Skip to main content

1940s Knit Dress

Vintage 1940 s Magenta Knitted Dress UK 10-12 US 6-8
Located in Cheltenham, GB
This incredible 1940's magenta knitted dress, rendered in a multitude of different knitted stitches
Category

1940s Day Dresses

1940 s Terracotta Crochet Tea Length Knit Dress Size 2 4
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gown is composed of a terracotta hue knit. Features a draped neckline and tea length. In
Category

1940s American Evening Gowns

Recent Sales

Navy Blue Silk Ribbon Knit Knee Length Dress and Belt, 1940s
Located in Houston, TX
Unbelievable handwork -- 1940s navy blue silk ribbon knit unlined knee length dress with short
Category

1940s Day Dresses

Outstanding Sienna Black Knit Beaded Ensemble, 1940 s Vintage
Located in Oradell, NJ
This is an extraordinarily beautiful, 1940's vintage, sienna and black wool knit two piece ensemble
Category

1940s American Dress and Coat Ensembles

Important 1940s Madame Grès Grecian Goddess Silk Knit Gown in Black and Red
By Madame Gres
Located in Houston, TX
bottom of the dress, echoing classical antiquity. The dress is accented by a dramatic red pleated drape
Category

1940s French Evening Gowns

1940 s Austrian Hand Knit Claret Wool Dress
Located in New Hope, PA
This dress has a sweet knit collar and cuffs and a great vertical knit design The long sleeves
Category

1940s Austrian Day Dresses

A vintage 1940s red and black ribbon work knit dress
Located in London, GB
A vintage 1940s red with black speckle effect ribbon work dress Measurements taken flat in inches
Category

1940s Unknown Casual Dresses

1940 s Emerald Green Gray Wool Knit Dress With Micro Pleating Scarf
Located in Atlanta, GA
This versatile emerald green and gray wool knit dress by Debby of California has lovely details
Category

1940s American Day Dresses

1940s Multi-Color Stripe Boucle Knit Dress with Coordinating Knit Purse
Located in Gresham, OR
A feisty 1940s multi-color stripe boucle knit dress with back neckline closure, black midsection
Category

1940s American Casual Dresses

A vintage 1940s cream ribbon work, ribbon knit dress size S small
Located in London, GB
A vintage 1940s cream woven ribbon work dress with a drop waist fit , pencil style skirt The
Category

1940s Casual Dresses

1940 s Emerald Green Toffee Deco Motif Wool-Knit Pleated Skirt Sweater Dress
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
early 1940's Old Hollywood era of glamour. The beautiful sweater blouse has slightly padded shoulders
Category

1940s American Aesthetic Day Dresses

1940 s Austrian Metallic-Gold Threaded Brown Wool-Knit Swing Dress Ensemble
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1940's Austrian hand-knit stretch garments are in a class of their own. They are always fit to
Category

1940s Austrian Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1940 s Metallic Creme Wool Knit Beaded Floral-Motif Hourglass Cocktail Dress
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This is an incredible late 1940's hand-knit metallic cocktail that is also covered with sparkling
Category

1940s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1940 s Elegant Beaded Navy-Blue Hourglass Hand-Knit Wool Swing Dress
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hourglass 1940's hand-knit stretch garments are in a class of their own! They are always fit to
Category

1940s American Cocktail Dresses

1940 s Cranberry-Red Beaded Applique Chenille Knit Wool Belted Sweater Skirt Set
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An alluring Koldin Originals cranberry-red chenille knit wool ensemble from the "Old Hollywood
Category

1940s American Aesthetic Day Dresses

People Also Browsed

Silk Guipure Lace Exquisite 1930s Jacket Top
Located in Water Mill, NY
An intricate, stunning, vintage beige silk lace jacket, bolero, shrug, vest in varying stitches and patterns of flowers and petals- very elaborate. The shoulders are extended forming...
Category

1930s Unknown Jackets

Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 2004 Plunging Ruched Long Sleeve Sweater Top
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Naples, FL
Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 2004 Plunging Ruched Long Sleeve Sweater Top XS Gucci long sleeve ruched top with plunging neckline and back.
Category

Early 2000s Shirts

Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 2002 Cutout Plunged Neckline Black Dress
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Naples, FL
Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 2002 Cutout Plunged Neckline Black Dress IT 40 Gucci sleeveless black knee-length dress featuring ruffled shoulders, cutouts at front and back and concealed zi...
Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Halston 1970s Documented Beaded Dress
By Halston
Located in Water Mill, NY
Featured in "Halston: An American Original" by Elaine Gross and Red Rottham, this beautiful sleeveless off white silk dress from Halston is completely adorned in horizontal rows of e...
Category

1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Louis Estevez Silk Bodycon Backless Dress 1950s
By Louis Estevez
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning black silk dress from Estevez. The neckline has 2 fringe edged overlapping panels at the center front and the back is low cut. Intricate seaming creates a clever figure ...
Category

