40s Trousers

Recently I have been adding 40s trousers into my vintage wardrobe and so far there have been no regrets. They are roomy and comfortable. They look sharp with blouses and sweaters too. What are the main characteristics of a 40s trouser and what materials can be used to make a pair? Do they open down the front with a fly like todays trousers or do they open at the sides? These are some questions that I plan on addressing here.

40s trousers are easily identified by their high waist (not hanging around the hips like today's trousers), straight legged look. These trousers also close up at the sides (one or both) with zippers or buttons. Only on very rare occasions do they close up a the front with a fly (see above, to the right).
If you plan to make a pair, they can be made out of wools (preferably something light weight), linen, sturdy cotton, seersucker,  or denim. Trousers can be done in a solid or even a plaid. Colors include many greys, browns, tans, blues, and even greens.
Many trousers from this era are pleated at the front of the leg with a single or even a double pleat. Looking at originals is the best way to determine the looks of the pleats. A pressed crease is common too.
Construction wise, these trousers have a wide waistband (almost 2 inches in some cases) and very deep hems too. The trousers end around the ankle or just above the shoes. The seams are either on the outside of the leg, inside of the leg, or both. Darts at the back are common to shape the pant to the bum.
Pockets? Yes, pockets are an option with 40s trousers. They can be large patch pockets like in the example directly below or else small welt pockets at the waistline.

What can these trousers be worn with? 40s trousers can be worn with simple blouses in a variety of styles, sweaters, or else a matching jacket to make a pant suit (see examples below). Who can wear these? This is a question that comes up with all sorts of clothes that rest in history. From what I can tell, these were popular with a variety of women for work and play just as the advertisements here suggest. In fact, these trousers were popularized due to the war pushing women into the factories. As a result, these hard working women needed something as practical as they were.

So far, I only have two pairs made up but feel the need to add a few more. . . I will (hopefully) get my first pair up here, and second too,  for show and tell eventually. . .promise . . .I am quite thrilled with them and have worn them a great deal already  . . ..