What can we expect from textile prints on day dresses between the 1930s and 40s. What are some of the signature details and how can we date them accurately?
All the dresses featured here are available in our film rentals collection and are not for sale.
Introduction:
In 1940s fashion, prints were usually reserved for casual dresses or daywear.
Florals: 1940s prints often had small flower patterns. However, while small flowers are the most iconic of that decade, medium and large flowers were also present. Generally, floral prints started out small and grew bigger as the decade progressed (leading into large florals in the 1950s). The difference between ’40s flowers and ’30s flowers can be in the colours; 1940s florals were often much more vibrant while 30s could be quite subtle.
Abstract: The abstract art movement was making its way into fashion by the late 1940s. Squiggly lines, interpretations of nature scenes, multi colour stripes, and even paisley made an appearance. These are the designs that make up the bulk of 1950s prints as well.
Other prints that were common in the 40s included polka dots, gingham/check, stripes and plaids.
Our Dresses:
Rayon was a great lightweight, cool, drapey and adaptable fabric which, as we know, produced some incredible dresses during this period. Two 1930s rayon examples below:
Patterns: Floral (above) and geometric shadow dot (below).
Details: Raw edge details on collars, ruching, matching belts in the same fabric (sometimes covering the metal buckle with the fabric too), natural waistlines.
Early 40s cotton with graphic and floral hybrid print (a combo you wouldn’t have seen in the 30s):
Below: Cold rayon novelty print (abstract brushstroke background with repeated stage scenes in foreground). Peplum waist detail (very 40s). This is a later 40s dress as evidenced by the lower mid-calf hem length, which would only have been allowed after fabric restrictions were lifted in America. Restrictions didn’t fully lift until 1949 in the UK.
Spring floral print rayon from the early 30s with adorable inset mesh bands in the sleeves:
1930s silk novelty vegetable print, which could be mistaken for a floral from afar:
