1940s Costuming Tips

 

Costumes are a key element to a live-action event. They help establish the mood and feel of the game, particularly when it has a historical setting. This document was created to accompany our convention game, Evil At Bay. Alas, the convention setting meant that not many players were in costume, but some players were able to participate and they looked nifty keen!

Absolutely Forbidden

No denim, unless you know you are playing a construction worker.

No piercings/body jewelry on men, and no piercings other than one per earlobe on the women. If you can remove any visible body jewelry for the duration of the game, we'll appreciate it.

No sneakers! Canvas deck shoes might be acceptable, if you are a sailor.

No visible tattoos - unless you are a sailor or a convict. :)

 

Basic List

Gentlemen

Male players should plan to wear slacks (not jeans, unless you know you will be a construction worker), dress shoes and socks, a buttoned shirt (but not a button-down collar) and a hat. The game is set in the evening, so you can probably skip the tie (which should be broad and worn short). Fedoras, pork pies and homburgs were all acceptable during the period, but caps were reserved for the lower classes. Suspenders or belt can be worn.

 

Ladies

Because of the war, ladies are starting to wear slacks and overalls, but usually only if they were about to punch in for their shift at Lockheed... Generally, a skirt of knee-length or longer, hose, pumps, blouse and a fitted dress jacket or a long dress are acceptable. Skirts above the knee are not in fashion at the moment, and shoes have a mid-heel and sensible toes. 

Precise List

The information is quoted from two excellent books by John Peacock: 20th Century Fashion and Men's Fashion: The Complete Sourcebook.

Ladies

Silhouette

    Square shoulders, short skirts, heavy shoes

Bodice

    Fitted with drapery, ruching or gathers; padded shoulder.

Neckline

    High round, sweetheart, small collars

Sleeves

    Inset, short or long, puff

Skirt

    Knee-length, flared, straight, single pleats

Fabric

    Wool, cotton, linen, easy-care synthetics

Trimmings

    Limited buttons, contrast color collars and cuffs, patch pockets

Color

    Subdued, blue grey, bottle green, donkey brown

Accessories

    Tiny hats, large bags, shoes with high thick heels and some wooden soles

Gentlemen

Jacket

    Fitted into waist, single- or double-breasted, wide padded shoulders, wide lapels,
    piped patch and flap pockets, breast pockets, wool cloths

Waistcoat/Vest

    Collarless, single-breasted, cloth matching jacket, often not worn.

Pants

    Wide, pleated from waist, wide hems with cuffs, center creases, cloth matching
    jacket, grey flannel pants popular.

Shirt

    Long pointed collars, plain or striped cotton.

Color

    Subdued blue, brown, grey; grey flannel with white chalk stripe popular.

Accessories

    Trilbies, homburgs, wide ties, pocket handkerchiefs, lace-up shoes, brogues.

If you would like to read some more about 1940's fashion, take a look at Retroactive's 1940's Man.