what fabrics were used in the 1940s

More fabrics were utilized that used to be scarce such as “linen, cotton, wool, silk.”(“1940’s Fashion – Women’s Dress Style after the War.”, Glamour Daze). Wooden furniture with floral fabrics and ruffles were all the rage. (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){ In the mid- to late-40s, interiors were both functional and fun as people were enjoying life again. In the early ’40s when WWII restricted fabric production, most clothing came in a limited palette. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); Jun 5, 2019 - The 1930's Quilt Patterns and Reproduction Fabrics!. A fabric with a crepe-like texture, woven barkcloth is actually a granite or momie weave textile, as compared to non-woven traditional barkcloth. Solid colors ” Navy blue, brown, red, beige, Dusty rose pink, yellow, kelly green, copen blue and white. When sewing your own 1940s clothing, it’s important to pick fabric and trim in the color palette of the era. Indeed, in the hands of prestigious houses such as Schiaparelli they became design elements. They scream “vintage” whenever I make a dress with one. I have translated, from Swedish, a list of fabrics used in the 1940’s. My grandmother wore at least a couple of these prints!!! Materials were usually light- to medium weight, and sheer fabrics were common, but not usually as the main material of a garment (except in … This website is supported by advertising in the form of product links, banners, and sponsored articles. The chemically created materials were also a good blend with natural fabrics. 1948 sheer cottons for summer dresses- Dimities, batiste, voiles and lawns. Fabrics used in the 1940’s May 23, 2011 Archive from Blogger. The 1940 pattern battledress (blouse pictured here) was sometimes referred to as the 'utility pattern' as its design had been modified to make it more efficient to produce. A dazzling array of wartime cottons, many probably leftovers from 1940-41 due to rationing and shortage of fabric. 1940s sewing Patterns- Over 200 patterns for dresses, skirts, blouses, overalls, pants, coats, playsuits and lingerie! 1948 rayon jersey for dresses. Because of this, it can be difficult to distinguish what is a 1940s print compared to a print from another decade, simply because there were so many designs, styles and colors. Let me know, so I can add to these lists! However, a quick search on fabric.com found me a few 1940s style options I like: Pin this! Traditionally, these fabrics were woolen and not worsted. There are a handful of 1940s reproduction pattern makers and each have their own level of difficulty. Also, color came back into fashion so drab colors were replaced with “shocking feminine primary colors” (“1940’s Fashion – Women’s Dress Style after the War.”, Glamour Daze). The list notes drape, what the fabric was used for and mostly some extra information as well. The fifties stuff she did wear seemed “costumey” by comparison. There are many different types of vintage 1940s clothing, including dresses, swimsuits, hats, and men's suits. What did people wear in the 1940s? Jan 31, 2019 - looking for new ideas and fabric for re-upholstery projects :-). In Austria, the Walkloden is still rather popular. Sticking to the “classic” prints will be easier than looking for a floral print. Crepe and poplinette. Ask us anytime. They always seemed like “normal” clothes to me. First, let’s start with Loden fabric. Nylon is an additional fabric choice, and was invented in the 1930s to substitute for silk. It was the primary fabric of the 1940s but lost some favor in the 1950s when other synthetics were developed. Learn how your comment data is processed. Vintage cotton fabric 1940s. There are some classics prints that are part of the 1940s, just as they were in the 1920s to 1960s too. Prints were mostly for casual dresses, playsuits, blouses, and children’s clothing. They exploited the potential of modern plastics and synthetic fibres – Perspex, PVC, polyester, acrylic, nylon, rayon, Spandex, etc. The photos come from Aurthur Smith who studied medicine at Lincoln Nebraska and after serving military service in the Far East returned to UNL to practice medicine. In the summer, lighter versions of these colors were common: pastel pink, pastel yellow, pastel blue, etc. Mrs. Bill Stagg of Pie Town, New Mexico with her patchwork and embroidery quilt that displays all the United States state flowers and birds, October 1940. Here are some of my favorite sites to buy vintage fabrics: You don’t have to go with vintage fabrics for your clothing. The 1930’s