Figure 1.--.

We have noted Russian boys wearing all the different types of pants commonly worn in Western Europe. This has included kneebreeches in the 18th century, long pants and kneepants in the 19th century, and knickers, short pants, and long pants in the 20th century. Conventions and styles were similar to trends in the West although the chronology was often slightly different. HBC has very limited information on Russian pants styles during the 19th century. There were of course major difference between the urban population and the large rural population. After World War I, kneepants disappeared and Russian boys began wearing long pants. Short pants were also worn, often with long stockings. Russian boys clothes began to change in the 1960s. The Iron Curtain could not keep out Western youth culture, although those trends did lag chronolgically. Jeans became a fashion sensation in the 1960s. By the 1970s Soviet boys were wearing jeans and short pants during the summer, although there were uniforms for school. We notice knickers being worn through the 1970s, but they do not appear to have been very popular. Very short-cut shorts quite common in 1970s and early 1980s. Social class and demographic factors affected the pants worn by Russian boys.

Chronology

HBC has very limited information on Russian pants styles during the 19th century. There were of course major difference between the urban population and the large rural population. After World War I (1914-18) and the Revolution, kneepants disappeared and Russian boys began wearing long pants. Short pants were also worn, often with long stockings during the cold winter months. Russian boys clothes began to change in the 1960s. The Iron Curtain could not keep out Western youth culture, although those trends did lag chronolgically. Jeans became a fashion sensation in the 1960s. By the 1970s Soviet boys were wearing jeans and short pants during the summer, although there were uniforms for school. We notice knickers being worn through the 1970s, but they do not appear to have been very popular. Very short-cut shorts quite common in 1970s and early 1980s. The Russian cliamte, however, placed seasonal limits on short pants, especially when long stockings went out of style. Russian boys in the 1990s began wearing the same baggy shorts and pants worn in Western Europe.

Types

We have noted Russian boys wearing all the different types of pants or trousers commonly worn in Western Europe. This has included kneebreeches in the 18th century, long pants and kneepants in the 19th century, and knickers, short pants, and long pants in the 20th century. Conventions and styles were similar to trends in the West although the chronology was often slightly different. Knickers do not appara to have been as common in Ruissia as in America nmd Western Europe, but we notice them being worn even intpo the 1970s. Russia's climate mitigated agaonst short pants being as common as in Western Europe, although many mothers solved this problem by having bous wear shorts with liong stockings. Some boys also wore shorts with tights. Jeans became as fashion standard for boys in the 1970s. As in Western Europe, boys now mostly dress up in long pants and wear short panmts as casual attire futing the summer.

Social Class

Social class affected the pants worn by Russian boys. Russia until after World War II (1939-45) was a largely agricultural country. This was especially true in the 19th century. Tsar Alexander II abolished serfdom in 1861, however, the economic impact of serfdom conyinued for decades after. The rural population was the great bulk of the country. Serf and other rural boys tended to wear baggy pants looking rather like leggings. I am not sure precisely what to call them. Only the small middle class in the city wore fashionable European clothes, including sailor suits worn with kneepants and other styles popular in Western Europe. The Industrial Revolution came late to Russia, but was well underway by the late 19th centurty. Living conditions among the urban working class were deplorable. Available photographs of the children of workers odten show them in rags. Boys often are barefoot and wear long pants--often the worn out clothing of their fathers or older brothers.

Demographic Factors

Demographic gactors also affected the types and styles of pants worn by Russian boys. Rural poverty and the contiuing impact of serfdom meant that the leggings once worn by serf boys and peasants continued to be worn in througout the 19th and even into the 20th century. During the Tsarist era and the Soviet period, decission making and economic power was highly centralized. This was reflected in clothing as well as other areas. People in Moscow and St. Petersburg/Leningrad tended to be the most affluent and this wore the most stylish clothing. This continues to be the case even in Russia today.

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Created: November 20, 2002
Last updated: November 20, 2002