• Sign up for our weekly vintage fashion newsletter
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Vintage Dancer

  • Ask the Vintage Dancer!
  • Women |
    • Shoes
    • Dresses
    • Lingerie
    • Sweaters
    • Outerwear
    • Swimsuits
    • Nightgowns
    • Hats
    • Hairstyles
    • Makeup
  • Victorian
    • Women
      • Dresses
      • Skirts
      • Blouses
      • Corsets
      • Nightgowns
      • Boots & Shoes
      • Hats
      • Sewing Patterns
      • Makeup & Beauty
      • More clothing….
    • Men
      • Suits & Coats
      • Boots & Shoes
      • Hats
      • Pants
      • Shirts
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Victorian Outfit Guides
      • Easy Victorian Costume Guide
      • Civil War Costume Guide
      • Bustle Dress Costume Guide
      • Men’s Victorian Clothing Guide
    • Victorian Fashion History
    • Steampunk
      • Women
        • Dresses and Costumes
        • Plus Size Clothing
        • Jackets
        • Skirts
        • Boots & Shoes
        • Hats
        • Sewing Patterns
        • More clothing….
      • Men
        • Shirts
        • Vests
        • Pants
        • Jackets
        • Hats
        • Boots and Shoes
        • Goggles, guns
        • More clothing…
      • Steampunk Costume Guides
        • Women’s Steampunk Essentials
        • Men’s Steampunk Essentials
        • More Steampunk Ideas
  • 1900s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Gowns
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Shoes & Boots
      • Blouses
      • Skirts
      • Hats
      • Lingerie
      • Makeup & Beauty
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
    • Men
      • Suits and Coats
      • Formal Wear
      • Shirts
      • Pants
      • Hats
      • Shoes
      • Costumes
      • Men’s Sewing Patterns
    • 1900-1910s Outfit Guides
      • DIY 1910-1915 Dresses
      • Tea Dress Guide
      • Mens Formal Suit Guide
      • Men’s 1910s Fashion
    • 1900s-1910s Fashion History
  • 1920s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Daytime Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Hair / Headbands
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Shoes & Boots
      • Hats
      • Shirts
      • Pants
      • Suits
      • Vests
      • Men’s Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • 1920s Outfit Guides
      • Flapper Costume Guide
      • 20s Women’s Outfit Ideas
      • 1920s Outfit Inspiration
      • 20s Men’s Outfit Ideas
      • 1920s Men’s Outfit Inspiration
    • 1920s Fashion History
  • 1930s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Tops
      • Skirts
      • Pants
      • Shoes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Suits
      • Shirts
      • Pants
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Men’s Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • 1930s Oufit Ideas
      • 1930s Outfit Ideas- All Seasons
      • 1930s Outfit Inspiration
      • 1930s Men’s Outfit Inspiration
      • Men’s Outfit Ideas
      • 1930s Men’s Workwear
    • 1930s Fashion History
      • 1930s Women’s Fashion
      • 1930s Men’s Fashion
  • 1940s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Tops
      • Pants
      • Skirts
      • Shoes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Costumes
      • Suits
      • Pants
      • Shirts
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Men’s Patterns
      • More clothing…
    • 1940s Outfit Ideas
      • 1940s Women’s Outfit Ideas
      • 1940s Women’s Outfit Inspiration
      • 1940s Fall Winter Outfits
      • 1940s Men’s Outfit Ideas
      • 1940s Men’s Outfit Inspiration
    • 1940s Fashion History
      • Women’s 1940s Fashion
      • Men’s 1940s Fashion
  • 1950s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • House/Day Dresses
        • Cocktail Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Skirts
      • Pants
      • Tops
      • Coats & Jackets
      • Shoes
      • Makeup Guide
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Suits, Coats
      • Pants, Jeans
      • Shirts
      • Jackets
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Men’s Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • 1950s Outfit Ideas
      • 1950s Women’s Outfits
      • 1950s Men’s Outfits
    • 1950s Fashion History
      • Women’s 1950s Fashion
      • Men’s Fashion: Suits
      • Men’s Fashion: Casual
  • 1960s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Pants
      • Skirts
      • Tops
      • Jackets
      • Shoes
      • Makeup & Beauty
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
    • Men
      • Suits
      • Pants
      • Shirts
      • Jackets, Sweaters
      • Hats
      • Shoes
      • Costumes
    • 1960s Outfits- Women
    • 1960s Outfits Inspiration- Men
      • 1960s Outfits- Men
    • 1960s Fashion Guides / History
      • 1960s Women’s Fashion
      • 1960s Men’s Fashion
  • 1970s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Shirts
      • Pants, Jeans
      • Jumpsuits
      • Workout Clothes
      • Shorts
      • Skirts
      • Jackets
      • Shoes
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Suits
      • Pants, Jeans
      • Jackets & Sweaters
      • Shoes, Boots
      • Costumes
    • 1970s Outfit – Women
    • 1970s Outfits – Men
    • 1970s Fashion History
      • 70s Women’s Fashion
      • 1970s Men’s Fashion
  • 1980s -1990s
    • Women
      • Dresses
      • Prom Dresses
      • Jeans/Leggings
      • Tops
      • Jackets
      • Sweatshirts, Sweaters
      • Workout Clothes
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Costumes
    • 80s Men’s Clothing
    • 90s Men’s Clothing
    • 80s Outfit Ideas – Girls
    • 90s Outfit Ideas – Girls
    • 90s Outfits for Guys
  • Fashion History
    • Men’s Fashion
    • Victorian Fashion
    • 19100-1910s Fashion
    • 1920s Fashion
    • 1930s Fashion
    • 1950s Fashion
    • 1940s Fashion
    • 1960s Fashion
    • 1970s Fashion
  • | Men
    • Shirts
    • Vests
    • Sweaters
    • Coats & Jackets
    • Trousers
    • Workwear / Casual
    • Shoes
    • Hats

