There is no secret that furs were a popular 40s accessory for many women. They are seen in magazine spreads, pattern books to highlight the latest patterns, and even photographs. But, what about in German fashion? Were furs just as popular in Germany as they were in other countries? What kinds of furs were worn and in what method (were they in trims or actual garments by themselves like a stole)? I would argue that furs were worn in Nazi Germany with the same frequency as those in any other country such as the United States or France. Furs were also advertised just as much in various forms. With such advertising, it can be seen that women had some interest in furs while in Nazi Germany. An interest that would lead some women to actively seek out and wear fur. According to the site
We Heart Vintage, the article 'How Hitler Influenced 1940s fashion', describes Hitler as having a distaste for fur and discouraged women from wearing it. Although the leader of Nazi Germany did not want women to wear fur, many did . . .some of those women were even Nazi wives, girlfriends, and family members. One woman in particular close to the Nazi Party that wore furs was Magda Goebbels (many pictures of her sporting furs can be found
here). To begin, furs were certainly worn in 1940s Germany. They came in the form of stoles, jackets, coats, collars, cuffs, muffs, and even trimming to accent an existing garment. There were all kinds of furs being utilized from mink, beaver, lamb, and so many more. Curly or straight, fur was a popular item to add to a wardrobe because it added a touch of elegant texture and practical warmth. Where furs purchased as ready to wear garments or were they fashioned at home? I believe that furs in Nazi Germany, and in the United States and France, could be purchased as ready to wear garments in fur salons and high end shops. If a woman was rather ambitious or wanted a custom work done, the pattern book
Der Goldene Schnitt offers patterns. Personally, I think that the fur pieces in
Der Goldene Schnitt were there more for inspiration than practical use but I am sure there was at least one ambition woman out there. . .Especially since women in Nazi Germany were encouraged to make their own clothes.
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| Fur Collars and Muffs from Der Goldene Schnintt, 1941 |
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| Der Goldene Schnitt, 1941 |
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| Der Goldene Schnitt, 1941 |
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| Look! A Fur Stole! |
What is of interest to discuss is that if Hitler indeed did not approve of women wearing fur, then why did so many women wear it? Were they protesting the Nazi regime? Did they simply not know of Hitler's distaste of them? I believe women in Nazi Germany chose to wear furs not because they were protesting but because furs were fashionable. Women in Nazi Germany, like in every other corner of the globe, strove to be fashionable regardless of the prevailing political ideology. Even in the fashion pages of the
NS Frauen - Warte, there is evidence of fur being used. To have fur being used in the leading Nazi women's magazine says a lot don't you think? So, women in Nazi Germany did indeed wear furs. Women wore furs, I believe, because fur were a popular fashion item and German women strive to be fashionable. Women who wore furs too probably wanted to be kept warn in German winters as well and so again, they wore furs for their practical nature too. Whether for form or function, furs were worn by women in Nazi Germany.
Another important point that I would like to make as well is that furs were not the status or luxury symbols then as they are today. In 1940s Fashion: The Definitive Sourcebook, this is a statement that they clearly make and support because in the many Sears catalogs women would find a fur to match almost any budget. So that even the poorest woman could own a fur coat, she had the option of payment plans and even cheap furs that looked expensive but were probably rabbit dyed to look like an expensive animal pelt. . . The reason why I mention this is because some fashion trends were the same in German as they were in the United States, France, or other places. I believe furs are one of those trends.
Well, there you have it. Despite Hitler wanting women to stay clear of furs, many still wore them including the wives of Nazi leaders. Furs were advertised using many different platforms and were worn in so many different ways as well. It goes to show too that women no matter of where they lived wanted to look fashionable and current. . . even if they lived under the ruler of the Nazi Regime . . .
