How Soviet women dressed and what fabrics were chosen for outfits

I was just going through old things from my grandmother. She was a fashionista and noticed, what quality fabric. Even over time, it has not lost its properties and appearance. What beautiful dresses and costumes my grandmother wore. You won’t find it in the most expensive store.



Grandma talked a lot about her life in the USSR. And we have many magazines and fashion patterns from that time. Grandma sewed and knitted herself. She said she didn't like what was being sold in stores. Everything was dull and the same. The variety of flowers, for some reason, in the Soviet Union was very scarce. Everything is grey, brown or black. And the young girl wanted colorful dresses and light skirts.



What quality fabric was used in the USSR The benefit in the fabric stores were a variety of fabrics. They differed from modern naturalness. Cotton, cotton, silk, everything was natural. There were also artificial and synthetic fabrics - viscose, lavsan, elastan. The wool was very warm and was made of winter costumes, which were very durable. Almost every woman in the USSR was able to sew, and the fabric was relatively inexpensive. Those who did not know how to sew turned to the tailors. In each district of the city there was a fashion studio where you could sew a beautiful men’s costume or dress for a holiday.



Many managed to get a foreign magazine “Burda” and then a riot of colors and styles appeared on the streets. Many were able to model patterns and create unique clothes. With the imagination of Soviet women, everything was fine. They were even able to combine tissues if there were any residues. And the children were sewn and remade their clothes. Clothing was not thrown away, it served for many years and was inherited. All because the quality fabric was and did not fade colors.



And what were the patterns on knitted sweaters and vests? Those who managed to get a lot of yarn knitted their coats. It was very beautiful and elegant. It seemed that women managed to knit everywhere - while driving in transport, on the beach and on lunch break at work. In the bag was always started sweater husband or children. Men have always been elegant in suits or sweaters with trousers. The men looked very courageous and stylish, so as not to talk there.



Instagram used to be able to sew and knit That's what was the problem, so it was with underwear. For some reason, this wardrobe item was not given due attention in the USSR. This is a very important element of the overall image. Particularly appreciated dressmakers who were able to choose the right shape of the cup and sew an excellent bra. Soviet women had to knit stockings and tights with socks themselves. Capron tights appeared much later and it was not so easy to get them. It took a long line to buy at least one pair. Such tights were kept for special occasions, and if an arrow appeared, it was carefully sewn up.



With baby clothes in stores, too, there have been some issues. But the skilled hands of women found a way out. Something was changed, fabric was bought to sew a beautiful dress or shorts for the son. You could buy a book with children's models and patterns separately. This book was very valuable and often used by many mothers. But children with diapers knew what a quality fabric is - a natural bike and calico.



You can talk a lot about how life was in the Soviet Union. But the fact that people there did not despair and always looked for a way out of any situation is a fact. And the attitude to things was careful and there were no such dumps as in the current generation.