Figure 1.--This was a boys school where all the children had to wear school smocks. A few of the boys, however, do not have their white collars or bows. The photograph was taken in 1972.

Both boys and girls wore school smocks in Italy. We believe that the Government required both boys and girls to wear them, but we have few historical details at this time. We believe that smocks may have been worn by older girls than boys. Also as smocks became a parental matter rather than Government and school regulations that they have become more common for girls than boys. Historically HBC is not sure what color smocks boys and girls wore. In more recent years, Italian boys generally wore dark-colored smocks. Girls and very young boys have been more likely to wear light-colored smocks, often with Peter Pan collars. Both boys and girls wore the smocks with wide Peter Pan collars. In more recent years, the Peter Pan collars have become less common for the boys. We have noted some boys wearing smocks with pointed collars. White smocks seem to have become more common in recent years and are worn by boys and girls. Both boys and girls wear large white collars and floppy bows. White collars are still common, but today the bows are less commonly worn for both boya and girls.

Created: May 22, 2001
Last updated: March 4, 2002