Skip to product information
1 of 9

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

Regular price $122.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $122.00 CAD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size

♛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.

The fabric is 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 of these dolls date to WWII on the labels (see the date in label photo) and some have dates as late 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 pair is in heavy rotation three seasons out of the year!

•high waist with deco seaming

•big side buttons to close

Our shop partner was cool enough to score a large and complete collection of deadstock/unworn early women's military pieces, and these are part of that collection. 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. Deadstock, unworn, 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!

To keep our price points low and friendly for what these are, all deadstock military collection pieces are sold as-found with NO returns, exchanges, or cancellations, so please check sizing carefully before ordering and ask any questions prior to purchase. 

••••••

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.

Return & Refund Policy

Vintage is sold as-is and all sales are final. All vintage garments will show signs of previous wear and use, including deadstock and unworn pieces. We take extra care to note and/or photograph any imperfections we find. You can read our thousands of happy reviews on Etsy and eBay for an idea of the quality and high standards we strive to keep.

Shipping

SPECIAL NOTE:

All items purchased during our sale ship Feb 5th, 2024. We do not have access to inventory before then, and the sale discounts are to thank you for your patience.

Shipping

Be sure your address is correct and up to date. We aren't responsible for items marked as DELIVERED that have been misplaced or stolen after delivery, so be sure you are shipping to a secure location.

Insurance is ALWAYS available for an upgrade.

We are not responsible for delays that happen that are outside of our personal control. 

Expedited/Express shipping is often available for an additional fee. Contact us before purchasing any item(s) you need expedited in order to arrange for this upgrade.

VAT and Import Taxes

Buyers outside the US: we love you! Please be aware, though, that you are responsible for any taxes, VAT, or other fees imposed by your country.

Items returned to us by your postal service for non-payment of taxes will incur re-shipping costs. If you do not pay to reship in a timely manner (10 days or fewer) your order will be considered abandoned and returned to inventory or donated. 

1 of 4