Make 40'S Clothing & Hairstyles

'40s clothes and hairstyles can be created at home.

The 1940s were a war-torn, but glamorous era. The black and white big screens showed perfectly done up starlets in strong roles, standing up to the men who played their fathers, brothers and lovers. Creating the era for yourself can be a drawn out process of expensive custom clothes and trips to the hairdresser. With dedication and time, you can make your own 1940s clothes and do your hair to represent a '40s woman.

Instructions

1. Assemble research materials. You need to become familiar with the '40s styles you would like to make. Look through 1940s catalogs such as Sears and Macy's. Look through magazines and watch '40s movies. Note the hairstyles and clothes you are most drawn to. This will help immensely with the second step of research.

2. Find modern-day or vintage instructions for 40's hairstyles such as victory curls, the pompadour and pin curls. The book, "Vintage Hairstyling" by Lauren Rennells has step-by step instructions for 33 different hairstyles from various eras, including the '40s. Auction sites and vintage sites also sell hairstyle instruction books from the '40s. For most of the styles, you will need pins, plenty of hair spray, and curlers or a curling iron.

3. Find vintage or vintage-inspired 1940s patterns. The 40s silhouette and style included square shoulders, skirts with a lower waistline approximately 17 inches from the floor, longer jackets with straight sleeves, and straight slim-lined dresses.

Ebay is a good source for vintage patterns. Make sure the pattern is in usable condition. You don't want a piece of art, you want a pattern that gives you the ability to make your own clothing.

4. Read through vintage patterns and purchase vintage or modern fabric and sewing materials. During the war, clothing was rationed, so wool and cotton were scarce. This boosted the popularity of synthetic materials like rayon, but you will still find many patterns geared towards cotton. Let the pattern be your guide when it comes to the proper fabric. Genuine 1940s fabric is not necessary and comes at a premium. If you desire authenticity, it is available at some second-hand stores or specific vintage fabric websites.

The 40's styles included many pleated skirts and darted dresses that can be deceiving in their simplicity. Perfecting them will take time to master, so be patient with yourself. If you need assistance, look to local sewing classes or ala carte classes offered at a local fashion school.

5. Prepare the fabric, assemble your tools and assemble your clothing. Wash and dry the fabric before sewing. Place all of your sewing tools on your sewing table and make your way through the patterns, one at a time. Admire your handiwork and enjoy your new handmade '40s hairstyles and clothes.

Tags: make your, assemble your, hairstyles clothes, Look through, vintage patterns