March 12th 2020

From Ration to Fashion

Patricia Heed will talk to us about the Social History of Rationing and Fashion especially during WW2. Bring your war time memorabilia to share thoughts and stories with fellow members.

Review of the Evening

Patricia started her talk by saying that what she was about to say was a tribute to our Mums and Grandmothers around the Second World War. They had 'Kept the Home Fires Burning' and gave 'One in the Eye for Hitler' by keeping their families well turned out and by not being demoralised by things that Hitler tried to do.

Uniforms were worn more often, mainly by the men but also by many women who took over the jobs that men had previously undertaken. They often wore trousers as factory workers, agricultural workers and on transport.

Coco Chanel paved the way for women to wear trousers as a fashionable item by introducing Palazzo Pants. Many fashion trends were influenced by film stars - Jean Harlow started a trend for wearing make up and Vivien Leigh for tying her hair up in a snood as in Gone with the Wind.

By the mid 1940s, 30% of households owned thier own sewing machines, so women made most of the clothes for their families.

Early in the war, rationing started, with 75% of raw materials imported. All clothing factories were turned over to making uniforms for the Army, Navy and Air Force so there was no civilian clothing available. Men were getting married in their uniforms and for socialising generally. Women also wore thier uniforms out of work. They either wore smart suits to get married in or dresses made from recycled parachute silk. This could be obtained quite cheaply as the pieces were slightly flawed. The dresses were passed on several times or cut up and made into party dresses or communion/christening robes.

Some materials were rationed but strangely enough, not Hats. It was unseemly for a woman to be seen without a hat! The Government suggested that women made clothes from the large men's suits which were hanging in many wardrobes due to them being away from home. One man's suit could be made into two dreses with careful planning.

A very interesting talk by a lady who is obviously a 'dedicated follower of fashion'.

Patricia spoke individually to members who had brought in memorabilia for her to look at.