Handbags Were Not Rationed During WWII

Leather was in short supply during World War II as it was being used for the war effort. While shoes were rationed, handbags were not. Still, purse manufacturers themselves were under ration orders, which is why they turned to unconventional materials during the war. Many of their designs were modeled on the bags made by home-crafters.

Original shoe ration coupon from the collection of The Vintage Purse Museum.