The fabulous forties was a time for birth of new fads and change. One main change in this time was the wavering hemline. It was a very important factor in the lives of all women. Skirt length varied from near the knee to calf length, from full length to mini skirts. Women also wore sweaters to match these varying-length skirts. Manufacturers made sweaters tighter in this time so that if a woman wore a sweater to work in a factory, she would not risk getting it caught in a machine.
Also, a big effect on the fads of the forties was the outbreak of World War II. The government created new limits and laws on fashion and clothing of the times. Factories were limited as to how much and what kinds of fabrics they could use. This was so because some materials were needed by the troops fighting in the war. Designers were also given laws and regulations to go by. They were commanded to make outfits and articles of clothing suitable for wearing in any season and in any type of weather. This era caused women to start dressing casually, unlike the styles of previous decades. Articles became less “flowy” and became shorter, straighter, and dull-colored.
As for casual wear, younger women were found wearing either blue jean pants rolled up to the knee or pedal pushers. Also, women were given suggestions that encouraged them to mix and match their outfits to make it look like they had more. Men’s clothing also was affected by the war times. The most popular item was a “zoot suit”. These suits were made from viscose and provided baggy coats and high pants waist lines. Women no longer wore evening gowns unless they had them before the war began. However, after the war came to an end, luxurious items reappeared because there had been so few during the war years, and life got back to normal.