1950s American Day Dresses

Convertible Yellow Floral Circle Dress w Rhinestone-Studded Shelf Bust-S, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Wearable with a halter or strapless neckline, this romantic sundress would be the perfect ensemble for a breezy garden party or summer wedding. Ideal for larger busts, the ample shel...
Category

1950s Unknown Ballerina Day Dresses

Rare Early Yves Saint Laurent Black Rhinestone Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage YSL knit top, with gorgeous rhinestones on each strap. Flattering fit, with incredible construction. In great condition. Approximately Size Small (lots of stretch) M...
Category

1970s French Blouses

Vintage 1960s Silk Cocktail Dress with Ruffled Hem
Located in Sparks, NV
Chic black silk cocktail dress with a ruffled hem and dolman sleeves. Details: Fully Lined Back Metal Zip and Hook Closure Estimated Size: Medium Color: Black Fabric: Feels...
Category

1960s American Cocktail Dresses

John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior in brightly colored flowers on a navy and burgundy background. The spaghetti strap bodice is semi fitted and adorned on one ...
Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

Rare Kreinick 1960s Vintage Red + Yellow Polka Dot Mod Dress + Jacket Ensemble
Located in Sparks, NV
Very rare Kreinick label! American couture at its finest. Heavy weight jacquard fabric appears to be made of silk and wool. This listing is for a two piece ensemble. The dress is sle...
Category

1960s American Dress and Coat Ensembles

NWT Givenchy Black Suede Enameled Gold Metal Cone Heels Over the Knee Boots 40
By Givenchy
Located in Montgomery, TX
Givenchy Cuissard pointed-toe over-the-knee boots Designer size 40 - Fits small to size, take one size larger than normal. Designer Style ID: BE09105178 Black suede and leather, Mult...
Category

2010s Italian Boots

Yves Saint Laurent Chinese Collection Belted Wool Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche, charcoal grey, wool, Chinese collection belted jacket, having a Mandarin collar, black braided trim, horn buttons, and a ribbed suede belt.
Category

1970s French Jackets

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1986 Jacket Skirt and Pants Suit
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Water Mill, NY
An amazing iconic fine black wool 3 piece skirt, pant and jacket suit from Azzedine Alaia as displayed in SCAD Fashion Museum in Atlanta. The spectacular front wrapping jacket is a...
Category

1980s French Trouser Pant Suits

ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2000 "Eshu" Black Plaid Boiled Wool Fold Top Wrap Skirt
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2000 "Eshu" Black & Plaid Boiled Wool Fold Top Wrap Skirt Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Autumn / Winter 2000 “Eshu”; Runway...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Wrap Skirts

90s Gianfranco Ferre White Silk V Neck Sleeveless Gown
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s Gianfranco Ferre White Silk sleeveless gown with v neck satin lapel. Size: 40italy, fit size 6 US Perfect for wedding or rehearsal dinner.
Category

1990s Italian Wedding Dresses

Gianni Versace silk off-shoulder cropped blouse, ss 1993
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace silk off-shoulder cropped blouse with signature Versace print. Spring-Summer 1993
Category

1990s Italian Blouses

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "1940s Knit Dress", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

1940s Knit Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary 1940s knit dress you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. If you’re looking for an option in Black and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in Red, Beige and more.

How Much is a 1940s Knit Dress?

On average, a 1940s knit dress on 1stDibs sells for $499, while they’re typically $150 on the low end and $18,025 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Finding the Right Clothing for You

Start building your collection of covetable and iconic vintage clothing today — no matter where you roam, there is a curated selection of designer dresses and gowns, sweaters, shirts, dazzling shoes and more on 1stDibs that will keep you covered in the hottest styles from head to toe.

From elegant museum-worthy vintage Chanel dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing for sale on 1stDibs could talk, it would certainly make a statement. 

For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers — think John Galliano and Roberto Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures. 

Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino, Ralph Lauren and other titans of the era can take a simpler ensemble to the next level, while chic and practical suits from the likes of Christian Dior and Balmain endure for haute couture advocates and beyond. 

And vintage is the name of the game on today’s red carpets, too. Celebrity stylists are turning to archival pieces created by the likes of Bob Mackie, Thierry Mugler and Jean-Paul Gaultier as alternatives to new gowns plucked straight off the runway. Wearing such sought-after items gives celebrities instant allure and suggests a personal style that’s not only achingly glamorous but intellectually informed and influenced by a love of craftsmanship. 

Those seeking contemporary luxury looks and in-demand street-style fits can indulge in designs by Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu and Loro Piana, while pieces from Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace endure as examples of fashion’s most covetable goods. 

The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing. Find vintage clothing and accessories for sale on 1stDibs, including designs by Balenciaga, Valentino, Celine, Loewe and more.

