What we had to wear

Many underclothes were knitted for children - usually out of rewound wool.
This meant that a variety of colours would be used in the knickers.
The picture shows a vest and knickers for girls. Similar patterns were available for boys.
Not the most ideal of underwear but during WW2 everyone had to make do.

Here is a picture of a knitted bathing costume.
If any older viewer can remember the inconvenience of these you will probably be sitting tittering to yourself.
The sagginess between the crotch as you emerged from the sea or swimming pool had to be seen to be believed.
It took the one wearing it quite a while to master the waddling steps they had to make until they could get somewhere private to wring out the crotch.
Very uncomfortable indeed!!

Unlike nowadays, when they are mainly worn by babies and toddlers, Siren Suits during WW2 were available for most age groups. The one on the right is in sizes to fit children aged up to thirteen.