Figure 1.--"Modes et travaux" in its November 1941 issue offered pattern for a tartan cape. I believe it could have been worn by a girl or boy as tartan was commonly worn by both. Also the hood tie is more of a scarf than a bow. Note the leggings. Click on the image to see other capes offered on the samde page. |
Modes et travaux in its November 1941 issue offered patterns for several outfits and a suit for younger boys as well as capes that could be worn by boys and girls. The age for each garment is not specified, but they appear to be for children 4-6 years of age.
Modes et travaux was perhaps the most important French sewing magazine in the 1940s. During the German occupation after 1941, clothing became increasingly difficult to obtain. Thus sewing your own or your family's clothing became increasingly important. The title reads, "Filles ou Garçons aiment le Capuchon". That would translate as, "Boys and girls like capes", stressing the capes that appeared on the same page as the little boys' outfits. The author then goes on to describe six different garments or outfits. The cloak shown here is one of the garments. The inference is that these capes on rainy days could be worn with the other outfits shown.
Modes et travaux in its November 1941 issue besides these capes also offered pattern for two styles of outfits for little boys. There was a capes worn with wellies. There was a button-on outfit play suit. There was also a fancy button-on outfit. There was also a suit for a slightly older boy.
The ad copy for the cape reads as follows: 72: "Cape en lainage écossais, le capuchon amovible se fixe par une écharpe nouée devant. Métrage pour 6 ans: 1 m. 35 en 1 m. 20." This would translate as "Cape or wrap in Scottish tartan wool, the removable hood is secured by a scarf tied in front. Measuring for 6 year old: 1 Mr. 35 in 1 Mr. 20."
Note that this child wear his or her cape with leggings. I'm not sure to what age children wore leggings or what the gender connotations were. This cape probablty could have been worn by a boy or girl. The tartan could be worn by a girl or younger boy. There is a scarf rather than a bow tie. HBC notes however that the term "cape" is used. On the same opage a girl's cape is callded a "cape" and a boy's cape is called a "manteau".
The cape was more commom in France than other countries. They were not worn in America or Britain. I'm am less certain about Italy. They were also worn by older boys and girls and were adopted at part of the school uniform in some private schools. Navy blue capes were especially common. See for example Au revoir les enfants.
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