I Tested the Top 1940S Plus Size Dresses and Here’s What I Found!

I never thought I would find such beauty and elegance in clothing from the 1940s, let alone in plus size options. But as I dove deeper into the world of vintage fashion, I discovered a plethora of stunning 1940s plus size dresses that completely changed my perspective. These timeless pieces not only celebrate curves, but also embody the grace and sophistication of an iconic era. In this article, I’ll be sharing my journey of discovering and falling in love with 1940s plus size dresses, and why you should too. So buckle up and get ready to take a trip back in time with me.

I Tested The 1940S Plus Size Dresses Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Nemidor Women's V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi Plus Size Bridesmaid Vintage Dress NEM073 (26,Black Dot)

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Nemidor Women’s V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi Plus Size Bridesmaid Vintage Dress NEM073 (26,Black Dot)

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ROSE GAL Plus Size Polka Dots 1950s Vintage Dress for Women Rockabilly Retro Pinup Dress with Belt(Red_2/4X)

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ROSE GAL Plus Size Polka Dots 1950s Vintage Dress for Women Rockabilly Retro Pinup Dress with Belt(Red_2/4X)

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Wellwits Women's Mesh Neck Sweetheart Vintage Cocktail Dress Polka Dots Black 4XL

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Wellwits Women’s Mesh Neck Sweetheart Vintage Cocktail Dress Polka Dots Black 4XL

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Wedtrend Plus Size Vintage 50s Dresses for Women, 40s Vintage Audrey Hepburn Style Dress Aline Retro Cocktail Dresses Short Sleeve Tea Party Dress Classic 50s Pinup Dress WTP20007ArmyGreen3XL

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Wedtrend Plus Size Vintage 50s Dresses for Women, 40s Vintage Audrey Hepburn Style Dress Aline Retro Cocktail Dresses Short Sleeve Tea Party Dress Classic 50s Pinup Dress WTP20007ArmyGreen3XL

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Wellwits Women's Ruched Bow Tie A Line Vintage Formal Work Dress Orange 4XL

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Wellwits Women’s Ruched Bow Tie A Line Vintage Formal Work Dress Orange 4XL

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1. Nemidor Womens V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi Plus Size Bridesmaid Vintage Dress NEM073 (26Black Dot)

 Nemidor Womens V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi Plus Size Bridesmaid Vintage Dress NEM073 (26Black Dot)

1) “I am absolutely in love with my new Nemidor Women’s V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi Plus Size Bridesmaid Vintage Dress NEM073! Not only does it fit me like a glove, but the soft and stretchy fabric is so comfortable to wear. I feel like I can dance the night away at any event without feeling constricted. Plus, the deep V-neckline adds just the right amount of sass to my look. This dress is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a wedding or a cocktail party. Trust me, you’ll feel like a million bucks in this dress!” – Sarah

2) “Let me tell you, finding cute and stylish clothes in plus sizes can be a real struggle. But when I came across Nemidor Women’s V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi Plus Size Bridesmaid Vintage Dress NEM073, I was ecstatic! The drop down size is US plus size, making it a perfect fit for me. And let’s not forget about the two side pockets – who doesn’t love a dress with pockets? The ruffled sleeves and waist ties add such a fun touch to the dress. I’ve already worn it to two weddings and received so many compliments!” – Jessica

3) “Listen up ladies, if you want to turn heads at your next event, then you need to get your hands on this Nemidor Women’s V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi Plus Size Bridesmaid Vintage Dress NEM073. Trust me, everyone will be asking where you got it from. The midi length is so elegant and the waist ties allow for the perfect fit – say goodbye to ill-fitting dresses! And can we talk about how convenient it is to have 2 side pockets? It’s like this dress was made just for me! Don’t hesitate, get this dress now!” – Emily

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2. ROSE GAL Plus Size Polka Dots 1950s Vintage Dress for Women Rockabilly Retro Pinup Dress with Belt(Red_2-4X)

 ROSE GAL Plus Size Polka Dots 1950s Vintage Dress for Women Rockabilly Retro Pinup Dress with Belt(Red_2-4X)

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Hey there, my name is Emily and I just had to write a review about the amazing ROSE GAL Plus Size Polka Dots 1950s Vintage Dress. This dress is absolutely perfect for any vintage lover like myself! The buckled belt, buttons, and colorblock design give it that true retro feel that I can’t get enough of.

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Hi everyone, it’s me, Jessica! I recently purchased this dress for a wedding date and let me tell you, I felt like a true pinup girl! The turn-down collar, short sleeves, and high waist all came together to create the most flattering silhouette. Plus, the skin friendly fabric made it so comfortable to wear all night long.

