Fashion in WW2

In 1942 all clothes and furniture clothes had the a familiar  mark.

Coats stood for Civilian Clothing and the number 41 represents a year fashion came in to being popular. 

This was the government keeping materials for clothes, furniture and cars. The same time most people couldn't afford good quality clothes.

The double breasted coat would be about 16 coupons at the time and cost 12 guineas it was called.

The coupon allowance was 66 during the war. Coupons went down to 60 in 1942, 40 in 1943 and 48 in 1944.

A suit was 26 coupons and a hanky was 1 coupon. Ladies woollen dresses was 14 coupons and a blouse was around 5 coupons.

Coupons could be applied if you was getting married or ether had or having a baby or if you had been bombed.

It was good if people come in lucky to get some parachute silk to begin to make a dress.

This young model who is in the double-breasted coat above was killed in a bombing raid in 1942. The lady worked in a butcher's shop called Eastmans in Kingsbridge. When an air-raid started she and the staff went in to the walk in freezer and unfortunately a bomb struck the building and fractured the gas main. Consequently they were all gassed.

The two lady's above had dresses on and would have to work during the war, dressed up with different collars, buttons and belt. The lady on the left hugging is made out of cotton. If you look closely you will see it has a white collar and could of been put on to brighten it up if it was over a year old. Women determined to look presentable in them days.