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Designs done in-house
Handmade in Yorkshire, UK
World-wide delivery
1940s Shirt-Waister Dress - Port - model shot
1940s Shirt-Waister Dress - Port - product shot
1940s Shirt-Waister Dress - Port
1940s Shirt-Waister Dress - Port
1940s Shirt-Waister Dress - Port
1940s Shirt-Waister Dress - Port
1940s Shirt-Waister Dress - Port

1940s Shirt-Waister Dress - Port

A real 1940s classic. An elegant and versatile 1940s inspired shirt waister dress stacked with vintage features - now in beautiful Port, perfect for Autumn / Winter.
£118.80
£149.00
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Size
UK 08
UK 10
UK 12
UK 14
UK 16
UK 18
UK 20
UK 22
UK 24
Size
1940s Shirt-Waister Dress - Port - product shot

A real 1940s classic. An elegant and versatile 1940s inspired shirt waister dress stacked with vintage features - now in beautiful Port, perfect for Autumn / Winter.

We have reworked this style based on customer feedback.

The shirt waister dress 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. Dress has classic iconic shoulder yoke with gathers above bust that fall nicely into tucks into waistline. 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 still very close to CC41 fabric usage.

Lastly -  create the classic 1940s wartime silhouette  - we've added a little pad into the shoulder.

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

This dress is a must have for any 1940s enthusiast. See our post all about it here

Made in Yorkshire, England

Fabric: 100%  Rayon/Viscose an authentic feel rayon crepe and behaves like a vintage fabric but creases easily.

Washing instructions:
cool hand wash or dry clean as some shrinkage may occur
Length from natural waist: approx 26 inches

Model is UK 8 and 5'8" Tall

Description Plus

A real 1940s classic. An elegant and versatile 1940s inspired shirt waister dress stacked with vintage features - now in beautiful Port, perfect for Autumn / Winter.

We have reworked this style based on customer feedback.

The shirt waister dress 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. Dress has classic iconic shoulder yoke with gathers above bust that fall nicely into tucks into waistline. 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 still very close to CC41 fabric usage.

Lastly -  create the classic 1940s wartime silhouette  - we've added a little pad into the shoulder.

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

This dress is a must have for any 1940s enthusiast. See our post all about it here

Made in Yorkshire, England

Fabric: 100%  Rayon/Viscose an authentic feel rayon crepe and behaves like a vintage fabric but creases easily.

Washing instructions:
cool hand wash or dry clean as some shrinkage may occur
Length from natural waist: approx 26 inches

Model is UK 8 and 5'8" Tall

Sizing Info Plus

Fit Class - Semi-fitted
"skims the body so that is follows shape and may have close fitting areas (e.g. waist)"

This dress is free fitting on hips due to the swing skirt and fits at the waist.

Fabric has comfort stretch in it.

For more information on fit and sizing please visit our size guide. The measurements refer to 'your' body not the garment itself. Please choose the size that most reflects your measurements.

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"
* Sizes 6, 20 to 26 available on selected styles only.
Care Instructions Plus
hand wash icon
Cool Hand Wash
Delivery & Returns Plus

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.

Customers expressed high satisfaction with this 1940s-style shirt-waister dress. Shoppers described it as "perfect" and praised its appearance, with one customer saying "I love my new dress!" The vintage-inspired design received positive feedback for its aesthetic appeal.

  • I love my new dress! It's perfect
  • 5 stars: 22 (92%)
  • 4 stars: 2 (8%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
A
Amber (Deltona, US)
Another hit from HoF

I love my beautiful dress! Perfect fit and true to size!

C
Cynthia Monteret (Rugby, GB)
A beautiful dress but I will have to have it shortened. Couldn't bear to return it!

This is a beautiful dress, I love the colour and the fabric. I remember my mother wearing a similar dress and she always looked fabulous despite owning very few dresses. I ordered a size 12 and it is a perfect fit but because I am just 5ft tall it is much too long so I will have it shortened professionally. I love it too much to return it! I don't suppose there is any possibility of you doing a petite range?

A
Anonymous
Quality, style and confort

Quality, confort and perfect fit!

C
CONNIE Wong (Zurich, CH)
Beautiful dress

I wear this with a cardigan during the day with vintage boots. Its a comfortable and beautiful colour. Recommended.

