Parachute Undies

• "Undies without coupons"
• Stagg & Russell Ltd, Leicester Square, London, WC2
• 7¾ x 9¾in (197 x 248mm) 
• Circa 1940s
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How did women in Britain cope with restrictions and shortages of fashionable clothing and material during the Second World War and while government-imposed rationing continued immediatley after it?

Resources were limited, but an ex-government surplus parachute was a way of preserving those cherished clothing coupons for a special occasion whilst still being able to buy all the undies and nightwear material they needed.

Twelve panels of superfine, brand new parachute nylon cost five guineas (five pound and five shillings) and would make 3 nightdresses, 3 slips, 6 pairs of panties and 3 pairs of cami-knickers.