Questions About 1940s Knit Dress
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    In the 1940s, ladies wore clothes defined by clean and slim silhouettes. The jackets, blouses and sweaters often featured shoulderpads and had somewhat of a military feel. Most dresses were quite casual and pants and playsuits became part of a woman's everyday style.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    In the 1920s, the flapper dress became a fresh new look for both day and evening wear. This shift dress hung from shoulder to just below the knee with a significant drop waistline. The evening versions of these dresses often featured lace, fringe, beadwork and luxe fabrics like chiffon, velvet and taffeta. Shop a collection of expertly vetted vintage flapper dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Many different styles of dress were popular in the 1990s, including the slip dress which became very common by the middle of the decade. Tastes and styles varied between regions and among people. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage 1990s dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To tell if a dress is from the 1960s or 1970s, first look for a label. You may be able to determine the approximate date of the dress simply by researching the designer using reputable online sources. Also, check the zippers. Dresses from the 1960s will usually have metal or nylon zippers. Ones from the 1970s are more likely to be plastic. You'll find a large selection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    In the 1990s, people dressed in different ways. Styles included grunge, modern preppy, hip-hop and goth. Some trends of the decade were slip dresses, plaid flannel shirts, long plaid skirts, overalls, combat boots and loose-fitting rolled jeans. Neon colors were popular for a time, as were fabric headbands and fabric-covered ponytail holders. Shop a selection of 90s vintage apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    There are a few options for how you should dress for a ’70s party. You can go for the hippie look with dramatic bell-bottoms, fringed jackets and vests and embroidered blouses, or try a sporty look by pairing a vintage tee with high-waisted, button-fly flared jeans and clogs or platform shoes. For a straight-from-the-disco aesthetic, look for surplice and halter dresses decked out in sequins. Men can make a 1970s-inspired statement with a leisure suit or bell-bottoms matched with a turtleneck. Aviator sunglasses are great accessories for both men and women. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of 1970s apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    The iconic dresses from the 1920s are called flapper dresses. This name comes from the term flapper, which was used to describe young women during the period who enjoyed personal fulfillment and independence in American cities, particularly as they gained the right to vote and enjoy other freedoms previously reserved for men. Flappers danced at jazz clubs and upended most societal restrictions placed on women at the time, and fashion statements typically attributed to flappers included short “bob” haircuts, higher hemlines and other then-audacious style choices. Find a selection of flapper dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    The dresses they wore in the 1960s varied depending on the time of day and the occasion. For everyday wear, many women opted for simply tailored frocks called shift dresses. They often featured bold geometric prints in eye-catching colors. In the evening, women tended to opt for gowns with plunging necklines, fitted waists and flowing full skirts. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage dresses from the 1960s.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    One of the most popular types of dresses during the 1980s was a tight-fitting sheath with oversized shoulder pads. Peplum accents were also common as were large puffy sleeves. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 1980s vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    1950s-style dresses are often called poodle skirt dresses. The dress is generally a fit-and-flare shape with a wide swing skirt. Another popular type of dress is the form-fitting sheath, also known as a pencil dress.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Flapper dresses from the 1920s came in a range of colors, although darker hues such as black and navy were immensely popular. Flapper dresses were cut with straight and slim silhouettes, were typically knee-length and had a lower neckline. They were often made from silk chiffon and featured beaded details. You’ll find a selection of 1920s flapper dresses from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 27, 2024
    What the dress style was called in the 1960s varied, as there were several types of dresses that were fashionable during the decade. At the start of the 1960s, many women wore swing dresses featuring fitted bodices and full skirts. Collared, button-up belted dresses called shirtwaist dresses were also popular, as were loose-fitting, flowy shift dresses. By the late 1960s, new styles emerged, such as flared, flowing tent dresses, sleeveless jumpers usually styled over sweaters and blouses and drop-waist dresses, which had their waist seams at the hips rather than the natural waist. Find a variety of 1960s dresses and other vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    Claire McCardell was the designer often called the Mother of American Fashion in the 1940s. An American designer, she helped introduce women's sportswear to the United States and was particularly well-known for her bias-cut, loose-fitting Monastic dress. When World War II broke out in the 1940s, she designed pieces out of readily available materials like denim, calico and wool jersey, introducing new fabrics for women's clothing that would remain popular well after the close of the war. Many people point to McCardell as one of the first successful American fashion designers. Shop a collection of Claire McCardell apparel on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    In the 1900s, wedding dresses typically looked like full, floor-length garments. Brides wore S-shaped corsets below the usually ruffled bodices, and most designs included large puff sleeves. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage wedding dresses from some of the world's top boutiques.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025
    The designer who became famous with her wrap dresses in the 1970s is Diane von Furstenberg. She debuted her first example in 1974. When creating the Wrap dress, von Furstenberg drew inspiration from the skirts worn by ballerinas. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the now-iconic dress, an exhibit called Diane von Furstenberg: Journey of a Dress was held at museums in the United States and abroad. On 1stDibs, explore a range of Diane von Furstenberg apparel and accessories.

Read More

Barbra Streisand Channeled Klimt’s ‘Woman in Gold’ in This Shimmering Dress

Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.

A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet

From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.

Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer

Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)

A Short History of Capri Pants, on the 100th Birthday of Their Inventor

Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.

How the Chanel Jacket Forever Changed What Women Wear

The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.

A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story

Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.

You Saw It at the Met Ball. Here’s What Camp Fashion Is Really About

This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.

The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior

Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.