Learn all about 1940s fashion history and how to dress in 1940s style clothing. Our articles are here to help you create an authentic or vintage inspired 1940s outfit for both women and men.

The '40s decade started out during WW2 where clothing had to economical but not without fashion. The pin up girl kept men entertained overseas while Rosie the Riveter was an inspiration for women on the home front. Whether dressing up for a 1940s themed event, finding a costume for a play, or doing research for a book these articles should help you create the forties fashion look. If not contact us for help.

 

1940s Women's Fashion History

An intro to 1940s fashion history

  • 1940s Womens 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
  • What women and men spent on clothing, the typical wardrobe
  • 1940s Dresses- 10 common styles worn in the 1940s
  • 1940s House Dresses- What style of dresses women wore at home
  • 1940s Day Dresses- Learn about the different styles of 1940s day dresses.
  • 1940s Shirtwaist Dresses- Learn and shop for this popular '40s dress.
  • 1940s Suits- Women's Victory Suits
  • 1940s Tops and Blouses -  All the 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 dress, and cocktail dresses
  • 1940s Women's Pants - Learn 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 Fashion Advice for Plus Sizes, Tall Women and Short/Petite Women. 
  • 1940s Lingerie History- A look at the types of bras, girdles, and slips
  • 1940s Sleepwear- Nightgowns, pajamas, robes, red jackets
  • 1940s Hairstyles for Women- Variety of classic hairstyles through the decade
  • 1940s Hairstyles for long hair- Tips on creating a 1940s hairstyle for long hair.
  • 1940s Hair Snoods- Make or buy a 1940s hair snood and keep your hair in place.
  • 1940s Hat Styles - Over 20 popular hat history with pictures. 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 scarf
  • 1940s Wedding Dresses - History of the bride's wedding gown
  • 1940s Makeup History and Tutorial - Plus buy 1940s makeup
  • Plus Size 1940s Fashions - History of full figure clothing in the 1940s. Fashion advice for plus sizes. 
  • Vintage Workout Clothes |  Retro Gym Clothes
  • 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 Fall and Winter outfits and How to Keep Warm
  • 1940s Black Fashion, African American Clothing Photos

