1940's - United We Win

On December 7, 1941, Japanese aircraft had attacked Pearl Harbor. The start of the 1940s was the true beginning of when the American people became involved in the second world war. We were shaken up by the event. “A Date which will live in Infamy…” a famous line from our President Franklin D. Roosevelt, about Pearl Harbor. He gave a speech, short but powerful; an encouraging message for the American People to gird their loins, because we were headed into the war.  During this decade, women became more involved in the country’s work force. They took over jobs, because their husbands were out fighting the war. Resources and supplies were sent to the troops, so we had to come up with our own. The wartime was rough for everyone; we also canceled both summer and winter Olympic games due to the war. Theories were still being made (i.e. the Big Bang theory) and inventions were still being produced. The American spirit was not yet lost, but we were facing a long journey ahead.

THE LADIES

The utilitarian and practical mindset style was still carrying on through the 1940’s. Women were still mending and patching up their everyday clothes. Because of the war, many things were limited of being transported and shared. There was a very limited supply of fabrics, so we had to create man made fabrics, like nylon. European fashion was even more difficult to come by, so American designer had become more reliable and popular. But there was still talk of new designs and looks; fashion was still a part of their lives.

The people of this decade made music their escape. Everyone loved the big band swing era that was coming into play. Swing Skirts (see below) were a popular favorite for women; they were fun, big, and perfect for dancing in. The cantilever bra was developed in 1946. It is one of the first styles of bras, that was invented by Jane Russell.

Women were very hardworking during this era. They had to take over their husbands jobs when they went out to fight the war. Their “uniform” was very practical but still be fashionable. A popular choice in print was tiny polka dots or a floral design. Women also began to wear trousers or blue jeans.

Make up was not extravagant. It was meant to be natural and simple. Rosy cheeks, discreet eyeliner, and muted grays and browns for the eye shadow colors. Lip colors became very defined and came with many colors! Lipstick was a staple that completely a simple make up routine that gave it a little extra pop.

Hair had also taken a dramatic flair. Loose curls were easy and fun choose for some women. Some who worked would pin their hair up in finger waves and other intricate styles.  

Platform Pumps became very popular to wear; they, in some ways, replaced wedges.

Bikini’s made their first debut in the 1940’s!

THE GENTS

Men’s fashion stayed causal and sophisticated throughout the decade. A solid and functional suit could be found in any man’s closet. Suits were usually in browns, blacks, or navy blues. After work hours, men would normally wear V-Neck sweater vests over a buttoned up shirt. This look was widely popular and was very comfortable.

Fedoras carried on through in to the 1940’s; they’re just too perfect.

The most famous kind of suit in the 1940s was the coming of the “Zoot Suit.” Men would dance with the ladies in Zoot Suits all the time. It composed of a over sized jacket (called the Esquire jacket) with wide lapels, broad shoulders, low crotch in pants, and narrowed down to the ankles.

PEOPLE & ENTERTAINMENT

Jackie Robinson

First African American to play in Major League Baseball

Frank Sinatra

The New Jersey native made it big on the Big Screen. He decided to sing from his inspiration, Bing Crosby. His career really took off during the 1940s and 50s.

Betty Grable.

Betty was a very famous American entertainer who was rumored to have the most beautiful legs in Hollywood.

Benny Goodman

People called him “The King of Swing.” A Famous musician who excelled in jazz and swing. He was the most famous clarinetist around.

Glenn Miller

He was also a very famous musician, composer, and bandleader in the swing era! He also served with the U.S. troops during the war, but he went M.I.A when this aircraft was lost in bad weather over the English Channel.

Rosie the Riveter

Rosie was created to empower woman and make it known that woman could make a difference and influence for good during the rough years of the war.

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