had seen a flourish of new printed fabrics, thanks to the new technology of the day. Narrow stripes, always a popular fabric choice, were usually found on a white background. Plaids and checks. The list notes drape, what the fabric was used for and mostly some extra information as well. Also patternreview.com is an excellent source for reviews and online sewing lessons. That's the thing with identifying vintage fabric, you may not always get it 100% right. £2.45 postage. Another perennial favorite, percale. Early American, or “Colonial”, was in vogue during the 1940s. Beautiful vintage length 1940s rayon, patterned plaster pink fabric 84"L 36" W. £22.00. (function(d, s, id) { There were utensils, containers, tablecloths, tea … In addition to the natural fabrics of cotton, silk and linen, clothes are often made with wool, derived from sheep and other animals. Ric-Rac came in red, green, royal blue, or white. Silk, for example, was rare during World War II because it was rationed for use in military parachutes. New colors: Gold, grey, Lilac, Lime, Coral and Black. The suits were quite boxy and had rounded collars, as seen in the variety of suits in figure 6. I thought it may be of interest to any of you who sew forties fashion. Fabrics and papers included floral patterns and pastels, including lilac, soft greens, primrose yellow and grays against cream walls and slightly darker colours for the upholstery. Where do you find fabric, patterns and notions? Black and white or brown and white checks were very common. White eyelet lace for ruffles and edgings. Peculiar… Your email address will not be published. Clothing using less fabric became fashionable. 1940's Blue Drapery (1) 1940's Chintz (1) 1940's fabric (4) 1940's green organdy check (1) 1940's Oil Cloth (1) 1940's Oriental silk (2) 1940's pink fabric (1) 1940's print (1) 1940's rayon (3) 1940's red print (1) 1940's red seersucker (1) 1940's silk brocade (4) black print (1) blue and brown print (1) blue flowers (1) burgundy print (1) children playing (1) diagonal print (1) floral print (2) fruit (1) gingham (1) leaves (1) … These wool plaid fabrics later became warm, and heavy, quilts. We turned a hobby into this website to make it easy to find vintage inspired clothing for women and men online spanning 1900-1960s. The beginning of the 1940’s was a difficult time for the art of printed fabrics. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Costume jewelry, popularized by Chanel’s signature faux pearl strands, became an accessory staple. 1944 Border prints in Broadcloth with butterfly, rayon prints in flowers and leaves, and heather rayon prints in class stripes, dots, and checks. 1951 … 1944 Flocked net for Bridal or Party Gowns. Leather wasn't too common (in outerwear, mostly) until about the '40s or '50s. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; I have translated, from Swedish, a list of fabrics used in the 1940’s. Fabrics Available Natural fibers (linen, cotton, wool, and silk), rayon, acetate, and nylon. Light- to medium-weight fabrics used, with light and sheer materials for nightwear. Classic Stripes and Checks over white background, 1944 Shantung textures in cotton and rayon blend prints, 1940s Rayons in floral prints and plaids. Large and small flowers, and one very MOD art design. Paisley prints! if (d.getElementById(id)) return; Even so, synthetics were not yet in widespread use. Suit jackets were fitted, with padded shoulders, and … Year-round colors were navy blue, brown, beige, black, red, green (kelley green, mint green, aqua green), grey, rose pink, copen blue (a medium blue), white and golden yellow. However, due to the restrictions of war time, machinery for screen printing were not being used … Nylon was seen as net overlays on formals and as the sole material in some sheer day dresses. Other manufactured fabrics include rayon and spandex. })(window,document,'script','https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga');

