Make Do and Mend

Clothes rationing in Britain

From June 1941 until 1949, buying new clothes was rationed in Britain. This newsreel trailer, made by the Ministry of Information in 1943, is called ‘Make Do and Mend’. It was part of the Government's campaign urging people to repair, reuse and reimagine their existing clothes during the Second World War. Film curator Michelle Kirby introduces us to this delightful and humorous short film.

Second World War

10 Top Tips For Winning At 'Make Do And Mend'

The Second World War saw unprecedented government intervention into everyday life on the British home front. Clothes rationing began on 1 June 1941. Handmade and hand-repaired clothing became an essential part of wartime life.

Film

Britain at War by Rosie Newman

Britain at War is a 99 minute film, filmed and edited by amateur camerawoman Rosie Newman, capturing diverse scenes from the British home front during the Second World War. Curator Jane Fish introduces us to this remarkable film.

Women walk down a London street during the Second World War in 1941.

Wartime Fashion

How Clothes Rationing Affected Fashion In The Second World War

Clothes were rationed in Britain from 1 June 1941. This limited the amount of new garments people could buy until 1949, four years after the war's end. Despite the limitations imposed by rationing, clothing retailers sought to retain and even expand their customer base during the Second World War.