Figure 1.--This boy in a wedding held about 1930 wears a suit that he will be able to many other occasions. In this case, the boys wears a light-colored double breasted suit. I'm not sure what country this image is from. The boy looks to be about 5-6 years old. |
The second type of costume used for ringer bearers is a regular boy's suit. It may be purchased especially for a wedding, but the boy will be able to wear it for other events as well. This is usually the choice for less expensive weddings. While the people involved are usually not poor, still using a suit that can be used again makes good sence. Even some of these suits may not be worn often. Dark suits are now seen as a conservative choice and can be worn for various occasions. The darl suit convention was not as established in the 1920s and 30s and boys wore a wide variety of suits. A white suit, however, has more limited uses. The Eton short pants suit has become the standard style for a ring bearer. An older boy, however, may wear a standard suit with lapels.
The Eton short pants suit has become the standard style for a ring bearer. An older boy, however, may wear a standard suit with lapels.
The Eton suit, usually with short pants and kneesocks, since the 1950s has been a popular choice for a ring bearer costume. Both white and dark blue or black suits are worn.
A HBC reader comments on the image here, "I think it would be helpful to approximate the boy's age. I do note he is wearing oxford tie shoes. A double breasted sport jacket and short pants suit with a bow tie and normal shirt. The white knee socks are also notable. This wedding suggests that the ring boy outfit was not very important and that the color was more important than dictating a special style. I think that may differentiate fancier from less fancy suits." HBC reply: The boy looks to be about 5-6 years old. I woudn't say that the color of the suit was that important. I'm not sure what color it is, but unless it is an unusual color, it looks to be a suit that the boy could wear in many other occasions. There does not appear to be any fancy features at all. In fact the suit looks like one a much older boy could have easily worn in the 1930s."
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