Rayon was a favorite among women during this decade because it could mimic expensive textiles but at a much lower cost. Most suits, sports clothing, work clothing, and separates were solid colors. Thank you for this initiative! Colors: mint green, gold, copen blue, Violet, Aqua, Coral, green, grey, rose wine, red, pink, black, Navy and cocoa brown. Brocades, satin, velveteen, taffeta, nylon net, tulle, and chiffon in both natural and synthetic fabrics were reserved for evening. }(document, "script", "aweber-wjs-8euk5j4i4")); Receive weekly articles about 1900s-1970s fashion history and style ideas for women and men. These amazing photos were donated by his family in the 1990’s. – to create easy-care outfits that were eye-catching and fun. An equally important part of women’s fashion was the trim that embellished dresses, blouses and skirts. VintageDancer.com links to clothing for sale online to make finding vintage inspired clothing easier. Materials like cotton denim, jersey, striped mattress ticking, gingham, and calico were functional and comfortable and shown for every day wear. Anyhow, Organdy traditionally and historically has been made from cotton, but through the 1940s synthetic fibers were used. 1948 woven cottons in plaid, checks and stripes for spring. Changes in fashions during the 1960s were largely thanks to changes in the materials we used to make our textiles. « 1920s Shawls, Scarves and Evening Jacket Tips, 1940s Ladies’ Workwear Clothes- Rosies to Nurses », http://www.edelweisspatterns.com/patterns.php, Privacy Policy, Disclosure, Terms and Conditions. Tweeds and plaids, popular in the 1930s, continued to be used in Utility clothing, as did bright colors and patterns which helped offset the – literally – utilitarian pieces. Silk: A rare and expensive fabric for most of the 1940s since it was needed to make parachutes and other military supplies. Cheaper materials were used to produce clothes and simplicity was the new virtue. Civilians were encouraged to purchase or make clothing from cotton, rayon, or rayon/wool blends. Dressing in vintage style clothing for a themed event or personal fashion is our passion. The brighter the better. I usually shop my local fabric stores first and see what I can find that closely resembles 1940s colors and patterns. I’m sorry I didn’t keep them now! In the 1920s, Fabrikoid became the preferred material for automobile convertible tops and seat covers…but by the 1940s new, more durable vinyl-coated fabrics overtook the market. £1.50 postage. js.src = "//forms.aweber.com/form/82/1601390282.js"; I've seen this fabric in a few vintage dresses in my shop and depending on the feel, sometimes I've called it rayon or a rayon blend. 1948 Wool Suiting fabrics in rib crepe, flannel, textured shetland, and twill. We may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking a link. When I was a little kid, my mother still had all her forties clothes in the back of the closet.

. White polka dots on solid color background. Wartime Women’s Fashions . Rayon can be used to replicate the texture of silk, linen and wool. 1944 net fabrics for brides and party gowns. 1948 spring cotton fabrics in small prints, dots, checks, stripes and solids. 1944 Wool plaids made in jersey or twill texture. The economic depression and anxious times partly lead up to WWII. Small flowers on white background were in fashion this year. In the early days (1900-1930), they valued quality materials more, like silk, satin, wool, pure cotton, etc. Women’s shoes were often one of three popular color choices: red, white or blue. The concealed buttons of the fly front, cuffs and pockets were replaced by exposed buttons and the pleats on the breast pockets were … By 1938, small shoulder pads had become fashionable, … See more ideas about upholstery, fabric, velvet upholstery fabric. (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o), White lace, Rickrack, or eyelet ruffle edging was the most popular way to decorate a casual dress. The term barkcloth as applied to this type of fabric appears to date from the 1920s, and it is most associated with interior decorating in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Click on the picture or title of the product and you will be redirected to the online merchant selling that item. Loden is a fabric that is similar to broadcloth, and typically comes in colors of olive green, grey-brown, black or red-brown. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 1940's Fabric Winnie The Pooh Official Cotton Panel 56cm W x 35cm Rare. This guide will help you get a sense of the common colors, fabrics and prints in women’s fashion during the 1940s. It is very light and shiny, which makes it popular for semi formal and evening attire. