With the second World War (WWII) and clothing rationing, wartime fashion on a budget became the norm. 1940s fashion experienced deep changes, but also created some of the most flattering designs of the 20th century. The classic shirtwaist dress, wide-leg pants, bikini swimsuits, and pin up styles took root in the forties. Now you too can wear 1940s clothing with vintage-inspired and vintage reproduction clothes from both the USA and UK.
We curated the best 1940s clothing options online:
1940s Women
- Dresses and plus size dresses
- Pin Up Dresses and Sailor Dresses
- Evening Gowns and Wedding Dresses
- Skirts
- Pants and Trousers
- Shorts and Rompers
- Tops and Blouses
- Sweaters
- Coats and Jackets
- Swimwear
- Shoes – more flats, boots, sandals, and wide sizes
- Stockings and Lingerie
- Accessories – gloves, belts, and headscarves
- Hats
- Sunglasses and Eyewear
- Hair Accessories
- Makeup Guide
- Jewelry
- Sewing Patterns
- Costumes – Halloween and Party
- Children’s Clothing
- 1940s Clothing and Shoes in the UK
1940s Men’s Clothing
- Suits and Zoot Suits
- Tuxedos
- Pants and Trousers
- Shirts and Sweaters
- Vests
- Coats and Jackets
- Hats
- Shoes
- Accessories
- Neckties
- Suspenders and Belts
- Swim Trunks
- Costumes – Halloween and Party
- Men’s Sewing Patterns
- Men’s Clothing in the UK
- Reproduction men’s clothing
Read 40 articles about 1940s men’s and women’s fashion history. FREE! Click to sign up now.
1940s Women’s Fashion History
- An intro to 1940s fashion history
- 1940s Women’s Fashion – Start here and learn all about 1940s Fashion for Women
- 1940s Fabrics and Colors- Learn what colors and types of fabric were common in the 1940s
- 1940s Dresses – 10 common styles worn in the 1940s
- 1940s Day Dresses – Learn about the different styles of 1940s day dresses
- 1940s Shirtwaist Dresses – Learn about and shop for this popular ’40s dress
- 1940s Suits – Women’s Victory Suits
- 1940s Tops and Blouses – All styles of 1940s women’s tops and blouses
- 1940s Sweaters & Cardigans – Staying warm with knits
- 1940s Women’s Coats & Jackets
- 1940s Skirts – From simple A-line skirts to fun dirndl skirts
- 1940s Formal Dresses – Learn about formal dresses, prom dresses, and cocktail dresses
- 1940s Women’s Pants – Learn about and shop for 1940s and 1950s style pants & overalls for women
- 1940s Rompers and Shorts – Summer playsuits, shorts and pedal pushers
- 1940s Swimsuits history – Learn all about fabulous swimwear in the 1940s
- 1940s Shoes – Learn about and shop for 1940s style ladies’ shoes
- 1940s Stockings – Seamed stockings and socks history
- 1940s Working Women’s Clothes – Rosies, shop girls and nurses
- 1940s Zoot Girls – History of the urban Zoot Suit style
- 1940s Teenage Girls’ clothing – Trends and styles worn by teens
- 1940s Lingerie History – A look at the types of bras, girdles, and slips
- 1940s Sleepwear – Nightgowns, pajamas, robes, and red jackets
- 1940s Hairstyles for Women – A variety of classic hairstyles through the decade
- 1940s Hairstyles for long hair – Tips on creating a 1940s hairstyle with long hair
- 1940s Hair Snoods – Make or buy a 1940s hair snood and keep your hair in place
- 1940s Hat Styles – A History of over 20 popular hat styles, with pictures. See Hair Accessories too
- 1940s Jewelry Styles – Popular jewelry styles and trends
- 1940s Sunglasses – Women’s sunglasses and eyeglasses
- 1940s Handbags – Purses, day bags and evenings bags
- 1940s Women’s Accessories – Belts, gloves, head scarves
- 1940s Wedding Dresses – History of the bride’s wedding gown
- 1940s Makeup History and Tutorial – Also where you can buy 1940s makeup
- Plus Size 1940s Fashions – History of full figure clothing in the 1940s. Check out our fashion advice for plus sizes as well
- Fashion advice for the petite woman and the tall woman
- Where to shop for repro and vintage inspired 1940s clothing
- 1940s Outfit Ideas – 16 looks you can create
- 1940s Casual Outfit ideas – Casual, sporty looks for summer
1940s fashion has been revived today in the form of sexy pinup dresses, flattering A-line tea dresses, swing dresses, high-waisted pants and peep-toe shoes for the ladies.
1940S MEN’S FASHION HISTORY
- 1940s Men’s Fashion – A detailed overview of all areas of men’s fashion in the 1940s.
- 1940s Men’s Suits – Learn about 1940’s men’s suits and clothing. Tips on creating your own look.
- 1940s Men’s Casual Fashion – Sport coats, shirts, and sweater vests.
- Men’s Outfit Ideas from the 1940s
- 1940s Men’s Formalwear – Dressing in white tie, black tie, summer whites and semi-formal.
- 1940s men’s Workwear & Uniforms – What wore for labor jobs and military positions.
- 1930-1950s Western Wear for Women and Men – Men’s western-style clothing from the 1930s to 1960s.
- 1940s Men’s Shoes – Learn about and shop for 1940s style shoes. Go here to read about Saddle Shoes.
- 1940s Men’s Swimwear – Swim shorts of the 1940s.
- 1940s Pajamas – Women’s and men’s sleepwear, robes and slippers.
- 1940s Teenage Boys’ Fashion – Boys’ and young men’s styles.
- 1940s Dance Shoes for Men – Shop men’s swing and ballroom dance shoes with 1940s style.
- 1940s Hats – Learn about 1940s men’s hat styles.
- 1940s Men’s underwear – Boxers, briefs, long johns, socks, and undershirts.
- 1940s Men’s Accessories – Belt, suspenders, cufflinks, glasses, watches, cane, pocket square, gloves, and scarves.
- 1940s Men’s hairstyles and facial hair – Common styles, trends, and grooming products.
- 1940s Groom Clothing – 1940s wedding attire for grooms.
- 1940s Men’s Costume Ideas – Classic 1940s look you can re-create.
- Where to shop for men’s vintage inspired and reproduction clothing. Go here for specifically 1940s men’s repro clothing.
You can read more detailed articles about 1940s fashion history here. Need help with your outfit? Ask us anytime!