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- Sportcoats, shirts, sweater vests
  • Men's Outfit Ideas from the 1940s and 1950s
  • 1940s Men's Shirts- Dress shirts and casual shirts, T-shirt styles
  • 1940s Men's Formalwear - Dressing in white tie, black tie, summer whites and semi- formal
  • 1940s Men's Workwear & Uniforms- What wore to 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. See more about Saddle Shoes. 
  • 1940s Men's Swimwear- Swim shorts of the 1940s
  • Men's Vintage Gym Clothes | Sweatshirts, Shorts, Tops, Shoes Styles
  • 1940s Pajamas - Men's sleepwear, robes and slippers
  • 1940s Teenage Boys Fashion- Boys and young men 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, undershirts
  • 1940s Men's Accessories- Belt, suspenders, cufflinks, glasses, watches, cane, pocket square, gloves, scarves
  • 1940s Men's hairstyles and facial hair - Common styles, trends, grooming products
  • 1940s Groom Clothing- A 1940s wedding attire for grooms
  • 1940s Men's Costume Ideas- Classic 1940s look you can re-create
  • Where to shop for men's vintage and repro clothing and specifically 1940s men's repro clothing

 

1940s Mrs., Mature, Elderly Clothing and Fashion History

1940s Mrs., Mature, Elderly Clothing and Fashion History

1940s Fashion History

The woman who was 60 years old in 1940 had been born in 1880. Her life had progressed from the…
Read More

Accurate 1940s and WWII Classic Car Show Outfits — Costume Ideas for Men

Accurate 1940s and WWII Classic Car Show Outfits — Costume Ideas for Men

1940s Fashion History· Mens Fashions History

1940s Car Culture and History WWII’s Impact on 1940s Auto Manufacturing In 1942, car production in the United States came…
Read More

Building a Men’s Vintage Casual / Workwear Wardrobe

Building a Men’s Vintage Casual / Workwear Wardrobe

1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History· 1960s Fashion History· Mens Fashions History

Like most men, I hate shopping and I don’t care much enough to follow fashion. Up until recently, I lived…
Read More

Gab Jackets – Men’s Vintage Gabardine Jackets

Gab Jackets – Men’s Vintage Gabardine Jackets

1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History· Mens Fashions History

Men’s vintage gab jackets. Gab is short for Gabardine, a lightweight sheen twill material used to make casual short waisted…
Read More

1940s Reproduction and Inspired Clothing Brands

1940s Reproduction and Inspired Clothing Brands

1940s Fashion History

Where to buy new vintage 1940s reproduction clothing or vintage inspired clothing for women online? Here is our massive list…
Read More

1940s Vintage Men’s Bags History

1940s Vintage Men’s Bags History

1940s Fashion History· Mens Fashions History

1940s Men’s Bags and Briefcases Did men carry bags in the 1940s? Yes, but that isn’t to say they were…
Read More

1940s Mens Sunglasses and Eyeglasses

1940s Mens Sunglasses and Eyeglasses

1940s Fashion History· Mens Fashions History

1940s Men’s Eyeglasses Men and women’s eyeglasses of the 1940s were mostly the same. There was little distinction between them…
Read More

1940s Men’s Coats and Jacket Styles & History

1940s Men’s Coats and Jacket Styles & History

1940s Fashion History

1940s men’s outerwear was more than just warmth and rain protection. The cut, the colors, and the styles of men’s…
Read More

The VintageDancer’s Costume Photos

The VintageDancer’s Costume Photos

1920s Fashion History· 1930s Fashion History· 1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History· 1960s Fashion History· 1970s Fashion History· 1980s Fashion History· Mens Fashions History· Steampunk Fashion· Victorian Fashion History· Vintage Inspired

So what does the VintageDancer team (Debbie and Oscar) wear when we dress up? A bit of everything! From Victorian…
Read More