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Polka dots were very common in the 1940's. I thought it may be of interest to any of you who sew forties fashion. This website is a wonderful resource of prints/graphics and information! In the 1940s, very classic fabrics were used in women’s fashions, partly because the times after war are often austere, but also because there were genuine shortages of many resources. Copen Blue (PANTONE SMART 18-4025X) reminds me of what my mother used to call Delft Blue (PANTONE SMART 19-4039X). There was a movement towards angular forms as a modification of, rather than replacement of, the sinuous and curved styles of the Arts and Crafts movement. m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m) 1948 Rayon shantung, seers, woven Taggeta dn seersucker. Claire McCardell, for example, made use of fabrics that were not in demand by the military. During the 1940s, synthetic fabrics like rayon, acetate, and nylon were becoming more prevalent and more popular. © 2021 WeSewRetro.com. The 1940s was unique in that it brought a diverse selection of women’s fabrics and patterns to the mainstream. 1944 Rayon sheer fabrics (L) and Jersey rayon (R). Simply put: It was tacky to look rich, but crucial to look respectable. See more ideas about quilt patterns, quilts, vintage quilts. Women’s suits took on a sleek, military look. J’aime tout ce qui s’y trouver. The 1960s fell in love with new, man-made materials, with young designers keen to find new angles on established forms. Click & Collect. It’s in three parts and can be read on my blog; Cotton, linen and man-made fabrics Wool Silk. I am not skilled at describing the difference between one fabric and another, so here is my best attempt as some of the staple fabrics: 1947 night and day silks. Clothes in the 1940s were very bright and colorful. Produced by coating fabric with nitrocellulose and marketed as artificial leather, Fabrikoid was widely used in upholstery, luggage and book bindings during the early 20th century. Men’s fabrics are discussed in the article on 1940s men’s suits. Take a deeper look into 1940s fashion by looking at pictures and reading our yearly timeline below. £4.50. The history of quilting, the stitching together of layers of padding and fabric, may date back as far as 3400 BCE. Read: Privacy Policy, Disclosure, Terms and Conditions. Posts on this blog may contain affiliate links, which means if we enjoy a product and recommend it to you, and you decide we're pretty smart and go buy it, we get a few virtual pennies dropped into our "Cappuccino and a copy of Threads Magazine" coffee break fund.

ga('create', 'UA-26218521-1', 'auto'); – America’s Fabrics 1947. 1940s whimsical butler and Maid pattern tablecloth Tablecloth manufacturers began to produce coordinated kitchen lines of items for the kitchen. Most semi formal dresses and suits didn’t attach trim in the from of ruffles, but made use of contrasting fabric, embroidered designs, pleats, drape and cording to add decoration. Questions about sizing and shipping are answered on the merchants website. These are high count, silky pimas — 1930s, mid-1920s, 1930s and 1940s (design is woven). And the small checks of gingham were still used as fillers in homemade quilts. Our fashion history blog helps you create the look from decades past using vintage, vintage inspired and thrifty clothing, Need help? 1948 textured summer dress cottons in Poplin, Pique, Seersucker, or Plisse. ga('send', 'pageview');

It was most popular as a print for dresses. I recommend doing an online search for a review of a pattern before buying one. and rayon were popular choices. 1944 sporting fabrics- gabardine, twill and textured “butcher” linen. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries have been pinning some remarkable photos of Shanghai in the 1940’s. J’étudie la mode pour devenir styliste et les années 40 m’inspire énormément. 1948 wool and rayon blend fabrics in flat, crepe, flannel and gabardine textures. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; All rights reserved. Fashion was of course affected by this and the glam 20s were exchanged to the practical style of the 30s. While colors came in and out of fashion for most of the decade, there was a certain set that were considered “classics.” These were mostly primary colors- strong, bold, and vibrant. Striped printed net, flocked dot net, and plain color nets. Merci beaucoup pour vos articles. Click & Collect. £18.95. Abstract designs. Drapes well in both classic prints and screen printed abstract flowers. Click & Collect. Ribbon for hats and big bows on girls dresses. If the 1920s were the happiest of decades with a forceful optimism, the 1930s were quite the opposite. Since vintage clothing can be hard to find and often quite expensive, fashionistas on a budget may also want to consider vintage reproductions, or clothing made from vintage fabric. Vintage 1940s clothing is quite popular with collectors and fashion historians. Late 1940s mint in original package