How did world war 2 influence fashion?

Answer 1

women used curlers and pins to get a curly, styled look. The hairstyle of this time was one of the most distinguishing parts of women's fashion then. cardigans were popular too along with pencil skirts and stilettos.

Answer 2

== == There was more fashion in places where there was no actual war going on, such as the USA. But in places where there was a war happening like Europe, then fashion was best described as 'limited': dull, drab, decorous, and durable. For the war effort, no metals, were allowed to be used for clothing, because metal could be put to a more useful purpose. So no metal buttons, zips, bra hooks or other features. Materials like silk were needed for parachutes etc. Wool was used to supply military uniforms, and so on.... Imports were limited to essential supplies, so no imported materials and textiles. Industry was turned to production of war materials, so 'off the peg fashions' weren't readily available. The result was when you got a ration of material to make some clothing, you wouldn't usually waste it on fashion, you'd make something functional, that would last, because you didn't know how long it would be before you'd be able to get hold of more material.

Answer 3

When 1942 came along all clothes and furniture had the familiar CC41 mark. It stood for "Civilian Clothing" and the 41 represents the year it first came in to being. This was a ruling by the government to keep the materials for both clothes and furniture to the barest minimum. At the same time keeping a smartness which most could afford as well as quality for the amount of coupons they had.

A double breasted coat would be about 16 coupons and cost 12 guineas. The coupon allowance was 66 to start off with but as time went on so the allowance for coupons went down to 60 in 1942, 40 in 1943 , and 48 in 1944. A man's suit was 26 coupons, one hanky 1 coupon. A ladies woolen dress 14 coupons and a blouse 5 coupons.

Supplementary clothing coupons could be applied for if you were getting married or having a baby or if you had been bombed out. It was a bonus if anyone was lucky enough to get some parachute silk to make a dress or underwear.

Especially notable were patterns, since so many women of the time made their own clothes to save money. My mother had a whole stack of these patterns.

Answer 4

Most men and women wore hats when outside the home. Many women wore stylish hats. Young boys 12 and younger wore knickers, pants just below the knee, elasticized to stay at knee, (hopefully), with long socks to knee, often patterned or argyle types. Girls often wore jumpers, sleeves dresses with blouses under them. Winter clothing was heavy; wool, heavy cottons,- no polyester invented yet. Men sometimes wore double breasted suit coats and overcoats -Wide ties with wild prints and colors. Women wore "housedresses" at home; very few women wore slacks or trousers, except those who were working in factories for production of war materials. Women wore "Peter Pan collars" on blouses- rounded collars all way round the neck. Many women wore fur coats, fur collars on winter coats or fur stoles; often fox. Men and women wore one piece bathing/swim suits. Because of WW II, many fashions imitated military styles. Winter coats often imitated Sailors "Pea Jackets"- heavy blue, double breasted hip length jackets for winter; belted overcoats/trench coats like Army officers wear (still seen today in raincoats, "trenchcoats" Women skirts were just below the knee. Nylon stockings were scarce; they wore imitation seamed nylons; sometimes went bare legged and drew a black line up the back of leg to imitate seamed stockings. Plaids materials, pleats on skirts were popular. Sturdy shoes on children; shoes had to last for a long time as they were rationed; ration tickets one or two per person per year.No tennis shoes or sneakers. Girls sometimes had "muffs" -furry, warm knitted tube just for the hands; hung on a string from neck. Children's clothing was handed down from child to child in family; not following many trends as nowadays.

Answer 5

World War II has had a huge impact on fashion. For example, a current trend is 'pin up' fashion, which involves victory rolls, high wasted pants, 1940s style Mary Jane shoes, and rolled up sleeves.

Answer 6

In Britain fashion was a forgotten luxury. We had rationing of clothing, so most civilians had to manage with whatever clothing they started the war with, being only able to replace a few things when they wore out. Those were days of make do and mend, I remember my mother darning (repairing) socks for example, and old knitted garments were taken apart and the wool used to knit new ones, especially for growing children. Men generally in those days wore jackets and ties, long trousers with turn-ups, and leather shoes which were repaired when the soles wore out. Long raincoats or overcoats were worn in winter, there were none of the modern short over jackets. Generally it was a sombre scene, and not much better for the women.