Figure 1.--"Parents Magazine" in he 1920s had a regular department for patterns of children's clothes. Various types of clothing were illustrated in drawings, and the reader could order the appropriate pattern by number by writing to the magazine editor. The magazine offered this reefer coat and Eton suit in 1927 |
American mail order catalogs offer a very useful time line on changing fashion trends. Flat caps were the mosdt common headwear. We see various styles of suits. Knickers were still very commonly worn. worn. Long pants were becoming increasingly common. Younger boys still wire short pants, especially in the summer. We note patterns for coats and suits offered by Paren's Magazine. Long stockings still being widely sold. Adds for long stockings show the new longer length needed for shorter clothing. Also the new lighter colored browns and tans are prevalent. Cotton has replaced wool as the most common materrial. Kneesocks were increasing in popularity. Underwear might be underwaists or waist suits. Several companies specialized in boys clothing, such as Kaynee.
American boys were increasingly wearing shirts, but blouses were still available. Both blouses and shirts were offered by Kaynee.
At this time we only have information on two suits styles offered as patterns by Parents Magazine.
Parent's Magazine offered a pattern for a boy's double-breasted Reefer Coat; convertible collar. Designed for ages 8, 10, 12, and 14 years. Notice the Norfolk styling and the neat collar and tie worn underneath. The boy wears a cap with a bill, above-the-knee knickers, patterned knee socks with cuffs, and oxford shoes."
Parent's Magazine pffered a pattern for a boy's single-breasted two-piece suit; side-closing short trousers.
Designed for ages 4, 6, 8, and 10 years. Notice the matching peaked cap and the interestingly patterned knee socks--also the shoes with rather extravagant bow laces.
Boys wore both short pants and knickers in 1927. Knickers were very common. Short pants were generally seen as more suitable for youunger boys. This can be seen in a Kaynee adertisement.
Kneesocks were growing in popularity, but long stockings were still commonly worn in 1927. Boys wearing knickers wore both kneesocks and long stockings. Kneesocks were becoming increasing popular with older boys. Ankle socks were beginning to be worn, but not commonly with knickers. Younger boys wearing short pants might still wear long stockings during the cooler month.
The 1927 Sears catalog offered long stockings for both boys and girls. This style was marketed for both boys and girls in sizes up to 9 1/2 years. They were still available in the dark brown and black which were the most common colors in the 1910s and early 20s. The new lighter tan color had appeared. White was available, but was not very popular with boys. Cotton had become the principal material. The add stressedcthat they were trim and neat with elastic ribbed legs.
Underwear in 1927 still seems rather old fashioned. Modern less cumbersome styles were just beginning to appear in the late 1920s. Many styles of underwear included support features for both pants and long stockings. An important manufacturer was Nazareth.
These are basic sleeveless bodices for boys and girls between the ages of 2 and 12. Notice the two reinforcement straps over each shoulder with waist buttons sewn on the tapes for the attachment of additional clothing--panties, short pants, skirts, etc. At each side there are metal pinning tubes for attaching hose supporters so that long stockings can be worn. The waist is knitted and fits the body closely, affording extra warmth in winter.
Here we have images of three different styles of waist union suits made and advertised by the Nazareth Waist Co. These waist suits are gender-neutral--all three styles worn by both boys and girls. The main line of waist union suits was intended for boys and girls between the ages of 2 and 13, but larger sizes for children 14-15 years old were available by special request.
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