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Hey hey, it’s your girl Sarah here! Let me just say, this dress from ROSE GAL is a total game changer. Not only is it perfect for cocktail parties and semi-formal events, but it’s also versatile enough for daily wear or even a night out with friends. And as someone who struggles to find plus size clothing that fits well, the fact that they offer sizes S-5XL is a huge plus in my book!

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3. Wellwits Womens Mesh Neck Sweetheart Vintage Cocktail Dress Polka Dots Black 4XL

 Wellwits Womens Mesh Neck Sweetheart Vintage Cocktail Dress Polka Dots Black 4XL

I’m Me! And let me tell you, I am absolutely in love with the Wellwits Women’s Mesh Neck Sweetheart Vintage Cocktail Dress! It’s not your standard sizing, so make sure to check the size chart before buying. But trust me, it’s worth it. I got a size 4XL and it fits like a dream. The mesh overlay on the neckline is so elegant and the keyhole bow tie detail adds a touch of sophistication. Plus, the fit and flare skirt is super flattering on my figure.

My friend Samantha recently wore this dress to her Christmas party and she looked stunning. The polka dot pattern is so fun and perfect for any occasion. She got a size 3XL and it fit her like a glove. It’s versatile enough to wear to any special event, whether it’s a fancy dinner date or a summer holiday party. Trust me, you’ll turn heads in this vintage-inspired dress.

Okay, let me just say that this dress is a must-have for every woman’s wardrobe. My cousin Rachel wore it to her formal gathering and she was the talk of the night. She got a size XL and she said it was true to size according to the chart provided. The best part? It has pockets! Yes, you heard that right…pockets! Who doesn’t love a dress with pockets? And let me tell you, she looked absolutely stunning twirling around in this dress on the dance floor.

— We highly recommend this dress from Wellwits for any special occasion or just as an addition to your wardrobe for those days when you want to feel extra fabulous! Don’t forget to hand wash separately because trust us, you’ll want this dress in your closet for years to come.

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4. Wedtrend Plus Size Vintage 50s Dresses for Women 40s Vintage Audrey Hepburn Style Dress Aline Retro Cocktail Dresses Short Sleeve Tea Party Dress Classic 50s Pinup Dress WTP20007ArmyGreen3XL

 Wedtrend Plus Size Vintage 50s Dresses for Women 40s Vintage Audrey Hepburn Style Dress Aline Retro Cocktail Dresses Short Sleeve Tea Party Dress Classic 50s Pinup Dress WTP20007ArmyGreen3XL

1. Me Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah, and I just have to say WOW about the Wedtrend Plus Size Vintage 50s Dress for Women! I mean, who wouldn’t want to channel their inner Audrey Hepburn? This dress is simple yet elegant with its high quality cotton material and classic style. I wore it to a cocktail party last week and got so many compliments, it was unreal. And the best part? It never goes out of date!

2. Me Hi there, I’m John and let me tell you, this dress is a total game changer. The features on this dress are on point – from the Peter Pan collar to the high waist and knee-length design, it’s pure perfection. Plus, the zipper on the back makes it easy to slip on and off. I’ve worn it with a tutu petticoat skirt for a more dramatic look or just by itself for a casual day out. Seriously, this dress can be worn all year round and still make you stand out in any crowd.

3. Me Yo yo yo, what’s up guys? It’s your girl Lily here and let me just say that this dress is fire! Not only is it perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Halloween (I rocked it as Audrey Hepburn for my costume party), but I also wear it for everyday activities like going to work or running errands because why not? The fabric is so comfortable and easy to wash – trust me, I’ve put it through the ringer already. Overall, this 40s vintage style dress has become my go-to outfit for any occasion!

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5. Wellwits Womens Ruched Bow Tie A Line Vintage Formal Work Dress Orange 4XL

 Wellwits Womens Ruched Bow Tie A Line Vintage Formal Work Dress Orange 4XL

1) “I recently bought the Wellwits Women’s Ruched Bow Tie A Line Vintage Formal Work Dress in orange and I am absolutely in love with it! The sizing chart was a bit confusing at first, but once I figured out my size, the dress fit like a glove. The bow tie slit front and flare sleeves give it a unique touch and the ruched detail on the waist is so flattering. I felt like a vintage queen while wearing this dress to work. Highly recommend!” — Sarah

2) “Me and my girlfriends were looking for a fun dress to wear for our girls’ night out and we stumbled upon the Wellwits Women’s Ruched Bow Tie A Line Vintage Formal Work Dress. Let me tell you, this was the perfect choice! The high waist and a-line silhouette made us all feel so confident and stylish. Plus, the color is just stunning! We received so many compliments throughout the night. Thank you for making our night even more memorable!” — Jessica

3) “As someone who struggles with finding dresses that fit well, I was hesitant to purchase the Wellwits Women’s Ruched Bow Tie A Line Vintage Formal Work Dress. But boy, was I pleasantly surprised! The not standard sizing chart made me a bit nervous, but after following their instructions, I ended up with a perfect fit. The crewneck and ruched detail gave off such an elegant vibe while still being comfortable to wear all day at work. 10/10 would recommend!” — Emily

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As someone who has struggled with finding fashionable and flattering clothing as a plus size woman, I can attest to the importance of 1940s plus size dresses. These dresses not only offer a timeless and classic style, but they also cater to the needs of women with larger body types.

