How to Identify 1940s Vintage Wedding Dresses
Looking for a wedding dress is a special time for a bride. If you are looking for a specific type of wedding dress, for example, a vintage 1940s gown, there are a few characteristics from the period to look for.
- Examine the zipper. Zippers in 1940s dresses were made of metal, not vinyl. Zippers were also visible instead of being hidden by fabric. When looking at any vintage wedding dress, you should examine the zippers, clasps and buttons carefully. Make sure everything is in good condition, or that any minor damage can be fixed.
- Look at the neckline. Most 1940s dresses had one of two necklines; a sweetheart style or a simple v-neck. Another popular trend was a sweetheart neckline with lace netting up to a high ruffled lace collar.
- Examine the overall style of the dress. Fashionable wedding dress trends of the time included a boxy or military shapes.
- Look at the sleeves. The designs at that time featured long, puffy lace sleeves that ended in a point on the back of the hand.
- Check the design of the waistband. The styles were either a deep V or a slightly higher than normal waistline.
- Look for a label. Dresses from the decade may or may not have a label. If you are looking at a dress with a label, it should be handmade and have basic information. Information such as the care and cleaning of the garment, as well as the size.