1940s Style

Today we're going back to the 1940s with our black lace Celia and black satin CC09 ranges. Both are designed to mix and match so if sheer lace French Knickers are too risque for you, we have a more demure soft satin version too. Just in case you're wondering, a peach version of Celia is currently made and will be with us in the next couple of months.

Our CC09 and Celia French Knickers are adapted from a British CC41 design.

The British government launched the CC41 utility label in 1941 to give everyone access to good quality clothing and furniture. During this time rationing was enforced and coupons needed to be redeemed to purchase just about anything.

The same amount of coupons were needed for a dress, whether it was a well made designer dress, or one made from very cheap fabric. Think Shein vs Chanel!

As poorer people had less clothing to begin with, and wore it harder, something needed to be done to ensure they had access to affordable, good quality garments.

When it comes to nylon stockings during the 1940s they were even rarer in the UK than history might suggest. Although they were made in the US for a few months, they didn't start being manufactured in the UK until after WWII, and even then most went for export.

In the UK the vast majority of stockings would be rayon, lisle or silk and even these would be in very short supply. What is certain is that they would have had a Cuban Heel, which we certainly can help you with.