Figure 1.--Utica Clothier offerdc a wide variety of sailor blouse suits in its 1903 catalog. They were done in various styles, fabrics, and colors. Here are two of the suits illustrated.

The sailor suit continued to be a popular style for boys during the 1900s, especially the early par oft the decade. We see the traditionally styling even more commonly than in the 1890s when we see more varied styles . Most were done as knee pants suits, although we see long pants suits as well. Knee pants were nearly universal for boys at the time. Sailor suits were the only outfits that boys might wear with lomg pants. The knee pants suirs were always picture as being worn with dark long stockings. The standard sailor suits with sailor blouses were commonly done in sizes 3-8 years. The dark navy blue suits were the most common, but we also see white suits for summer wear. We note a variety of sailor blouse outfits offered by the Utica Clothiers. two of which are illustrated. The company was based in DesMoines, Iowa who also had a catalog. The suits were offered in a wide range of fabric and colors.

Utica Clothiers

We notice the Utica Clothiers in the early-20th century. We know, however, very little about the company. We think they were a retailer rather than a manufscturer, but are not even sure about that. We do not know who founded the company, but believe it was I. and A. Friedlich. We do not know when the company was founded, but we see a 64-page catalog foe Spring and Summer 1903. That is a fairly good sized catalog, suggesting a firrly substantial store. The name comes from its location in the Utica Building, Sixth and Walnut Street, DesMoines, Iowa. The catalogue is for men's and boys clothes, although a fashionable lady is pictured on the cover. There are many illustrations. We also notice advertisements in the Des Moines Register Leader (September 28, 1904). We know the company was still going in the 1930s because they won the USCC Iowa State bowling trophy (1934). And we note reference to the New New Utica Clothier (1947).A

Sailor Suits

Sailor suits matching a blouse and pantts were one of the most enduring styles for boy. It was a style introiduced by the British royal family (1840s). We begin to see it in America diring (1860s), but it did not begin to become popular until (1870s). Sailor suits reached there peak of popularity in America (1890s). And we still see them in the early 1900s. They were never quite as popular in America as Europe after the turn-of-th 20 thcentury. They began to decline in popularity during the 19190s. They were other styles than the b;louse and pants suit, but this was the most common.

Sailor Blouse Suits

The ad copy read, "(Continued from page 42.) Plain blue Serges are the mos in demand for Blouse suits. Homespuns or wool Crashes [a fabric] are also quite popular , as well as a few select patterns in novelty Cheviots. Wasable fabrics will be popular for the summer.
Blue serges--Red, blue, black, or white trimmings, $2.95-12.50.
Colored serges--Red, Royal blue, brown, $3.50-7.50.
Cheviots--Plain blue twilled, $1.95-4.95; Stripes, plaids and mixturesd, $3.50-7.50.
Homespuns--Tans or grays, $4.95-7.50. Wool crashes--Tans, grays, stripes or overplaids, $4.95-7.50.
White serges--$8.50.
Washable fabrics--Duck, piques, crashes, chambrays, and madras in white, brown, red, blue, or stripes and checks, $1.00-5.00.

We cannot send samples of washable suits but will be pleased to send samples suits on approval, and pay return charges on such that do not please. The lines are particularly strong in white goods--Ducks, Piques and Madras."

Monogram Suits

Sailor blouses or sailor Norgolks suits from the finest serges may be had with the boy's initials embroidered on the sleve, at an additional cost of $2.00. Almost two weeks time is requested to execute an order of this kind, as the garment must be made special. We only make these in the better grades, selling without monogram, at $4.95 to $10.00. Suits made special are at customer's risk, and are not returnasble.

Illustrated Suits

The Utica Clothiers illustrated two of their blouse suits.

Sailor blouse suit

Sizes 3 to 8. This plate shows the Serge suit with black braid and trmmings, may also be hadwith red or white trimmings. The blouses are cut very full. Prices range, $1.95 to 8.50. Washable fabrics, $1.00 to 4.00.

Sailor blouse suits

Sizes 3 to 8. Some of the finer fabrics are made with extra collar aznd shield of red, blue or while silk. This plate also shows the momogram on sleeve which will be furnished for $2.00 extra. Without monogram, $4.95 to 12.50. Washable fabrics, $1.00 to 4.00.

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Created: 10:56 PM 8/28/2011
Last updated: 10:56 PM 8/28/2011