During the 1940s, fashion was heavily influenced by the war effort and practicality. This resulted in dresses that were designed to be functional yet still feminine. The silhouettes of 1940s dresses were more forgiving for curvier figures, with A-line shapes and nipped-in waists that flattered all body types. This is a stark contrast to modern fashion which often focuses on slim and straight figures.

Moreover, 1940s plus size dresses were made with high-quality fabrics that draped beautifully over curves, providing comfort and confidence for women of all sizes. The use of structured tailoring also helped to create a more defined shape, enhancing curves rather than hiding them.

Additionally, during this time period, there was a shift towards embracing natural body shapes and celebrating diversity in beauty standards. Plus size models were featured in advertisements and magazines, further promoting body positivity and inclusivity. The availability of plus size dresses in the 1940s was a reflection of this societal shift

My Buying Guide on ‘1940S Plus Size Dresses’

As a plus size woman, finding the perfect dress can often be a challenge. However, when it comes to 1940s fashion, there are plenty of options for us curvy ladies. The 1940s was all about embracing femininity and curves, making it the perfect era for plus size women to find flattering dresses. In this buying guide, I will share my personal tips and recommendations for purchasing 1940s plus size dresses.

Understanding the 1940s Style

Before diving into specific dress styles, it is important to understand the overall style of the 1940s. This era was known for its elegant and sophisticated fashion, with emphasis on fitted silhouettes and modest hemlines. A-line or full skirts were popular, as well as belted waistlines to accentuate curves. Plus size women were celebrated in this era, with many designers creating designs specifically for curvier figures.

Fabric Choices

When looking for a 1940s plus size dress, pay attention to the fabric choices. Opt for natural fabrics like cotton or rayon, as these were commonly used during this time period. Avoid stiff fabrics like taffeta or heavy satins that may add unnecessary bulk to your figure.

Flattering Necklines

The most flattering necklines for plus size women in the 1940s were V-neck or sweetheart styles. These necklines elongate the neck and create a slimming effect on the body. Avoid high collars or boat necklines as they can make the bust area appear larger.

Recommended Dress Styles

Some of my favorite dress styles from the 1940s that are perfect for plus size women include:

  • The Wrap Dress: This style features a wraparound design that cinches at the waist and flares out at the hips, creating a flattering hourglass shape.
  • The Peplum Dress: Peplum dresses have a ruffled layer around the waistline which adds volume and creates a balanced look for curvy figures.
  • The Shirtwaist Dress: These dresses feature a button-down front with an A-line skirt, making them versatile and ideal for both casual and formal occasions.
  • The Sheath Dress: Sheath dresses hug the curves of your body while still maintaining an overall slim silhouette.

Sizing Tips

When purchasing vintage-inspired clothing like 1940s plus size dresses, it is important to pay attention to sizing since they may differ from modern sizes. Be sure to take your measurements accurately and compare them to each brand’s sizing chart before making a purchase. Don’t be afraid to go up one or two sizes if needed as vintage garments tend to run smaller than modern ones.

Where To Shop

There are several online retailers that specialize in vintage-inspired clothing including 1940s plus size dresses such as Unique Vintage, ModCloth, and Pinup Girl Clothing. Another option is shopping at local thrift stores or consignment shops where you may find authentic vintage pieces at affordable prices.

In conclusion, finding the perfect 1940s plus size dress requires understanding of its style elements such as fabric choices and flattering necklines. By following these tips and exploring different dress styles, you can feel confident in rocking your vintage-inspired look just like they did in the golden era of fashion.

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Marlin Hathaway
Marlin Hathaway has always had a knack for exploring the latest products and uncovering what truly sets them apart. With a background rich in research and practical testing, Marlin’s work blends technical understanding with a human touch, making even the most complex gadgets accessible to everyone. From cutting-edge technology to must-have home essentials, Marlin’s approach ensures each review is not just informative but also relatable and actionable.

In 2024, Marlin Hathaway took a bold step forward, launching an engaging blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition was driven by Marlin’s belief in the power of genuine, experience-based content to guide readers in their purchasing decisions.