1940s Style Clothing & Dresses for Women

Collectif's 1940s collection reproduces the tailored lines of the war years: defined shoulders, neat waists and practical, hard-wearing shapes, made new as vintage-inspired clothing. Every style is available in UK sizes 6 to 26.

1940s Styles in the Collection

Tea dresses are the everyday dress of the decade: a fitted bodice, a softly flared skirt and a hemline below the knee. Shop tea dresses.

Swing dresses give the same waist definition with a fuller skirt, made for dancing. Shop swing dresses.

Blouses and skirts are the backbone of a 1940s wardrobe, built to be mixed and re-worn. Shop blouses or shop skirts.

Knitwear and outerwear complete the look with fitted cardigans and structured jackets. Shop knitwear and coats and jackets.

1940s Colours and Prints

Wartime rationing kept the palette muted: navy, burgundy, forest green, mustard and cream. Prints stayed small and repeatable, from ditsy florals to polka dots and neat checks.

For the background to the decade, read the real history behind 1940s and 1950s fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1940s Fashion

What did women wear in the 1940s?

Women in the 1940s wore tea dresses, shirtwaist dresses, tailored skirt suits, blouses and high-waisted trousers. Fabric rationing meant narrower skirts, shorter hemlines and structured shoulders, with clothes designed to last and to be worn many ways.

What is 1940s reproduction clothing?

Reproduction clothing is new clothing made to the patterns and proportions of an original era rather than sourced second-hand. Collectif reproduces 1940s silhouettes using modern fabrics and modern sizing, so the fit and durability suit everyday wear.

Is this genuine 1940s vintage clothing?

No. Every piece is newly made. If you are looking for original garments from the period, you need a vintage dealer rather than a vintage-inspired brand.

What sizes do your 1940s dresses come in?

Our clothing is available in UK sizes 6 to 26. Check our fit and size guide before ordering.

Do you deliver outside the UK?

Yes. UK delivery is free on orders over £90, and we ship internationally. See our delivery information for details.