It’s your duty to be beautiful in frugal 40s fashion
The make do and mend mindset made the 40s a golden age for handknitting. Magazines began to include Sirdar knitting patterns and modest fully-fashioned designs often featured military style details. Fans of Fair Isle knitting will find lots to love here too.
National service for knitters
A vital part of the war effort, hand knitting was a practical and popular pastime that provided warmth, comfort and a welcome diversion.
Wartime knitters were encouraged to make comforts for the troops and fashion voiced its support for the troops with military style details.
Post-war the ‘New Look’
Right at the end of the 40s, Christian Dior launched his ‘New Look’, a revolution in fashion that contrasted with the austerity of war.
Celebrating femininity with nipped in waists and extravagant skirts, the new look emphasised the bust and hips.
