Wartime Austerity

Wartime austerity comes out of WWII clothes rationing, which made certain materials unavailable and pushed clothing toward the functional. New styles appeared in response: glow in the dark accessories for blackouts, onesies that could be thrown on quickly, and utility clothing generally. Other changes existed purely to save fabric. Suits moved from double-breasted to single-breasted, pockets were reduced, shirts got shorter, and double cuffs were banned outright.