Not on display

Combination Underwear

1942-1948 (made)
Artist/Maker
Wolsey (manufacturer)
Utility (made for)
Place of origin
Great Britain (made)

Essential fabrics such as wool were in short supply during the Second World War (1939-1945). The Utility clothing scheme ensured that the public could still buy warm woollen underwear, like these women's combinations. The style is slim-fitting, with narrow hems and no trims. The original shop tag is still attached.

Object details

Categories
Underwear
Fashion
Womenswear
Europeana Fashion Project
Object type
Combination underwear
Materials and techniques
Wool jersey and plastic
Wool Jersey
Plastic
Brief description
Wool jersey ladies' combinations, manufactured by Wolsey for Utility, Great Britain, 1942-1948.
Physical description
Cream wool jersey ladies' combinations. Short-sleeved, knee-length with ribbing at the cuffs and at the knees. Round neck, cream plastic buttons down the centre front. Open at the crotch.
Dimensions
  • Neck to crotch height: 65cm
  • Neck to knee height: 102cm
  • Waist circumference: 78cm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'Wolsey / CC41 / 600B Size W / Shrink Resisting' (Makers's mark)
  • 'McIlroy's / 14/8 / 6c' (Retailer's identification)
Gallery label
(1997)
During the war essential materials such as wool were in short supply. The Utility scheme ensured that warm woollen underwear, like these ladies' combinations, remained available to the public. The original shop tag is still attached.
Credit line
Given by Lyn Healy
Object history
Registered File number 1989/302.
Summary
Essential fabrics such as wool were in short supply during the Second World War (1939-1945). The Utility clothing scheme ensured that the public could still buy warm woollen underwear, like these women's combinations. The style is slim-fitting, with narrow hems and no trims. The original shop tag is still attached.
Bibliographic reference
De la Haye, Amy, ed. The Cutting Edge: 50 Years of British Fashion 1947-1997. London: V&A Publications, 1997. Plate 140.
Collection
Textiles and Fashion Collection
Accession number
T.107-1989

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Record createdSeptember 25, 2003
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O84441/combination-underwear-wolsey/
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