Fashion+of+1949

People anxiously awaited the day when newer types of clothing would be allowed to be distributed. It took quite some time before the U.S. was able to access the same kinds of fashions that were made available in Paris, France or London, England. American created its own new look during this time. One of the major influences of U.S. fashion after the war was Clair Mc Cardell. One of her signature pieces is a cotton dress that is grey with brown and red stripes, and each of the narrow stripes has tiny hearts imprinted in them. This Clair Mc Cardell dress has a V-necked bodice. Moreover, the sleeves are flared and the skirt is of and eight-gore style with soft folds. The most memorable attribute of this historical dress is the way the stripes on either side of the dress meet and create a “W” shape around the waist as well as the bodice. A large amount of casual evening and sports wear was made after the war as well. This was fitting for people of an active lifestyle. Men’s fashion in the U.S. after the war had changed as well. One of the most dramatic new additions to male fashion introduced after 1947 was the Hawaiian and Carisa shirts. These were first worn on California and Florida beaches, and were made with fabric imprinted with patterns of ocean flora, women, island flowers, or flames. In the last year of the 1940s decade another new fashion item had emerged. The Esquire jacket had come out. It had broad shoulders and was very loose-fitting. Double-breasted suit jackets designed with center vents and peaked lapels also became more popular after the war. Sportswear also became the American clothing icon after World War II was over. In fact, Europe turned to the U.S. after awhile for new ideas pertaining to sports fashion. **Eveningwear Dress styles of the late 1940's.** 1. Lace and taffeta with asymmetric, bouffant styling were all the rage. 2. Cap sleeved cotton blouses [ and rayon too for a while until polyester arrived 3. Wide-leg pants and matching tap-style shorts for recreation By the end of the forties,corsets had been finally replaced by the all in one girdle and the increasingly popular two piece - bra and the girdle. Nylon Stockings began to adorn womens legs once more, having been used in chiefly for parachutes during the war years. This time the sale of fully fashioned stockings took off on a global scale. There wasnt a fashionable woman alive who couldn't wait to jump into the latest pair. Women's Shoes in the late 1940's. Wedge heels were still worn but now with shallower wedges. Shoes became more delicate,high-heeled court shoes, or shoes finely strapped round the ankles, worn with beige nylons were the rage for a time as part of the " New Look". Plain high heeled black leather or suede court shoes were the main shoe style.
 * Women's Underwear in the late 1940's.**

**Women's Hats and Gloves in the 1940's** Hat design for women went completely mad during the 1940's - every shape and size was in. Recycling your old hat into something unique was also very popular. A becoming hat was designed to enhance your good features and to counteract ones less attractive features. For example -glasses were not considered a nice feature for a girl in the 1940's. Headscarves -having been used extensively in the factories during the war were also incorporated by designers. Rouched Chiffon Gloves were popular in the 1940's and Opera Gloves continued to be worn right into the 1950's for evening wear.

**1940's Fashion Colours** The color of fashion in the early 1940's went to war aswell,with patriotic nautical themes and dark greens and khakis dominating the color palates,though some morning dresses had bright floral shades. After the war, colour became a feature once more,with shocking feminine primary colors becoming the rage, as exemplified by the glossy Vogue Covers. Clothing Dye like DYLON went on to thrive in 'make-do & mend' post war Britain making fabric dyes to brighten up the homes, wardrobes and spirits of women across the country. The Color Helm, produced by Ostwald Color Standards in the 1940’s was the standard color guide. The Womens Wearing Apparel version was hugely popular for obvious reasons. It suggested color combinations [ for home dressmaking or dyeing ] in the degree of contrast wanted !

**Clothing Fabric in the 1940's** Natural fibers such as linen, cotton, wool, and silk. Rayon [ artificial silk ] originally patented in 1926 for dress making was the big thing for those women who were handy with a singer sewing machine.