- 1). Select vintage or reproduction patterns to sew your own 1950s clothing. There are pattern companies with websites that offer reissued vintage patterns of each decade's most popular fashions. If you are a purist and want to use the original patterns from the era, there are also web sites that feature these patterns. Patterns and garments used and sewn in the 1950s are used and sewn the same as they are today. Sewing techniques do not change over time.
- 2). Use vintage or reproduction 1950s fabrics. Silks, satins and natural fibers such as linen, cotton and wool were widely used. Wool felt was a popular fabric used in the 1950s for making "poodle skirts." These wide, ballerina skirts were worn over starched crinolines that are still available at formal and bridal stores. The 1950s used fabric with classic patterns, a lot of gingham and wild floral patterns.
- 3). Use buttons from the 1950s or reproductions, zippers and other clothing accessories to complete the look of your sewn fashions. Zippers from the '50s were made metal and sewn into cotton. Today, zippers are usually synthetic and plastic. Flea markets, antique stores and auctions offer a plethora of vintage sewing goods.
- 4). Choose the proper 1950s undergarments and hosiery. Modern bobby socks and thigh-high hose can be substituted for vintage products without much differentiation. Vintage bras are available at vintage clothing shops. Some undergarments are available in unworn, pristine condition. Some may require the elastic to be replaced by sewing a piece of elastic 3/4 of the length of the bra's bottom edge to the bra with a zigzag stitch. The rigid, pointier bust outline of the 1950s is hard to reproduce in modern lingerie.
- 5). Select vintage shoes or shoes in similar styles of the 1950s to complete your ensemble. Saddle shoes, pointed toe pumps, high-top tennis shoes, penny loafers and men's oxford style dress shoes have retained similar if not identical features of their 1950s predecessors. Hats were also an important part of women's and men's wardrobes. Pillbox hats and berets were popular for women. Fedoras were popular for men. Reproductions of most 1950s hats are available at specialty shops.
Source...