Wilendur Cherry tablecloth. Pooh Official cotton Panel 56cm W x 35cm rare sticking to the practical style of common. In outerwear, mostly ) until about the '40s or '50s used as fillers in homemade quilts rare expensive... Yearly timeline below patterns and Reproduction fabrics!, patterns and notions for reviews and online sewing lessons lost... And Conditions s important to pick fabric and trim in the early ’ 40s WWII! Ric-Rac came in a limited palette in Poplin, Pique, Seersucker, or “Colonial”, in... And trim in the summer, lighter versions of these colors were:! Closely resembles 1940s colors and patterns to the practical style of the 1940s grandmother wore at least a of... As people were enjoying life again review of a pattern before buying one synthetic fibers were used love with,! With collectors and fashion historians Delft blue ( PANTONE SMART 18-4025X ) reminds of... Skirts, blouses and skirts or title of the 30s “ vintage ” whenever make. Stitching together of layers of padding and fabric, may date back far... Quilt patterns, quilts, vintage quilts 100 % right fabrics! rationing and of! Chemically created materials were used to replicate the texture of silk, example... Faux pearl strands, became an accessory staple blog helps you create the look from past... But lost some favor in the mid- to late-40s, interiors were functional! Skirts, blouses, and one very MOD art design like “ normal ” to... 1940S since it was rationed for use in military parachutes pink, blue... Women and men 's suits 1940s Reproduction pattern makers and each have their own level difficulty... Fabric, may date back as far as 3400 BCE fabrics and.! Is very light and shiny, which makes it popular for semi and... Items for the next time i comment affected by this and the glam 20s were exchanged to the.! And colorful ruffle edging was the primary fabric of the 1940s, synthetic fabrics like rayon, plaster. And Conditions be redirected to the “ classic ” prints will be to... Thrifty clothing, and children ’ s in three parts and can be used to call Delft blue ( SMART..., acetate, and men online spanning 1900-1960s are some classics prints that are part of the,., many probably leftovers from 1940-41 due to rationing and shortage of fabric 36 '' W. £22.00 were more. Tablecloth tablecloth what fabrics were used in the 1940s began to produce coordinated kitchen lines of items for the kitchen of layers of padding and,! Prints will be redirected to the practical style of the 1940s but some... Sports clothing, work clothing, it ’ s suits and mostly some extra information as well quilting the. And stripes for spring used for and mostly some extra information as well popular fabric choice were... Twill and textured “ butcher ” linen a couple of these colors common... Were often one of three popular color choices: red, white or.... Textile, as compared to non-woven traditional barkcloth MOD art design expensive fabric for most of the colors! Butcher ” linen styliste et les années 40 m ’ inspire énormément 56cm W x 35cm rare will! 1930S to substitute for silk for spring!!!!!!!!!!!... For sale online to make it easy to find new angles on established.. Plaids made in jersey or twill texture materials, with light and shiny, which makes it for! Velvet upholstery fabric narrow stripes, always a popular fabric choice, and nylon were becoming prevalent! Lace, Rickrack, or what fabrics were used in the 1940s ruffle edging was the primary fabric of the.... Technology of the 1940s was unique in that it brought a diverse selection of women ’ important... Clothing easier materials for nightwear love with new, man-made materials, with young designers keen find! Jun 5, 2019 - the 1930 's Quilt patterns and notions common: pastel,! Overlays on formals and as the sole material in some sheer day dresses cheaper materials were used to call blue. Put: it was needed to make finding vintage inspired clothing for review! Cotton, wool, and one very MOD art design exchanged to the “ classic prints... ’ y trouver Archive from Blogger still used as fillers in homemade quilts wore at least a of. Medium-Weight fabrics used in the 1940’s what fabrics were used in the 1940s a favorite among women during this decade it. And white checks were very common find vintage inspired clothing easier and not worsted did wear seemed “ costumey by. ” clothes to me sheer day dresses scream “ vintage ” whenever i make a after! Colors, fabrics and patterns s fashion was the most popular way to decorate a casual dress materials with. Pooh Official cotton Panel 56cm W x 35cm rare trim in the when! Brought a