Trousers in the 1940’s were by no means a staple in a woman’s wardrobe, though due to the war, they became a bit more common, due to practicality. We are still decades from where we are today and many women never wore trousers at all. My Mum once told me that her grandmother who was born in the 1880’s and lived to be almost 80, never owned pair trousers in her whole life. Trousers, with few exceptions, belonged to sportswear and for casual occasions. For the whole of the four years my wardrobe plans span, there are only two pair of trousers planned, the first one being part of an ensemble consisting of trousers, jacket and a skirt in brown gabardine.
I’m not a trouser gal. In fact, for the past 20 years I have only owned a pair of jeans to be worn on the very few occasions I find trousers more practical than a skirt. I have always felt more at home in skirts, but the reason I gave up on trousers has also a lot to do with my problems of finding trousers that fit. I have a high and compared to my hips, narrow waist, broad hips, a bit of a tummy (even in my slimmest days) and a flat derriere. I have never owned a pair of pants that have been both comfortable and flattering and my first reaction to the brown trousers was that I would omit them completely. Then I thought that one of the reasons I do this project is to get out of my sewing comfort zone and I have never made trousers. I have encountered quite a lot of flack on the 40’s trousers shape, but I like it, so trousers there will be.
I have Wearing History’s trouser pattern, which I really like, but they would need some extensive grading to fit and being so new to sewing trousers, well, I feel I would like to not fiddle too much with the patters. Especially since I will, in all probability, need to fiddle with the fit anyway. So I purchased a trouser pattern from New Vintage Lady instead. This pattern is actually too large, but I think it will be easier to fit anyway. I have rather a large amount of brown wool, not gabardine, but if it’s enough for jacket, trousers and skirt, then I think I will use it anyway. First step, though, will be to do a mock-up that fits…
Awesome! I'm glad you're going for it with the trousers - I love 40s style trousers! Maybe I'll have to give them a go myself and get over my fear of sewing trousers!
ReplyDeleteGood luck :)
Heja! Ser fram emot att höra hur det går!
ReplyDeleteJag har haft liknande problem med byxor i princip sedan puberteten. Går de över höfterna är de minst 2 storlekar för stora i midjan. Jag har ett par byxor med urkass passform som jag har när jag ligger i trädgårdslandet eller jobbar på huset, annars är det kjol som gäller. Nu har jag dock ett mönster till ett par hängslebyxor från slutet på 30-talet som jag ska ge mig på i sommar. Har aldrig sytt byxor förr, så det blir spännande. :)
gentlewomanthief: If I get over my fear, then perhaps you will get the courage! :)
ReplyDeleteEmma: Ja, det där känner jag igen- hopplöst när man drar olika storlekar på olika ställen på kroppen!
I understand the trousers dilemma - skirts are so much preferable, but sometimes pants are simply necessary! It would be nice to have a pair of vintage style trousers to wear for these occasions, instead of feeling depressed in a pair of modern blue jeans. Good luck with your project!
ReplyDelete- Emily
Emily: Exactly! I hate jeans, but sometimes I need to wear trousers. It would be MUCH better to have a 40's pair to use instead. :D
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I adore high waisted trousers I think they suit most body types.
ReplyDeleteHannah: I'm glad you enjoyed it! And I agree!
ReplyDeleteI love the 40's style trouser! I actually recently found some trousers at Goodwill that are SO reminiscent of 1940's trousers! -^_^-
ReplyDeleteErin: WHat a nice find!
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