Fabric in the 1940s was rationed in order to supply the war effort. Nylon and wool were both needed by the military for parachutes. Wool was used for soldier's blankets. Japanese silk was banned in the USA after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Metal from zippers were needed, and buttons (whilst also in short supply) were used sparingly and not ornamentation. Man-made fibres, such as rayon (made from wood fibre) became the material of choice, namely for its versatility - as it did not shrink or crease and could be made in either heavy or light weights.
Attitudes to fashion also changed. Everyone was expected to make do with less and to make it last. "Make do and mend" was the motto of the time. For instance, jackets were often made out of recycled blankets. Shorts could be made out of recycled sheets or pillowcases and many bridal gowns were made out of nighties. Even Hollywood could no longer afford the elaborate and flowing gowns featured by many renowned starlets that graced the movie screens during the 1930s. In fact, anything extravagant was considered unpatriotic.
This in turn influenced the overall style of fashion during the World War II period. Official restrictions were put in place in the UK, US and Australia that specified the amount of fabric a garment could be made of. Everything was streamlined to be practical, durable and to be made with the least amount of material as possible. Hemlines in the 1940s rose, and the general cut of fabric was boxy to maximise material usage when laying out pattern pieces. Shoulder pads were added to these lean, straight styles to emulate the military look of the time.
It was during the 1940s that the concept of "separates" was introduced. Mix'n'match options were encouraged to allow people to have greater wardrobe variety with their limited choices. Pants, once considered scandalous to be worn by women, became a staple of every woman's wardrobe and were quickly accepted for their versatility across all aspects of daily life.
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