1940s Jackets & Coats

The 1940s jacket was built to look polished under pressure: squared shoulders, a nipped waist, neat buttons and, often, a peplum for shape. Our 1940s coats, jackets and blazers bring that structure back in wool, twill, corduroy and crepe, designed in-house and made in Yorkshire.

1940s jacket and coat styles

• Utility and suit jackets are tailored, lined and made to be worn with a matching skirt or trousers. See our 1940s suits.
• Blazers such as our Bacall blazer, with double-padded shoulders and a curved peak lapel, turn a simple blouse and trousers into an outfit.
• Bolero jackets are short and cropped, perfect over a tea dress.
• Princess-line coats follow the body and flare from the waist, cut to sit over a full skirt.

Why the padded shoulders? They were one of the tricks that made utility-era clothing feel fashionable rather than restrictive, and they give a 1940s jacket its instantly recognisable shape. Read Stories from the Sampling Room: the utility coat to see how one of our 1940s coats was researched and designed.

Wear yours over a tea dress, with swing trousers, or as part of a Land Girl outfit. The 1940s style guide has more ideas. Most styles start at a UK 8, and many go up to a 24.