Vintage 1940s to 1950s British Navy WRENS Rayon Side Button High Waist Split Skirt Shorts RARE Size XS to L

♛Killer vintage athletic shorts or "divided skirts, as they are referred to on their labels" -- these are British women's military regulation wear in a perfect navy blue color. These beauties hail from the WRNS (nicknamed "Wrens"), the women's branch of the British Royal Navy.

Soft and swingy rayon, amazing to the touch -- they really move when worn. The prettiness of a skirt, the ease and romping fun of shorts. I bought out two pairs from the shop just so I'll (hopefully) never be without these comfy, stylish shorts!

Some date to WWII on the labels (see the date in label photo) and some as late as the early 1950s. Dates and labels vary slightly as this uniform style was made and used over at least a decade, but the style remains the same.

Whether you are a vintage purist or you love to mix and match with modern, these shorts are on point (and I daresay way cuter in person!). Shorts and sportswear from this era at any price is scarce, and these are straight-up amazing. You don't want to miss owning a pair...my own pairs are in heavy rotation three seasons out of the year!

•high waist with deco seaming

•big side buttons to close

Most if not all pieces have their original military regulation tags inside. The shorts shown are an example pair only; the pair you will receive is the same style and color. There may be tiny natural variations.

♛Measurements

Do not go by any interior size labels on these; the original size tags are not always correct! Please select from the following collection using the drop-down menu.

These are the measurements of the shorts themselves, so be sure to allow extra room for fit and ease. (Note: if they are too large for you, they are easy to alter smaller as these uniform pieces were designed with alterations/customization in mind. They all have generous extra fabric allowances running down the rear waist and booty seam, as well.)

Size 22

Waist about 22"
Hips about 34"
Inseam about 5"
Outseam about 16"
Rise about about 14"

Size 23

Waist about 23"
Hips about 34"
Inseam about 5"
Outseam 17 1/2"
Rise about 14"

Size 24

Waist about 24"

Hips about 35"/snug 36"

Inseam about 5"

Outseam about 15 1/2"

Rise about 14"

Size 25

Waist about 25"

Hips about 36"/snug 37" 

Inseam about 5"

Outseam about 18"

Rise about 14 1/2"

Size 26

Waist about 26"

Hips about 36"

Inseam about 5"

Outseam about 18 1/2"

Rise about 15"

Size 27

Waist about 27"

Hips about 38"/39"

Inseam about 5 1/2" to 6"

Outseam about 19"

Rise about 15"

Size 28

Waist about 28"

Hips 40"

Inseam about 5" to 6"

Outseam about 19 1/2"

Rise about 15 1/2"

Size 30

Waist about 30"

Hips about 42"

Inseam about 5" to 6"

Outseam about 19 1/2"

Rise about 15 1/2"

Size 31

Waist about 31"

Hips about 43"

Inseam about 5" to 6"

Outseam about 20"

Rise about 16"

♛Condition

Great vintage shape, sold as-found. Collectible pieces of military history dating from 70 to 80 years ago. 

On rare occasion, it's reasonable that there may be a tiny imperfection, but we look each piece over individually to cull out any noticeable issues.

They have been in storage untouched for many decades. Hand-washing or dry-cleaning recommended.

Some have loose strings from the manufacturing process or fold lines from being packed away for decades. Some have pleats still tacked down with a white thread to keep them in place that was meant to be removed before first wearing.

Note: buttons are held on with thread dating to the era of the shorts and may require eventual reinforcement. We can't warranty vintage, but these are sturdy pieces that were meant to be worn hard and to last!

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Our pieces are true vintage with a history and a past life, not newly made reproductions. Please be familiar with vintage clothing and read over our shop policies before purchasing. We are happy to answer any questions you might have to help you with online purchasing.