Wolverine Suspender Waists (1906)


Figure 1.-- An advertisement for the Wolverine suspender waist appeared in "The Youth's Companion" January 18, 1906. The reference to hockey is seasonal. This suspender waist is very similar in construction and design to the Kazoo suspender waist (see the HBC Kazoo page), and indeed I suspect that what is here referred to as the "Wolverine" waist is just an earlier designation of the Kazoo.

Here is ad for a Wolverine Suspender Waist. This one is a bit different from the one we have already loaded in the 1905 section in that it emphasizes both durability and neatness as desidered in boys' dress. A diagram at the bottom right illustrates the construction of the suspender waist showing how trousers and stockings are attached. Note that the garment is made for boys from 4 to 16 years of age. Presumably in 1906 most boys began wearing long trousers when they turned 17 and would therefore no longer need supporters for long stockings. We have, however, noted even older boys wearing kneepants. The text of the ad is quite revealing about boy's dress in 1906.

Sprial Mfg. Co.

Wolverine was a brand name of the Sprial Mfg. Co., Kalamazoo, Michigan." We know virtualy nothing about the company at this time. The brand name Wolverine apparently changed to Kazoo (related to Kalamazoo, Michigan, the town of origin), and the distributor eventually became the Harris Co. of New York City. Kazoo Suspender Waists eventually were sold by Sears and Roebuck through their catalogs. Note the prize offered with the purchgase of this waist. This appeared to have been a popular sales tactic at the turn of the century.

The Youths' Companion

An advertisement for the Wolverine suspender waist appeared in The Youth's Companion January 18, 1906, p. 35. The publication described itself as "An Illustrated Weekly Paper For Young People and the Family." It was established in 1827. The magazine was published in Boston, Massachusetts, by the Perry Mason Company, 201 Columbus Avenue. It appeared under this title until 1929. It was in the late 19th century one of the most popular weekly periodicals in America and known for the quality of the writing. The magazine catered to teen-age boys and girls especially, containing articles on sports, on hobbies, and on various literary and cultural interests. But it was really a family magazine and had many advertisements for clothing, both adult and children's. The magagazine had a very strict policy about the advertising carried because its readers were mostly children.

Long Stockings

In 1905 all boys up to at least age 16 wore knee pants with long stockings, almost invariably black stockings.

Support Devices

Long stockings needed a device to support them. Underwaists to which hose supporters were attached were somewhat unpopular with older boys, who preferred the more masculine "suspender waist"--a combination of suspenders for trousers and stocking supporters in a single garment that was more athletic in design and less restrictive than an underwaist.

Suspender Waists

Suspender waists were a support garment to hold up other garments. So-called “suspender waists” were invented at the turn of the 20th century and were popular mainly with boys who wore knee pants and needed a way of supporting their long stockings—almost always black. Although some models of the suspender waist (such as Kazoo) were manufactured in styles that could be worn also by girls, the main wearers of these waists were boys. They were called “suspender waists” because they combined trousers suspenders with hose supporters and had leather suspender attachments for holding up knee pants in addition to hose supporters for long stockings. The style did not last very long and was most popular during the 1910s. N.B. Suspender waists are not to be confused with the older style of garter waists (such as the Dr. Parker waist) which also had suspender-like straps over the shoulders, a waist belt (sometimes with waist buttons for outer clothing), and hose supporters. With true suspender waists only the garter part of the waist can be classified as underwear because the shoulder straps would be visible (like ordinary modern suspenders) on top of a shirt.

The Garment

Here is ad for a Wolverine Suspender Waist. This one is a bit different from the one we have already loaded in the 1905 section in that it emphasizes both durability and neatness as desidered in boys' dress. A diagram at the bottom right illustrates the construction of the suspender waist showing how trousers and stockings are attached.

Age

Note that the garment is made for boys from 4 to 16 years of age. Presumably in 1906 most boys began wearing long trousers when they turned 17 and would therefore no longer need supporters for long stockings. We have, however, noted even older boys wearing kneepants. Some boys at the time wore kneepants or knickers all thrugh high school.

Ad Copy

The text of the ad is quite revealing about boy's dress in 1906. The Ad copy read, "Wolverine Suspenders and Hose Supporters adjust themselves to the most violent exercise. Any boy can skate better, play better hockey or any other game when he wears Wolverine Comgination Suspenders and Hose Supporters. They hold the stockings neat and trim and the trousers firm and even, giving a neat, up-to-date appearance to the boy. The Wolverine Combination Suspenders and Hose Supporters will outwear two common pairs of suspenders and common hose supporters. Untidy stockings give any boy a slovenly appearance. Wolverine Combination Suspenders and Hose Supporters are sold by all first-class dealers. Price 50 cents. Special Offer. 15 cents for a Name. If your dealer does not carry the Wolverine Combination Suspenders and Hose Supporters, send us his name and 35 c., stating the size you wish, we will send you the Hose Supporters prepaid. Sizes 4 to 16 years. Free to Boys. A beautiful water-colored Wolverine Indian Head, with mirror on reverse side, to every boy purchasing a pair of our Wolverine Comgination Suspenders and Hose Supporters. Just send us the sale slip with the word Wolverine on it, or send us money direct. Always look for the word Wolverine on buckle. Spiral Manufacturing Co., Kalamazoo, Michigan."






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Created: 3:31 AM 2/6/2005
Last updated: 1:56 AM 2/7/2005