Figure 1.--Black long stockings were the dominant hosiery for American children in the early 20th century. This unidentified American boy reads a "National Geographic" magazine, probably in the 1910s.

A HBC reader writes, "My friend in Texas tells me that her husband is in a play and will be playing the town lawyer and his wife and children will be playing his family. It's supposed to be in the 1890's in the Texas Panhandle and so far she will be making her 1-yera old son a longsleeve dress made out of a cotton "weaver's fabric". She is considering making him a striped jacket out of blue and crea flannel. We just need to know what to make for footwear. Would a child that age wear tights under the dress with knitted bootees on top? Would that be acceptable?" -- Yvette HBC streeses that we have not really worked on infants clothes. We can mention a few insights. First, children did not wear tights. Children's tights did not exist at the time. (They were worn by actors and gymnists/circus performers. Children's tights did not appear until the 1950s.) What you are probably referring to are long over the knee stockings--which of course in old photographs look rather like tights when the children are all dressed up. Second, long stockings were very common for American children until socks began to become more popular in the 1920s. The exception here is very young children. 1-3 years of age. They would more commonly wear socks, both short or three-quarter lengths usuall white. Third, when dressing up very young children might wear strap shoes. As to knitted booties, I just do not have information. By guess is that infants definited wore them, but as to the style I just can not help. I am sure that the Sears or Ward catalogs here will give you some ideas. Hopefully HBC readers might have some additional comments.

Created: October 31, 2001
Last updated: 8:34 PM 2/11/2009