R
Ray Moran (City of London, GB)
Absolutely beautiful, the colour & fit are perfect.

I already have this dress but in the previous iteration ( quite old now) before the they changed it. I love that dress but this dress takes it to a new level. The cut & design , while subtlety differ elevates the fit & how it looks. Perfect . Thank you

M
Miss Rosie (Vienna, AT)
Pretty dress 😍

I love my new dress! It’s perfect🥰

N
Nicola Bevan (St Albans, GB)
Amazing dress

Fabulous dress. Looks amazing on and fits perfectly.

E
Emma Garness (Hull, GB)
Go to dress

I have to admit I have 3 different colours of the Shirt - waister dress, as its so easy and versatile.
On a constructive criticism note, I am 6foot tall and would like the waist snd length slightly longer or be given this option, but that's a personal point.
I purchased the plum colour, which is divine especially with the darker buttons.
Beautifully constructed as always x

C
Claire (Dallas, US)
Dreamy fit, color, and fabric

I bought the Dragonfly color in my normal size, UK10. The fabric feels beautiful and the fit is perfect. I love the color. This is my first shirtwaister from House of Foxy and I'll definitely consider more.

S
Sharon da Costa (Royal Leamington Spa, GB)
Absolutely love this dress, I look a million dollars in it, though I say so myself!

I'd love to get another in a different patted variation if you're planning on one.

M
Miss Rosie (Vienna, AT)
Perfect dress 🥰

The dress is perfect! I love the green colour and the buttons! Wonderful😍🥰

H
H.B. Love (Los Angeles, US)
Chic and Feminine

Beautiful dress with a gorgeous drape. It offers a lovely, feminine silhouette, and is easy to dress up or down. I bought it to wear to work in a somewhat conservative legal office, and it's the perfect blend of work-appropriate dress with my own vintage style.

L
Lily (Tower Hamlets, GB)
Lovely dress

would be great to have it a little longer for the taller girlies!

L
Lorna Mathews (Bude, GB)
40s Dressi

Fabulous dress, looks lovely on & quality brilliant.
Can’t wait to wear it
Thank you x😍

E
Emilie (Brisbane, AU)
Plum dress

I had been wanting this dress for ages - I decided to finally bite the bullet. It is such a wonderful dress! I love everything about it and it is so flattering, definitely worth the price.

E
Esther (Tilburg, NL)
Gorgeous!

Beautiful dress with a gorgeous print. Wonderful fabric. I am so glad they changed the style/snit of this classic shirtwaister dress. It was always to snug at the hips but it falls perfect now. I am now hoping for a navy blue and a polka dot print.

R
Robin McNamara (Richmond, US)
Another winner

I treat myself to a new HOF each year and this shirtwaister does not disappoint. The details and fabric pattern of 'Jubilee' looks authentic without the worry of wearing an 85 year old garment. I am noticing that the dresses and skirts are cut just a little longer than they used to be, but a quick hem solves the problem.

M
Miss Rosie (Vienna, AT)
Perfect dress!

The dress is perfect! The colours are beautiful! I love it!

A
ANETA SCHWARTZ (Georgetown, CA)
the best dress ever

gorgeous dress, firs as a glove and those colors...amazing

M
Mona (Trondheim, NO)
Gorgeous!

Love the shirt waister, also have it in black. This print is the most beautiful mix of colours..In this you can't help but feeling beautiful! True to size and perfect fit!

M
Mona (Trondheim, NO)
Pretty pretty!

I have several shirtwaist dresses, but this one will be a favourite for sure! The quality and fit is wonderful, especially love the padded puffy shoulders. A beautiful dress to wear on any occasion! Love love love!

N
Ness (Wesley Chapel, US)
Love the Fit & Style

I am addicted to House of Foxy's vintage style dresses. The 1940s shirtwaister is nice for casual or can be dressed up. It's a staple type of dress. I'm a plus size 2X in the US and purchased the size 24. It fits beautifully and the fabric feels nice. I hope this dress comes out in more colors!

K
Kitty (Melbourne, AU)
Lovely colour and fabric

I love the style of the dress and the colour. I miss the side zip though. I really liked that style. Why did it disappear?

M
Marie-Stella Moreau (Québec, CA)
Gorgeous dress in any way

This dress is absolutely gorgeous and made in hight quality.

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International Delivery

International Delivery available to Europe and the United States