Tops-Blouses-Aprons

Blouses and tops were usually part of suits, commonly worn for reasons of practicality and comfort. Whilst blouses themselves didn’t change drastically, what made blouses in the 1940s unique were features such as their collars, buttoned fronts, and puff sleeves. When rationing was in place, there would be certain restrictions on blouses, so they were usually simple and with minimal decoration.

Once you’ve got your finished product from our blouse sewing patterns, in terms of styling, you would wear them tucked into skirts or trousers. However, it would be more of a loose tuck than a fitted one, so that they were still comfortable.

In terms of tops, for more casual occasions, it was popular to wear crop tops, or bolero tops, and knitted t-shirts for a sporty look. Blouses tended to be made from rayon for a silky look, or cotton for workwear. Carmen Miranda also popularised the peasant-style blouse in the 1940s due to the influence of Hollywood films.

Aprons in the 1940s would also reflect the style of the dresses they would be worn over. They would often feature pockets, as well as the odd set of frills and decorative embellishment. Aprons would either be worn across the whole body, or from the waist down, and are considered the icon of the housewife as domestic goddess, symbolising the significance of family after the war.