Figure 1.--Here is a CDV portrait of three English brothers, probably in the early-1880s. The writing on the back is a little unclear, but the bys look to be Cuthbert (7 years old), Albert (10 years), and Arthur (12 years). It is a good example of the different styles of suits boys wore at different ages. The yougest boy, Cuthbert, wears a sailor suit. He probsably began his preparatotry school at about 7-8 years of age and at about this time probably stopped wearing sailor suits. Albert wore a collar-buttoning suit with an Eton collsar. The oldest boy, Arthur, wears an Eton sdchool, perhaps the uniform at his public sdchool. The studio was S. Catford. The city appeas to be Ilfracombe.

The types of suits worn by Ebnglish boys could vary substantially depending on the age of the boy. This was not the case as late as the 18th century. The skeleton suit which appeared in the late-18th century was the first dedicated boy's outfit. And boys commonly wore destinctive suits throughout the 19th and the first half of the 20th century. And there were different styles for boys depending on their age. Younger boys might wear kilt suits, Fauntleroy suits and sailor suits. Somewhat older boys might wear Eton suits or suits with Eton collars. As boys moved into their teens they begsan to wear more adult-looking suits. The styles and the age cpnventions varies over time. Social class was another factor thst affected the typoe oif suit worn sat different ages.

Created: 10:51 PM 7/15/20053
Last updated: 5:10 AM 11/18/2008