

[nico demouse]

Inky, those knickers are perfect! Thanks you!

 

[Lady Day]

More Photos!!

Here are some wardrobe staples from Sears, Roebuck & CO. fall and winter ©1940-41

These are what most gals of working class would wear. Ive put up some winter stuff and dresses first, and Ill try to scan some more soon.

LD

 

[Lady Day]

Dresses for Juniors.

Suits and dresses for Misses.

Dresses for Women.

And some separates.

LD

 

[MarieAnne]

<snip> Helps Loading of page

Thank you so much for posting those. The sewing pattern illustrations don't do their garments justice!

 

[LizzieMaine]

Excellent post, LD. These styles are precisely the "missing link" between the fashions of the late '30s and the more spare wartime styles. A lot of these basic designs would continue right thru the war era, except with less-voluminous skirts, and fewer poofs and gathers.

 

[Lady Day]

Thanks Ladies. You really notice the skirts slimming down and those skirt pleats go away in a couple of years. The suits are what I love the most. MMMm look at those lapels

Take special note at the style changes for the ages. Young girls have more of an advancing style, while the older and larger ladies are a few years behind.

Ill post some more later on. I want to get to undergarments and such.

LD

 

[exquisitebones]

those sears scan are amazing...
doesnt it make you wish you could call an order some of those
at those prices even !
thanks again LD, these are very helpful

 

[StaceFace]

Thanks for all of the scans, LD! I'm with exquisitebones on wanting to order something! From your experience, how difficult would it be to sew something, like one of those suits, just by taking body measurements and going off of a picture?

 

[Inky]

Ohh fabulous scans, LD, thank you so much. It's wonderful to see what the average sears shopper had to choose from then. And boy wouldn't we kill for just some of that!

 

[Mrs. Merl]

Oooooh, I love those pictures! Gotta sew, gotta sew, gotta sew!!!!

 

[Tallulah]

Thank you so much for posting the information as well as scanning the photos. This is fabulous!

 

[ShoreRoadLady]

Echoing what the others have said, thanks for the photos, Lady Day! Those are excellent examples of pre-war '40s styles.