During the Second World War, countries experienced shortages of material. Hemlines climbed up, sleeves were shortened and all kinds of unnecessary decorations were abolished. Most 1940s dresses were comfortable all-purpose garments, easy to put on and appropriate for many different everyday activities.

General description of daytime 1940s dresses

Most 1940s day Dresses were a little bit over knee-length. They were simply cut: fitted at the hips and gradually widened towards the hem, giving the impression of the shape of a capital letter A. The same A-line shape was used for skirts and coats. The bust was rounded but not particularly emphasized and the waistline was often belted in its normal position.

There were different cut outs of the neckline, including V-neck, square, jewel and keyhole. All these cut outs were high and revealed very little skin. Low-cuts were used only for evening dresses. Collars and lapels were modest and quite masculine. Younger women prefered a flat Peter Pan collar.

Almost every garment in the 1940s had shoulder pads that sometimes extended over the edge of the shoulder and gave the wearer the illusion of having broader, more masculine shoulders.

Types of 1940s dresses

 Shirtdresses were put on like shirts – over the head – and then buttoned with a couple of buttons in the front or on one side. Some shirtdresses had buttons on the back. Button-front dresses were quite similar. The main difference was that the buttons run all the way down. A shirtdress with fuller skirts and looser arms allowed more movement and could become a perfect swing dress.

Kitty Foyle dress, is another variation of a shirtdress with short or elbow-length sleeves. It is characterized by a dark fabric and contrasting light collar, cuffs and buttons, typically of navy blue and white.

An American fashion designer Claire McCardell created a popover dress in 1942, which later became the basis for a variety of wrap-around dresses.

Other popular types include overskirt dresses which consisted of a peplum and a full skirt.

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