NOW IN PRINT
Buy this 1940s British Utility Bra pattern and wear what they wore during the War!
Just when bras were gaining in popularity, Wartime restrictions on fabric and civilian garment production hours threatened their complicated manufacture.
The United States had the National Recovery Act that asked manufacturers to produce garments with less material and trimmings for the sake of the War effort. The British Board of Trade instituted a simliar program called the Utility program and garments made under this scheme bore the mark "CC41".
Based on a British-made bra with the CC41 stamp, this design is the perfect undergarment for 1940s wartime frocks. Easy to make. Easy to wear. It closes on back with hooks. A little bit of simple elastic makes for a comfortable fit.
Fits busts 28" to 60". All sizes in one envelope. NOTE: please be aware that this bra may not have enough support for large breasts. Further underbust support may be needed. This pattern conforms to the original construction and does not include more modern support techniques, but they can easily be added to this design.
Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.
Suggested Fabrics: rayon, cotton, sateen, coutil
Notions: hooks and eyes for closure, narrow elastic, stiffened fabric for gusset
Yardage Requirements: 1 yard/meter at least 36" wide