1940s Fashion: Women & Girls

Fashion in the 1940s was a little sharper, a little more trim, and a LOT more modern. And even though the 1940s fashion industry was bogged down by WWII regulations, that didn’t stop designers from making some very glamorous clothes.

Now don’t get me wrong, during World War II it wasn’t quite as fashionable to walk around with a leopardskin coat as it was an A-2 Bomber Jacket, but as soon as the war was over things got more extravagant then ever before.

Gloves were a necessity. In almost any picture you find, women are wearing gloves.

The curves that were so popular in 1945 were replaced by a more natural look in 1946. The shoulders and bosom were much more exposed, but never in a flamboyant way.

Even the raincoat made a welcome fur-lined appearance, giving women an opportunity to be warm in any weather.

We have dozens of authentic 1940s women’s fashion pictures below. Learn more by reading the catalog bylines and checking out the prices!

1940s Women’s Fashion from Catalogs

1940s Women’s Fashion, 1940-1944

1940s Women’s Fashion, 1945-1949