During World War II, the United States didn't ration clothing as the United Kingdom did, but restrictions were applied, and fashions adapted to use less fabric.In order to supply the war effort, fabric was rationed. Nylon and wool were both needed by the military and Japanese silk was banned in the USA after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Female Worker Wearing Blue Jeans (1942)
Wartime Women’s Fashions
Clothing using less fabric became fashionable. Women’s suits took on a sleek, military look. Suit jackets were fitted, with padded shoulders, and rested between the waist and hip. Skirts took on a slim silhouette, often with an A-line flare. The peasant look was also popular, but without full skirts and ruffles. Also, millions of women entering the workplace popularized the “Rosie the Riveter” look—slacks became stylish, as well as turbans, snoods, and headscarves to keep hair away from machinery. Since metal zippers were unavailable, wraparound dresses and skirts were introduced.
Coco Chanel, the famous fashion designer, closed down her fashion studio during the war years but was sharply criticized for her relationship with a high ranking Nazi official. Chanel also supported the detested Vichy regime and called the French Resistance criminals.
Pants became a staple of women who worked in factories and soon gained widespread acceptance for casual wear and for work at home in the garden. The actress Katherine Hepburn helped make trousers a popular garment for women as she appeared in several movies wearing elegant, wide legged trousers.