1940s Workwear and Man-tailored Jackets for Women

 

Today I wanted to post about 1940s workwear. I had been gifted a gritty, lovely green jacket that zips up the middle by a customer at the bar I used to work at. She said it was her mother's who would have been a teenager during WWII. I wanted to showcase this because everything from the pockets, the cuffs and collar (which you can't see because of the shirt) are all very of the time and are great details. I believe this could have been made around the end of the war or directly after it (1944-1946). 

I'm wearing this as a woman during this time would have, with a big collared white or blue shirt underneath and some slacks, jeans or overalls. This type of look would have been popular for anyone looking to get their hands dirty. The sleeves are faded and the jacket has seen some significant wear--making the even more special if you ask me. 

(This jacket has the same style pockets and collar as mine, 1944 Sears Catalogue) 

This style of jacket was meant to emulate men's styles of workwear from the time too. It was both fashionable and practical. Perhaps the original owner was working to support the war and used this jacket frequently, or maybe she just liked the look. I'll never know. 

            (sears 1944 catalogue, look at the top left and far right models, very similar to mine!)

Also, I have seen jackets for these purposes with the button down look (especially earlier examples). I'd love to get one like this/make one and some matching slacks. 

 

(Earlier examples of women's workwear jackets with button down jackets)

A view of the jacket from the front. Maybe someone with a shorter torso would have given this jacket a longer look like the magazine photo of the lady above? The dark green is so pretty, I think.

 

(The bottom right jacket from this 1946 catalogue shows a jacket very similar to mine. She looks so great!)

I made my white blouse, which goes perfectly with almost everything. I'm going to make one in blue next, I think, to go with my "blue collar looks". Maybe my character is waiting for the street car or bus to pick her up and take her to work? 

                                                                              
                                                          (This is similar too, but leather! oooo!)

My boots are a little earlier (1920s or 1930s style), but someone who was looking to economize and make do during the war would have very understandably pulled out some older shoes of her mothers or an aunt.  Rationing was in place so it would have been tough to get new shoes in the styles you wanted. I'd love to get some 1940s style boots though for the future. 

I'd like to imagine that my character today would be a woman going to work outside of the home. Maybe she has an older child in school, or is a war wife who is newly married and wanting to do her part. She's learning to be an automobile mechanic or working at the gas station, taking a job so a man could be sent to fight. There was understandably resentment because of this because not everyone wanted to be sent to fight, but the idea was to shorted the war with every job filled by a woman. It was seen as very patriotic to do so. The black lunch pail was borrowed from my husband--I'd like to think that an egg salad or deviled ham sandwich was in there on some homemade bread. :) 

Does anyone else have any similar vintage jackets or pieces to share? I'd love to hear about them, their stories of anyone who did work during this time, and anything else. Thanks for reading. 

Until next time,

Bekka