Friends, if you love vintage patterns as I do, you probably have your own favorite category -- maybe it's Fifties cocktail dresses, WWII-era aprons, or Thirties lounging pajamas. (Parenthetically, one of the fun things about Pinterest is seeing what other people are into, like Laura Mae's shoe fetish!)
My tastes change with the seasons, but my latest obsession is Forties women's suit patterns. I love Forties women's suits, and if you want to see some lovely ones, check out my 1940's Suits Pinterest folder. Stuff like this Gilbert Adrian creation:
Naturally, commercial sewing patterns tended to be a little less elaborate -- but only a little! There are some smashing looks, and if my eyes hold out long enough, I might even whip up one for Cathy. My favorite Forties women's suits have super-wide shoulders, nipped waists, and very narrow skirts.
Every pattern company offered some variation of the tailored suit, but McCall's are the most beautiful in my opinion (with Advance winning first-runner-up). Maybe it's just the pattern artwork. Whatever happened to the days when the flowers on your hat matched your handbag?
The mid Forties is my favorite period. By the late Forties/early Fifties suits, the silhouette changed considerably -- tinier waists, softer shoulders, wider hips -- what we tend to define as more "feminine" (inspired by Dior's "New Look"). Chacun son goût I always say.
Here's a little secret: most Forties suit patterns are still relatively affordable (less than $20), primarily (I suspect) because nobody wants to make them. BTW, if you want to see some fabulous Forties suits (both his and hers), check out His Girl Friday. The funniest film with the best tailoring ever.
There are still tailored suit patterns available today but, I don't know, something's missing: glamour, excitement, veils...
Readers, in closing, do you, too, have a thing for Forties suit patterns -- or Forties suits?
What's your idea of the best vintage pattern category EVER?
Have a great day, everybody!
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