1940s Skirt Sewing Patterns 

In the early part of the decade, women’s skirts hit knee-length. They were decorated with buttons and pockets. Even though it was a restriction on fabrics, the skirt of the 1940s was quite flowy. Something that added to the femininity and balanced the strict lines of the military fashion. As the decade developed the overall silhouette was rather slim and long. Women looked elegant with their knee-long skirts and heels that gave a longer impression. As they often worked the hats too and coats or trench coats – they embodied sophisticated elegance. Towards the end of the decade, all details of the 1940s were intensified. The skirts were wider and heavier, the waist even thinner and the shoulders wider. This was Dior’s fashion - the “Corolla” collection as titled by Christian Dior, but dubbed “The New Look”. The style was characterized by rounded shoulders, a cinched-in waist, and – significantly – a long, full skirt. The line’s most famous style, the “Bar Suit”, featured a white, tailored jacket and a full, pleated black skirt. The “Chérie” dress boasted tight pleating, adding to a large amount of fabric required to create the look.

Our 1940's vintage Skirt pattern collection is available in sizes ranging from XXS – XXL. We offer either the original pattern, a high-quality true to scale 1940s sewing pattern reproduction or an easy PDF sewing pattern to download at home.

References: The following sites were referenced in the development of this content:  The Fashion Folk, Fashion History