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This largely depends on where you are talking about -- Germany, USA, ENgland, France? FOr the most part everyone experienced shortages but Germany was the first to begin rationing in 1939, France and Britain began rationing in 1941 and the US managed to avoid rationing for all but leather shoes in 1942 but instead had strict rules for manufacturing garments during the war that lasted until late 1946, over a year after the end of the war. Items that were rationed varied as well. Most countries further developed synthetic textile industries like rayon to take up the slack of the lack of cotton and wool fibres for clothing production. Experiments were even made with alternative fibres made from such peculiar materials as milk. Generally speaking, there was less coal and oil for home use so winters were colder indoors and there was an increase in use of wool and fur garments, both of which were hard to get in some countries like Germany and France. The US had no real shortages other than rubber and silk and places like Australia had LOTS of wool but little cotton. Despite these problems and shortages fashion continued to matter and most women put a lot of effort to pulling together smart looking outfits complete with pretty hats.

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17y ago

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