For the first time women were to be found in the male dominated areas, manning anti-aircraft batteries, driving trains & tractors, operating cranes and much more.įancy clothing was out – trousers or dungarees were worn instead of skirts and a scarf was tied around the head to protect against the risk of hair getting caught in the machines.
Women could choose to join one of the auxiliary services – The Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS), Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) or on the land feeding the population – the Women’s Land Army (WLA). The introduction of women into these areas released men for the services – Army, Air force and Navy. Many women of all ages found themselves not only in the munitions factories, but as more women were conscripted, they were found in the more male dominated jobs such as tank and aircraft factories. In March 1941 Ernest Bevin, Minister for Labour, called on the women of Britain to help the war effort. Check out our podcast episode Gravy Legs to learn more!
To take their place, various brands of leg make-up appeared on the market and women resorted to drawing seams with eyebrow pencil down the back of each leg to give the appearance of wearing stockings. In 1940, British silk stockings were in short supply. These were the basic features of the wartime ‘Utility’ fashions. Jackets, Blouses, Sweaters and Skirts were short and close fitting with a range of different looks – even using shoulder pads! Shoe Fashion on the other hand, was to wear sensible flat heeled shoes. The 1940s were defined by a clean and slim silhouette with a military feel. If they happened to get to wear their own clothing styles, they were dictated by rationing and CC41 Utility Clothing. Both men and women were often seen in their uniforms during their service in the war. With the first half of the 1940s dominated by the Second World War, fashion stalled. We are always trying to keep up with the latest fashion trend, however, during the Second World War, it was very different! Today we are focusing on ‘Fashion on the Ration’, an important part of the 1940s. Fashion has always been an important part of social history even until today!
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