Figure 1.--Here we see 8-year old Charlotte in a white dress with a large lace collar. Note the hair bow. Charlotte wears long black stockings and high-top shoes. Drawing by Birte Koch.

Children's clothing styles included many 19th century styles. There were, however, some changes. Younger boys were no longer commonly outfitted in dresses. There was still condiderable formaility in dress, but some informal styles appeared for younger children. One of these informal styles for boys was tunic suits, often worn with short pants. The single most popular outfit for boys was the sailor suit. Imperial Germany was building a modern Navy as well as overseas colonies. Boys wore sailor suits in many different styles. Younger boys also had close-cropped hair cuts. Girls still always wore dresses. Hems were higher after the turn of the 20th century. White dresses wee very poular, but we note colored dresses as well. The neck level was normlly very high. The hems were normally about calf level, but could be higher for younger girls. Both boys and girls wore long stockings, but might wear short socks during the summer. Many girls wore long hair, often with hair bows. Of course we know much more about the children's outer clothing because of our expanding archive of photographic images. Here we see a mix of old and new styles that are family wore. We have chosen a range of Summer styles for the children. Readers can view the various pages by garments are by Berger family member.

Garments

Children's clothing styles after the turn of the 20th century included many 19th century styles. There were, however, some changes. Younger boys were no longer commonly outfitted in dresses. There was still condiderable formaility in dress, but some informal styles appeared for younger children. One of these informal styles for boys was tunic suits, often worn with short pants. The single most popular outfit for boys was the sailor suit. Imperial Germany was building a modern Navy as well as overseas colonies. Boys wore sailor suits in many different styles. Some were detailed with traditional stripes while others were very plain. Younger boys also had close-cropped hair cuts. Girls still always wore dresses. Hems were higher after the turn of the 20th century. White dresses were very poular, but we note colored dresses as well. The neck level was normlly very high. The hems were normally about calf level, but could be higher for younger girls. Both boys and girls wore long stockings, but might wear short socks during the summer. Dark long stockings were common, but some children, especially girls, might wear long stockings. Many girls wore long hair, often with hair bows.

The Children

Families at the time tended to be larger than modern families. Modern German families often only have only one child. Families with more than two children are a destinct minority. Families with several children were quite common in the 1900s. Readers can also follow the getting dressed project by each child. Families at the time tended to be larger than modern families. Modern German families often only have only one child. Families with more than two children are a destinct minority. Such families were quite common in the 1900s. The Berger children are Klara (almost 1 year old), Friedrich (4 years), Margarete (5 years), Charlotte (8 years), and Hans (12 years). Baby Klara and Friedrich are still at home. Margarete would be old enough for Kindergarten, but Kindergartens were not yet widespread in the early 1900s. Charlotte has begun primary school Hans has begun the Gynamium. We have chosen a middle-class family living in a city under comfortable circumstances.

Created: 10:16 PM 11/19/2005
Last updated: 10:16 PM 11/19/2005