Figure 1.--This photograph shows some of the different collar styles worn by the boys. Eton collars dominated. Most were worn with ties, but some without neckwear. Several boys wearing soft cllars did not even button them. We think that many schools did not take such a casual approach. |
Eton collars and Norfolk suits were common. The most common collar type worn by the boys was the Eton collar, which was a detachable collar. Over half the boys wear them. Dress styles at the school seem rather relaxed. Quite a number of boys do not wear them. There are even boys with unnbuttoned collars. One would have thought that for a formal portrait the boys would have had to dress up. This suggests that the boys were not required to wear their Eton collars during the day. Church or other special occasions, may have been different, but the portrit suggests a very casual approach at the school. Some boys seem to be wearinf soft collars and at least one boy wears a turtle neck. There is also considerable differences as to the neckwear worn with the Eton and other collars.
Eton collars were the dominate collar style. Many boys, however, do not wear them and they do not seem to be required.
Eton collars and Norfolk suits were common. The most common collar type worn by the boys was the Eton collar, which was a detachable collar. There is some differences in the size of these collars. Most of the boys wear them outside their coats. Over half the boys wear them. Quite a number of boys do not wear them. Here we have a question. Suffield Park was surely a boarding school. We think that is likely that all of these boys' parents included Eton collars with their school kit. As a result, it seems that once at school, these boys were allowed to chose whether to wear their Eton collars or not. We are unsure as to how common this relaxed approach was at preparatory schools in the 1890s.
Some boys seem to be wearing soft collars. Some of these boys did not even button their collars for the portrait.
One boy wears a turtle neck.
There is also considerable differences as to the neckwear worn with the Eton and other collars. The most common neckwearwith Eton collars eems to be a large necktie knot. We note, however, that many boys button their collars with out any neckwear. We note one boy wearing a small bow.
Dress styles at the school seem rather relaxed. One would have thought that for a formal portrait the boys would have had to dress up. This suggests that the boys were not required to wear their Eton collars during the day. Church or other special occasions, may have been different, but the portrait suggests a very casual approach at the school.
Related Chronolgy Pages in the Boys' Historical Web Site
[The 1880s]
[The 1930s]
[The 1940s]
[The 1950s]
[The 1960s]
[The 1970s]
[The 1980s]
Related Style Pages in the Boys' Historical Web Site
[Long pants suits]
[Short pants suits]
[Socks]
[Eton suits]
[Jacket and trousers]
[Blazer]
[School sandals]