Figure 1.-- Here we see two unidentified American boys. The snapshot is undated, but almost certainly was taken in the 1930s, probanly the late-30s. It is a little difficult to tell, but the boys look to be wearing white long stockings rather than knee socks with their knicker suits. Most boys wore knee socks with knickers in the 1930s. Long stockings, however, had not disappeared. We are guessing that mother here wanted the boys to look smart. But that is only a guess.

A formal dressy look was another factor that long stockings were worn. The advertising text most commonly stress the durability of long stockings. Less common are references to dress wear with formal garments. HBC believes, however, that long stockings were worn for dressing up. Images at some formal events do show boys in black or white long stockings, although this had become less common by the 1930s. We see mostly long stockings in the 1920s, but mostly knee socks in the 30s. Some catalog adds did refer to long stockings for dress wear. The dress stockings by the 1930s were a blended cotton fabric with rayon added. These were not bulky like ealier long stockings and with stocking suppoters could look very smart. This was very common in the 20s when long stockings wer very common, but less common in the 30s. For normal suits and occassions like parties and going to church, we mostlt see boys wearing knicker suits with knee socks, comonly with bold patterns. For relly formaal occassions like weddings, first communion, and other important events mothers often wanted boys to look extrenely smart. And as a result chose long stockings, usually meaning black or white stockings. Knee socks might fall down or have wrikles if not pulled up tight meaning the child might have to do this repeatedly. Held up by stocking supporters, long stockings were held firmly in place and pulled aught to give a smart look without wrinkles. And often mothers for these formal occassions did not want the bold, brightly colored patterns common with knee socks.

Created: 12:50 AM 6/13/2015
Last updated: 12:50 AM 6/13/2015