1940s Tops & Blouses

The blouse was the hardest-working garment in a 1940s wardrobe. Worn with skirts, trousers and utility suits, it was the quickest way to refresh an outfit without buying a whole new one. Our 1940s tops and blouses are made in our own Yorkshire factory in rayon and viscose crepe, with the details that make them unmistakably forties: gathers into the shoulder yoke, long full sleeves with cuffs, chevron pockets and buttons that look like bakelite.

1940s blouse styles

• The sweetheart blouse can be worn with the collar open or buttoned to the neck, with a small shoulder pad in the sleeve head for that iconic silhouette.
• The Victory blouse is a shirt blouse with bishop sleeves and the traditional oversized forties cut.
• Collared and keyhole blouses add a softer, more feminine neckline.

How to wear a 1940s blouse

Tuck it in. 1940s blouses were designed to sit at the natural waist, so wear yours with swing trousers or a pleated or swing skirt. Our blouses are a little fuller through the body; if you like extra volume, browse blouses with extra blouson. Our guide to 1940s blouses covers fabrics and styling in more detail, and the 1940s utility style collection gathers the everyday staples in one place.

See the 1940s style guide for the history of the look. Sizes start at a UK 8, and many styles go up to 24.