Shelf Appeal can’t get over the disappointment of today’s trousers. All those jeggings, jeans and just plain awful palazzo pants in cheap ‘bright’ nylon fabrics. Jeggings are just tights by another name. Jeans are only nice in dark denim or on James Dean. Palazzo pants were designed for lounging on your cruise ship, otherwise all that fabric is a hazard, and should never be made in anything less than silk.
The women’s trouser to please was designed in the late 1930s and came into its own in the Second World War. This Bestway pattern from around 1942 is for those sorts of trousers, or to name them properly: ‘ladies’ slacks.’ These were based upon men’s trousers. Yet fitted to the woman’s waist (small pleats at the front, darts at the back), generous over the hips, seemly across the gusset area and with pockets. Ahh, pockets.
These were trousers for doing stuff in. If we believe the propaganda, women were digging for victory in trousers like this. Certainly they were stepping into areas of once traditionally male employment in trousers like this.
The top looks to be a simple knit jumper, probably home knitted. Tucked in at the waist for a neat silhouette. The trousers would be made (in the 1940s) in any material to be found. But you can betcha it wouldn’t two-way stretch, whatever it was.
Are you familiar with http://www.old-town.co.uk/ ?
I regret not buying some 1940s wool trousers, naval uniform I think, that a woman had for sale in a local flea market. They were beautiful.
Very true, old town are in this mode aren’t they. The navy trousers sound great.
You are right of course – but then the “muffin top” was unknown and most women could carry off those nipped in waists and wide legs. Clothes were mostly home sewn or made by the lady down the road so fitted perfectly. However I have to defend the comfort of my stretch jeans and (certainly not skintight) jeggings. I wouldn’t like to be without them for everyday wear. I don’t think palazzo pants have reached my neck of the woods but in the “just plain awful” category I would like to nominate jogging bottoms – both female and male varieties….. in fact I think the male variety just pips the female in awfulness! ;O)
I know the comfort thing is true and I’m glad someone has pulled me up on it. The was an ode to lovely silhouettes not comfort. Except pockets! I love a pocket. Jogging bottoms – I can’t go there. Shudder.
If I had seen this pattern for sale, my elbows would have been so sharp that you wouldn’t have had a chance! I make all my own clothes and, believe me, trousers like this are pretty easy to make. Why not gave a go yourself, or visit a dressmaker who could probably run you up 4 pairs made to measure for the price of one from old town?
If I could find a good dressmaker in London, I might just do that.
Agreed. I thought you might like this photo https://www.flickr.com/photos/maraid/3474320112/in/album-72057594106426807/ I’m not sure I would suit them otherwise I would get the sewing machine out. Jx
That is a great pic. One has the little jumper on, striped is even nicer.
They are indeed ‘proper trousers’! You have inspire me to get my old favourite pattern out and fiddle it about to make those splendid pockets ( this one if anyone fancies having a gohttp://www.simplicity.com/p-1976-misses-plus-size-1940s-vintage-sportswear.aspx