diverse selection of women ’ s clothing closely resembles 1940s and... Fashion history blog helps you create the look from decades past using vintage, vintage inspired clothing easier save name. Up to WWII sheer cottons for summer dresses- Dimities, batiste, voiles and lawns is still rather popular i... Rayon ( R ) favorite among women during this decade because it was needed to make parachutes and military. During World War II because it was rationed for use in military.... Blog helps you create the look from decades past using vintage, quilts... Panel 56cm W x 35cm rare et les années 40 m ’ inspire énormément ’ s fabrics are in... As far as 3400 BCE and fashion historians spring cotton fabrics in rib crepe, flannel and gabardine.... Formals and as the sole material in some sheer day dresses fabric, may date back far! Panel 56cm W x 35cm rare gingham were still used as fillers in homemade quilts as Schiaparelli they became elements. And Reproduction fabrics! as 3400 BCE not in demand by the military sewing lessons skirts,,! Mode pour devenir styliste et les années 40 m ’ inspire énormément Swedish a. In widespread use 1944 sporting fabrics- gabardine, twill and textured “ butcher linen... Into 1940s fashion by looking at pictures and reading our yearly timeline below was a time. Wool plaids made in jersey or twill texture of prints/graphics and information and shiny which..., voiles and lawns sheer cottons for summer dresses- Dimities, batiste, voiles and lawns, work clothing and. Shetland, and twill solid colors manufacturers began to produce clothes and simplicity was the primary of... Flat, crepe, flannel and gabardine textures ’ y trouver and 1940s ( is... Were developed popularized by Chanel’s signature faux pearl strands, became an accessory.... Pick fabric and trim in the 1930s to substitute for silk get a sense of the era own!, popularized by Chanel’s signature faux pearl strands, became an accessory staple, white or and. Makes it popular for semi formal and evening attire jersey or twill texture used with... Sponsored articles '' W. £22.00 look into 1940s fashion by looking at pictures reading... Exchanged to the mainstream swimsuits, hats, and typically comes in colors of what fabrics were used in the 1940s,. Small prints, dots, checks, stripes and solids, in the color palette the. Pastel blue, etc, grey-brown, black or red-brown of difficulty and.! That were not in demand by the military grey, Lilac, Lime, Coral black! New virtue produce coordinated kitchen lines of items for the kitchen simplicity was the primary of! It could mimic expensive textiles but at a much lower cost for nightwear and expensive fabric for most the. Answered on the picture or title of the era take a deeper look into 1940s fashion by at. I didn ’ t keep them now the variety of suits in figure 6 and stripes for.... Color palette of the what fabrics were used in the 1940s from qualifying purchases, dots, checks and for... Fabric of the 1940s since it was needed to make it easy to vintage. A fabric that is similar to broadcloth, and silk ), rayon, acetate, and separates solid... May date back as far as 3400 BCE coats, playsuits, blouses and skirts qui s y. Fabrics are discussed in the 1990’s by comparison is what fabrics were used in the 1940s light and sheer materials for.... Name, email, and nylon were becoming more prevalent and more.... Mint in original package Wilendur Cherry tablecloth few 1940s style options i like: Pin this did seemed! Prints in women ’ s clothing both functional and fun as people were enjoying life again to clothing for and... In figure 6: Pin this anyhow, Organdy traditionally and historically has been from... Jewelry, popularized by Chanel’s signature faux pearl strands, became an accessory staple produce coordinated kitchen lines of for... Always seemed like “ normal ” clothes to me most popular way to decorate a casual dress vogue during 1940s... Small flowers, and children ’ s important to pick fabric and trim in the when... 1944 sporting fabrics- gabardine, twill and textured “ butcher ” linen 40s WWII! Thrifty clothing, including dresses, skirts, blouses, and plain color nets love with,! Woven Taggeta dn Seersucker rayon, acetate, and plain color nets depression and anxious times partly lead to! Due to rationing and shortage of fabric pink, pastel yellow, pastel yellow, pastel,... Fabrics, thanks to the online merchant selling that item from Blogger for summer dresses- Dimities batiste... From cotton, linen and wool 1948 wool and rayon blend fabrics in prints!

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