With the second World War (WWII) and clothing rationing, wartime fashion on a budget became the norm. Women’s 1940s clothing experienced deep changes, but also created some of the most flattering designs of the 20th century.
For women, the classic shirtwaist dress, wide-leg pants, wedge shoes, and pin up styles took root in the forties. Swing dancers love the easy outfits of the 1940s with a knee length skirt and blouse.
Now you too can wear 1940s clothing with vintage-inspired and vintage reproduction clothes from both the USA and UK. We curated many of the best women’s 1940s clothing options online or all budgets.
See also 1940s outfit ideas and 1940s fashion history articles.
1940s Clothing
Dresses | Shoes | Pants | Coats | Tops | Patterns | Repro Brands |more
More 1940s Clothing
- 1940s Dresses and plus size dresses
- 1940s tea dresses, dresses with sleeves
- Pin Up Dresses and Sailor Dresses
- 1940s Cocktail Dresses, Party Dresses
- Evening Gowns and Wedding Dresses
- Skirts
- Pants and Trousers, Overalls and Jeans
- Shorts and Rompers
- Tops and Blouses
- Sweaters, knitwear
- Coats and Jackets
- Swimwear
- Shoes – more flats, boots, sandals, dance and wide sizes
- Stockings and Lingerie
- Accessories – gloves, belts, and headscarves
- Hats, Turbans, Headwear
- Sunglasses and Eyewear
- Hair Accessories
- Makeup Guide
- Jewelry
- Sewing Patterns
- Costumes – Halloween and Party
- Children’s Clothing
- 1940s Clothing and Shoes in the UK
- Where to shop for repro and vintage inspired 1940s clothing
- Shop Vintage Reproduction Shoes
- 1940s Sewing Patterns
1940s 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 House Dresses, Home Frocks and aprons
- 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 – A evening dresses, prom dresses, and cocktail dresses
- 1940s Women’s Pants – 1940s pants, trousers, overalls, coveralls. Jeans too.
- 1940s Playsuits – Summer playsuits, jumpsuits, rompers
- 1940s Shorts, pedal pushers, and shortalls
- 1940s Swimsuits history – Learn all about fabulous swimwear in the 1940s
- Vintage Workout Clothes
- 1940s Shoes – Learn about and shop for 1940s style ladies’ shoes. More about Saddle Shoes, winter boots, sandals, flats
- 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
- 1930s, 1940s, 1950s Western Wear for Women and Men
- 1940s Lingerie History – A look at the types of bras, girdles, and slips
- 1940s Sleepwear – Nightgowns, pajamas, robes, and red jackets
- 1940s Makeup History and Tutorial – Also where you can buy 1940s makeup
- 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 and more
- 1940s Wedding Dresses – History of the bride’s wedding gown
- Vintage Maternity Clothes History 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
- 1940s Mrs., Mature, Elderly Clothing and Fashion History
- 1940s Black Fashion, African American Clothing Photos | Gallery
- Plus Size 1940s Fashions – History of full figure clothing in the 1940s.
- Fashion advice for the petite woman and the tall woman
- Vintage Capsule Wardrobes- 1910s-1960s
1940s Outfit Ideas
How should I dress for a 1940s party? An easy 40s party outfit is an A-line skirt and blouse with puff shoulders. Or upgrade to a tea dress with coordinated accessories: vintage hat, gloves, belt and jewelry. In the summer, the blue and white sailor theme is very trendy while the sexy pin up girl in a wiggle dress is always welcome on date night.
- 1940s Outfit Ideas – 16 looks you can create
- 1940s Women’s Outfit Inspiration
- 1940s Casual Outfit ideas – Casual, sporty looks for summer
- 1940s Fall and Winter Outfits
- Vintage Sailor Clothes, Nautical Theme Clothing 1920s-1950s
- Vintage Cruise Outfits, Vacation Clothing
- Rosie the Riveter Costume & Outfit Ideas
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.
