1940s Shirt-Waister Dress - Periwinkle
Introducing the prettiest multi-seasonal shade... 'Periwinkle'. Authentically vintage in feel, this beautifully muted yet richly toned mid-blue brings effortless elegance to our much-loved Shirt-Waister. Finished with contrasting ivory buttons, it's a timeless treasure made to be worn through every season.
The shirt-waister: a dress style built around a button-through shirt-style bodice, gathered into a fitted waist. This style is the epitome of 1940s wartime styling.
It is practical, demure, elegant and classy - all the hallmarks of the 1940s. This dress has been designed to be as authentic as possible and is based on original patterns and photographs. We love how this colour-way can be dressed up or down - making it super versatile and an excellent addition to your vintage wardrobe.
For classic 1940s demure dressing - this style buttons right up to the top via button and loop or can be more worn more open. Buttons are a fabulous reproduction of an original 1930s button and have an art deco feel to them. We've kept the iconic shoulder yoke - a fitted panel across the upper back and front - with gathers falling into tucks at the waist seam, giving the blouson-style ease of movement 1940s working women needed. Cinch further with sash belt.
This new style has no zip - similar to many originals it buttons below the waist instead. There's plenty of flare in the skirt, but it still stays true to CC41 fabric usage - the 'Controlled Commodity 1941' utility scheme that regulated fabric and styling during wartime rationing, limiting details like pleats, buttons and trim to conserve material.
Lastly - create the classic 1940s wartime silhouette - we've added a little pad into the shoulder.
Periwinkle blue joins the full Shirt-Waister range, also available in Port, Plum, Jubilee, Burnt Peach, Pine, Dragonfly and Black.
1940s Shirt Waister features include:-
- iconic gathers into a low shoulder yoke at front and back
- tucks at the bottom of blouse into waist seam (gives plenty of room for movement)
- authentic style collar which can be buttoned right to the top or left open
- reproduction 1930s buttons
- sash belt to nip in at the waist
- shoulder pads
Made with love in Yorkshire, England
Fabric: 100% Rayon/Viscose an authentic feel rayon crepe and behaves like a vintage fabric but does crease.
Washing instructions: cool hand wash or dry clean as some shrinkage may occur
Length from natural waist: approx 26 inches
What is CC41?
CC41 refers to Britain's WWII Utility Clothing Scheme ("Controlled Commodity 1941"), which regulated fabric use and limited styling details like pleats and trim during wartime rationing - a hallmark of authentic 1940s design.
What is a shirt-waister dress?
A shirt-waister is a dress built around a button-through, shirt-style bodice gathered into a fitted waist - a practical, versatile style that was a wartime wardrobe staple.
Does the Shirt Waister dress have a zip?
No: like many original 1940s versions, it buttons below the waist instead of using a zip, staying true to the period construction.
How many colourways does the Shirt Waister dress come in?
It's one of our widest colour ranges, including Black, Port, Plum, Jubilee, Burnt Peach, Pine, Dragonfly and Spring Parade.
See our full post on the 1940s Shirt Waister Dress for more on its wartime history and design details
Love this era? Read our 1940s Vintage Style Guide →
Introducing the prettiest multi-seasonal shade... 'Periwinkle'. Authentically vintage in feel, this beautifully muted yet richly toned mid-blue brings effortless elegance to our much-loved Shirt-Waister. Finished with contrasting ivory buttons, it's a timeless treasure made to be worn through every season.
The shirt-waister: a dress style built around a button-through shirt-style bodice, gathered into a fitted waist. This style is the epitome of 1940s wartime styling.
It is practical, demure, elegant and classy - all the hallmarks of the 1940s. This dress has been designed to be as authentic as possible and is based on original patterns and photographs. We love how this colour-way can be dressed up or down - making it super versatile and an excellent addition to your vintage wardrobe.
For classic 1940s demure dressing - this style buttons right up to the top via button and loop or can be more worn more open. Buttons are a fabulous reproduction of an original 1930s button and have an art deco feel to them. We've kept the iconic shoulder yoke - a fitted panel across the upper back and front - with gathers falling into tucks at the waist seam, giving the blouson-style ease of movement 1940s working women needed. Cinch further with sash belt.