1940s Men’s Outfit Inspiration | Costume Ideas

1940s Men’s Outfit Inspiration | Costume Ideas

1940s Fashion History

These 1940s men’s outfit ideas will inspire your next ’40s outfit. Featuring brands that make reproduction 1940s clothing, new vintage…
Read More

1940s Women’s Outfit Inspiration

1940s Women’s Outfit Inspiration

1940s Fashion History

Looking for 1940s outfit ideas? We found many authentic and vintage inspired 1940s women’s outfits. Click to see the details…
Read More

1940s Black Fashion, African American Clothing Photos | Gallery

1940s Black Fashion, African American Clothing Photos | Gallery

1940s Fashion History

1940s African American men and women (and some immigrants to Britain) wearing fashion and clothing styles from casual weekends, workwear,…
Read More

1940s Mens Shirt Styles | Dress Shirts, Casual Shirts

1940s Mens Shirt Styles | Dress Shirts, Casual Shirts

1940s Fashion History

At the start of the 1940s, men’s shirts were being made in affordable cottons. There were few restrictions during the…
Read More

1940s House Dresses, Home Frocks

1940s House Dresses, Home Frocks

1940s Fashion History

The late 1930s house dress styles continued into the 1940s with cute puff sleeves, ruffle trim and heart shaped pockets….
Read More

Tall Vintage Repro Brands

Tall Vintage Repro Brands

1930s Fashion History· 1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History

Vintage reproduction and vintage inspired clothing usually does not accommodate tall sizes. A few brands are starting to offer long…
Read More

1940s Fall Winter Casual Outfits

1940s Fall Winter Casual Outfits

1940s Fashion History

Today is the first day of Autumn! I love the change of seasons, simply because I can move into my…
Read More

1940s Men’s Sleepwear, Pajamas, Slippers History

1940s Men’s Sleepwear, Pajamas, Slippers History

1940s Fashion History

During the ‘40s men didn’t just throw on an old T-shirt and boxer shorts to get into bed. They had…
Read More

80s Fashion— What Women Wore in the 1980s

80s Fashion— What Women Wore in the 1980s

1940s Fashion History· 1980s Fashion History

The 80s are back, both in pop culture and in fashion. No matter whether you want to dress up for…
Read More

Vintage Capsule Wardrobes-  1910s-1960s

Vintage Capsule Wardrobes- 1910s-1960s

1920s Fashion History· 1930s Fashion History· 1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History· 1960s Fashion History· Vintage Inspired

What is in your closet? The number of clothing we have today is massive compared to the limited wardrobes from…
Read More

Film Noir Costume Ideas

Film Noir Costume Ideas

1940s Fashion History· 1950s Fashion History· Vintage Inspired

The Film Noir genre of the 1940s and 1950s is a popular vintage movie event and costume party theme this…
Read More

Next Page »

We are Debbie and Oscar, your guides to dressing up like decades past. We are here to help you find clothing online and learn about vintage fashions as worn by everyday people, just like you. Need help with your look? Ask us anytime.

Follow Our Blog

  • Home
  • About The Vintage Dancer
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosure

Disclosure:

This website is supported by advertising in the form of product links, banners, and sponsored articles. We may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking a link.  As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Read: Privacy Policy, Disclosure, Terms and Conditions

About Us

  • About VintageDancer.com
  • Newsletter eMail Sign Up
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosure

Follow Us

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Google +
  • Twitter
  • Tumbler
  • Blog Lovin
  • RSS Reader

How to Buy:

Click on the picture or title of the product and you will be redirected to the online merchant selling that item. Questions about sizing and shipping are answered on the merchants website.

VintageDancer.com links to clothing for sale online to make finding vintage inspired clothing easier.

Our Story

Dressing in vintage style clothing for a themed event or personal fashion is our passion. We turned a hobby into this website to make it easy to find vintage inspired clothing for women and men online spanning 1900-1960s. Our fashion history blog helps you create the look from decades past using vintage, vintage inspired and thrifty clothing, Need help? Ask us anytime.

Copyright © 2022 ·