Tuesday, 10 January 2012 01:09
A little over a week ago we turned over a new leaf, welcoming 2012. And what would be a better way to celebrate a new beginning than embracing and appreciating the past? So what did the boys wear a century ago? In roaring 20-s? In turbulent 30-s? In flying 40-s?
American brothers; a Fauntleroy suit (1890s)
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A rumor has it, 19th century boys used to hate this fancy, elaborate style adored by their mothers. Little Lord Fauntleroy suits for boys were adorned with giant pleated collars and floppy bows. In Europe and North America knee pants/shorts were worn as outerwear only by young boys until they reached a certain height or maturity. When boys got older, typically around puberty, they would receive their first pair of long pants. In the 1890s, knee pants (an early type of short pants) became the standard wear for American boys. North American boys normally wore knee pants with long stockings, held in place by hose supporters. The older brother in this picture had obviously graduated to his first grown-up suit. |
German Schoolboy (1912)
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Striped shirt of this German schoolboy has fancy detachable white collar and floppy bow tie. Wide leather belt with a coin purse and metal embellishments must have been a source of pride or embarrassment… Well we would never know. |
American Brothers (1920s)
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The 1920s was a major turning point for boys' fashions. Short pants worn with knee length socks rapidly replaced knee length pants and long stockings. The growing popularity of the Boy Scout uniform played an important role in popularizing shorts. The trend was particularly popular in England and Continental Europe. The length of the shorts became shorter and shorter and even older boys wore thigh- high shorts by the end of the decade. In England shorts remained mostly just above the knees. American boys, except for the younger ones did not join this trend and the knicker suit was the dominant fashion. Even American Boy Scouts wore knickers. Older American boys wore knee pants. These American brothers are dressed in their best for the picture. The older boy sports double breasted suit and immaculate tie while his dark knickers and black stockings indicate he is still a boy. His little brother wears tamed down Lord Faunterloy suit with white collar and lacy wide cuffs and white long stockings that must have been T-sizes indicators. |
American Boys (1920)
Both boys sport knickers and white stockings held in place by a waist and supporters. You’ve got to love fancy long hair with curls; nautical blouse adorned with fancy buttons and adorable ankle strap, practically ballet flats, speaking the modern fashion Argo.
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American Boys (mid 20-s)
Double breasted jackets and ties replace sateen or silk blouses with big floppy bows in certain age, while knickers and long stockings continue ruling boys’ bottoms department. Knitted outfit with interesting collar and cuffs looks more relaxed yet still fancy thanks to the interesting collar, cuffs, white or beige stockings and adorable patent leather shoes.
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German boy on his first day of school (1928)
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A German boy on his first day of school photographed with the so-called goody cone. This is a charming German custom of presenting a cone full of "goodies" ("Zuckertüte or Schultüte") to children on their first day of school. The first day of school is a stressful time for most children and goody cone helped to ease (sweeten) the stressful experience. The first day cones include candy, school supplies, clothes, toys, etc. and the celebration is known as "Schulanfangfeier". Images from the early 20th century show that this was a very popular custom and it still continues in modern Germany. The cones vary greatly in size and are decorated in various ways. Some of the cones are nearly as large as the children. Our boy here sports knitted set with knitted tie and patterned shirt underneath. Crossbody bag (filled with school supplies maybe) and sailor hat complete this festive outfit. |
American boys (1930-s)
Check out this cute collared sweater! One-piece swim suits with shoulder straps were common for boys and men during the 1930s. Some swimming pools insisted that there be no bare chests as a matter of modesty and propriety. This boy, on vacation, looks as though he might be on his high school swimming team.
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Three German Brothers (1933)
Aw! These identically dressed brothers are so cute! Fancy trimmed suits with huge floppy gingham bows. Same trim appears on their button down shirts.
Swiss schoolboys ( 1930)
These boys sport belted! V-neck sweaters with interesting patterns and standard knee pants with black long stockings and Strapsleibchen (bodices with garters). We love chevron sweater pattern on a little rebel who unfastened his supporters and rolled his stockings down below the knee to make them look like knee socks.
Sears’ Garter Waist Ad (1936-37)
These torture devices were sold by Sears. Kids in the ad are wearing long stockings over button up rompers - union suits. The boy is wearing what came to be known as the Dr. Parker garter waists, or hose supporters with cinchers originally designed (or at least approved) by a physician to convince mothers that such waists were good for their children's posture.
Winterthur, Switzerland (kindergarten 1946)
These Swiss six-year-olds wear short trousers and long stockings with their hose supporter cinchers exposed. Check out these leather suspenders!
New York Shoe Shine Boys (40-s)
These fabulous Shoe Shine boys photographed by revered director Stanley Kubrick (courtesy of Smudgetikka) sport fashions that definitely inspired some of the popular trends we are seeing today: cardigans, berets, pattern mix – stripes and plaids.
Fashion designers often turn to the popular trends of the past for inspiration. And children’s fashion designers are not exception. Shorts suits, so popular in 20-s and 30-s were resurrected in Tom& Drew debut SS11 collection and are now popping in Spring collections of many designers including Appaman and Little Marc Jacobs SS 2012 collections. We are not sure about huge floppy bows and detachable collars but some of the styles and details are pretty inspiring.
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Tom & Drew Boys SS2011 |
Tom & Drew Boys SS2011 |
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Little Marc Jacobs SS2012 |
Appaman SS2012 |
*Photographs courtesy Karl'sfriend's and Smudgetikka