This new style has no zip - similar to many originals it buttons below the waist instead. There's plenty of flare in the skirt, but it still stays true to CC41 fabric usage - the 'Controlled Commodity 1941' utility scheme that regulated fabric and styling during wartime rationing, limiting details like pleats, buttons and trim to conserve material.
Lastly - create the classic 1940s wartime silhouette - we've added a little pad into the shoulder.
Periwinkle blue joins the full Shirt-Waister range, also available in Port, Plum, Jubilee, Burnt Peach, Pine, Dragonfly and Black.
1940s Shirt Waister features include:-
- iconic gathers into a low shoulder yoke at front and back
- tucks at the bottom of blouse into waist seam (gives plenty of room for movement)
- authentic style collar which can be buttoned right to the top or left open
- reproduction 1930s buttons
- sash belt to nip in at the waist
- shoulder pads
Made with love in Yorkshire, England
Fabric: 100% Rayon/Viscose an authentic feel rayon crepe and behaves like a vintage fabric but does crease.
Washing instructions: cool hand wash or dry clean as some shrinkage may occur
Length from natural waist: approx 26 inches
What is CC41?
CC41 refers to Britain's WWII Utility Clothing Scheme ("Controlled Commodity 1941"), which regulated fabric use and limited styling details like pleats and trim during wartime rationing - a hallmark of authentic 1940s design.
What is a shirt-waister dress?
A shirt-waister is a dress built around a button-through, shirt-style bodice gathered into a fitted waist - a practical, versatile style that was a wartime wardrobe staple.
Does the Shirt Waister dress have a zip?
No: like many original 1940s versions, it buttons below the waist instead of using a zip, staying true to the period construction.
How many colourways does the Shirt Waister dress come in?
It's one of our widest colour ranges, including Black, Port, Plum, Jubilee, Burnt Peach, Pine, Dragonfly and Spring Parade.
See our full post on the 1940s Shirt Waister Dress for more on its wartime history and design details
Love this era? Read our 1940s Vintage Style Guide →
| SIZE | BUST | WAIST | HIPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6* | 79cm 31" |
61cm 24" |
84cm 33" |
| 8 | 84cm 33" |
66cm 26" |
89cm 35" |
| 10 | 89cm 35" |
71cm 28" |
94cm 37" |
| 12 | 94cm 37" |
76cm 30" |
99cm 39" |
| 14 | 99cm 39" |
81cm 32" |
104cm 41" |
| 16 | 104cm 41" |
86.5cm 34" |
110cm 43" |
| 18 | 110cm 43" |
91.5cm 36" |
116cm 45.5" |
| 20* | to 117cm to 46" |
to 97cm to 39" |
123cm 48" |
| 22* | to 124cm to 49" |
to 104cm to 42.5" |
130cm 51" |
| 24* | to 131cm to 51.5" |
to 110cm to 44" |
137cm 54" |
| 26* | to 138cm to 54" |
to 117cm to 46" |
144cm 57" |
Delivery
Enjoy free delivery on orders over £150.
For orders under £150, UK standard delivery is 2 to 4 working days — £4.50 EU standard delivery is 3 to 6 working days — £15 USA standard delivery is 3 to 6 working days — £20 International standard delivery is 5 to 10 working days — £20
Need it a little sooner? Express delivery is available.
A little note on duties: any applicable import taxes are calculated and added at checkout. We ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), which means we take care of everything on your behalf — your parcel passes straight through customs and arrives at your door with nothing more to do.
A little note on duties: any applicable import duties are calculated and added at checkout. We ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), which means we take care of everything on your behalf — your parcel passes straight through customs and arrives at your door with nothing more to do.
A little note on duties: import duties or taxes may be applied by your country's customs authority when your order arrives. We'd recommend checking your local customs guidelines before ordering if you're unsure — we'd hate for any surprises to take the shine off your new piece.
Returns
We offer a 30 day return window, just in case your piece isn't quite the one.
For all the finer details, you can visit our Delivery & Returns page.
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