Fads and Fashion
During the 1940s, much of the fashion was determined by the lack of materials available due to the resources needed to power the army for World War II. For example, nylon was scarce due to its integral part in the creation of military gear like parachutes. The fashion of the decade reflected this idea of conserving resources. Most people wore practical clothing. People were encouraged to wear clothes that they already owned. Sewing, stitching, and knitting were very popular for that reason. Clothing often reflected the ominous times. People's attire was normally formal. Clothing was more functional than extravagant. When the war ended, women began to change their fashion to "The New Look". This included long skirts, and tight waists. Low-heeled shoes were replaced with high heels. Make-up became socially acceptable.
As with all time periods, the 1940s had a set of specific fads that were popular around the country. One of these was the T.V. or frozen dinner. This was a great convenience, having the ability to make your dinner any time you wished. It's popularity coincided with the rise of the television. Diners also became popular in the 1940s. These symbolic restaurants are often copied in modern times to bring people back to the past. Swing dancing also became popular in the 1940's. Although it was invented a couple decades earlier, it was not until the 1940s that people embraced it. Another popular type of dancing that became popular in the 1940s was the Jitterbug. It was the first new dance in ages that allowed individual expression. Young people in the United States embraced this new dance.
As with all time periods, the 1940s had a set of specific fads that were popular around the country. One of these was the T.V. or frozen dinner. This was a great convenience, having the ability to make your dinner any time you wished. It's popularity coincided with the rise of the television. Diners also became popular in the 1940s. These symbolic restaurants are often copied in modern times to bring people back to the past. Swing dancing also became popular in the 1940's. Although it was invented a couple decades earlier, it was not until the 1940s that people embraced it. Another popular type of dancing that became popular in the 1940s was the Jitterbug. It was the first new dance in ages that allowed individual expression. Young people in the United States embraced this new dance.