Figure 1.--"Modes et travaux" in its November 1941 issue offered a pattern for this younger boy's suit. The pattern was for a 5-year old. Note the similarity to an American Eton suit, except that the jacket has lapels. It is also worn with a belt rather than suspender shorts. |
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 suit for a younger boy described here is one of those outfits. The inference is that these outfits would have been worn with capes on rainy days.
Modes et travaux in its November 1941 issue offered a rather plain suit for a younger boy with a short jacket. It was similar to the eton suits younger American boys were
wearing, but the short jacket had lapels. There were also a button-on play suit and a fancy button-on suit as well as various capes.
The ad copy for the fancy outfit shown here reads, "75: Costume en serge marine, la veste courte est ornée de poches passepoilées, blouse chemise en toile crème. Mét. pour 5 ans: 1m. 10 en 1 m. 25." This would translate as, "Marine serge suit, the short jacket is decorated wity braided pockets, chemise blouse in cream-coloured fabric. Measurements: for 5 years: 1m. 10 in 1 Mr. 25."
Note that the boy is illustrated as wearing his suit with ankle socks. HBC believes that an older boy may have been more likely to wear kneesocks.
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