Russian Boys' Clothes: Late 19th Century


Figure 1.--Military styles for boysm both army uniforms and sailor suits were popular uin Russia. Also note the boys shaved head.

French fashions in the late 19th Century were popular with aristocratic and affluent middle class families. This was an interesting development as France under Napoleon invaded Russian and occupied with considerable brutality much of European Russia. Never-the-less French culture in the late 19th century was dominate among the elite. Many spoke French at home rather than Russian. Dress styles were similar to those of France. Like French boys, little Russian boys also wore dresses. Peasant boys wore a tunic outfit that buttoned tightly around the neck. This style was also worn by boys from wealthy families and was the inspiration for the Russian blouse in Europe amd America. Military styles, especially sailor suits were especially popular. Cadet uniforms were commonly worn to school (figure 1). School age boys common had their heads shaved, although HBC is unsure just when this style was adopted. There could be major differences between middle class city children and rural peasant children. Se note peasant children in 1896.







Christopher Wagner





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Last updated: February 7, 1998
Created: July 31, 2000