With fabric shortages during wartime in the 1940's, the US Government issued the L-85 order which makes smaller swimsuits patriotic. Cutouts in the midriff and bikinis become very glamorous and by the end of the decade appear on every beach. Hollywood gets in on the act by ensuring that their pin-ups, Lana Turner, Rita
Hayworth, and Betty
Grable to name a few, expose their bellies. With two pieces, more options and combinations are available. The basic top styles introduced are the halter, the shelf bra, and the bandeau. For the bottoms which are always high waisted and cover the belly button and low on the hips, the choices are; the skirted
panty, shorts, the sheath, and the sarong. These style lines can also be seen in the one pieces as well. The girls above showcase many of these styles.
A one piece with halter top and shorts. I love her sunglasses.
The skirted bottom.
A ruffled skirted
panty and halter top. This photo is from the Met Museum archive. Truly lovely.
The classic 1940's look. Shelf bra halter and the sheath bottom.
Polka dots! Rolled hair!
This summer my Fashionable History segments are about swim wear by decade. Next week is the 1950's!
Model: Melissa Tammerijn
With fabric shortages during wartime in the 1940's, the US Government issued the L-85 order which makes smaller swimsuits patriotic. Cutouts in the midriff and bikinis become very glamorous and by the end of the decade appear on every beach. Hollywood gets in on the act by ensuring that their pin-ups, Lana Turner, Rita Hayworth, and Betty Grable to name a few, expose their bellies. With two pieces, more options and combinations are available. The basic top styles introduced are the halter, the shelf bra, and the bandeau. For the bottoms which are always high waisted and cover the belly button and low on the hips, the choices are; the skirted panty, shorts, the sheath, and the sarong. These style lines can also be seen in the one pieces as well. The girls above showcase many of these styles.
A one piece with halter top and shorts. I love her sunglasses.
The skirted bottom.
A ruffled skirted panty and halter top. This photo is from the Met Museum archive. Truly lovely.
The classic 1940's look. Shelf bra halter and the sheath bottom. 
I love to wear vintage aprons when I'm cooking and cleaning. One should feel as cute as possible while doing chores or baking those cookies! Great to wear if you are hosting your own BBQ this summer too! For my Etsy vintage finds of the week, I have discovered some real adorable ones. I want them all! Above: Super Cute Blue Gingham Apron- $7-withinamileofhome
Fran's Pretty Polka Dotted Party Apron-$10-Dress Your Drawers
Summer Floral Print Vintage Apron-$10-tracinicole 
Peek-a-boo Red 1950's Half Apron-$12-Sugar Shorts