The open viewing of respectable ladies' legs was still a new and titillating experience in the 1940's. Bathing suits were shrinking, bikinis were brand new and the right turn of an ankle on a coy, young girl could send men into dizzying spirals of excitement. This new concept made the bathing suit, the miniskirt and especially the bikini some of the pinup artist's best friends. Short shorts and long skirts with slits to the hips gave the public an appreciative view of female appendages that had been taboo for centuries in civilized society.
American soldiers were exceptionally enamored with the pinup girls of the 1940's. Pretty, smiling girls showed off their curves in tiny uniform-inspired costumes representing every branch of the military. Pinup girls rode off to war with military men painted on the sides of fighter jets, posted in Navy ships' bunk rooms and tucked into the rucksacks of infantrymen. Sending the men off with a jaunty salute or a coy wink, the patriotic girls in Navy white and Marine Corps blue reminded soldiers why they were fighting and boosted morale in the midst of gritty confrontations.
Lingerie somehow looked simultaneously sexy and innocuous on glamorous beauties posing in a bedroom setting. The bustiers, demi-cup bras, baby-doll nighties and high-waisted satin panties decorated with ruffles, lace and ribbon inspired many a sweet dream in the minds of men around the world. Garter belts, detailed stockings and high-heeled shoes lent a sophistication to undergarments that made it seem a shame to keep them under wraps.
Many silver screen starlets were worshipped for her classy approach to sensuality. Long, satin dresses, feather boas, strappy stilettos, elbow-length gloves and mink stoles were complemented by finger waves and dazzling jewelry. These women lounged on sofas, settees and sculpture with an air of seductive sophistication that appealed to men of all classes.
The popular, proper pencil skirts and circle skirts of 1940's casual dresses were given a whole new look when paired with a pair of short gloves, pearl accessories and the perfect pout. This was classic Americana with a pinup twist. Everyday girls were transformed into objects of desire with just a dress from Sears and a sultry pose.
The fashion and appeal of 1940's pinup models is still emulated by modern-day women who desire a dose of classic glamour and sensuality. 40's pinup fashion can be found almost anywhere, from red-carpet events and hip Hollywood hang-outs to uptown cafes and downtown dance clubs. It appears that the glamorous girls of the 1940's invented a look that will last for a long time.