Figure 1.--This offcolor, grey or tan middy blouse was a popular choice in America for summer play as it did not show the dirt like a white suit. Also notice the enlisted rating, ailor suits were always based on the styles for enlisted men, not officers.

Details on garment construction are sometimes difficult to assess from period photography and drawinmgs. Details from old patterns or modern photographs of actual historical clothing often provide much more detailed images. The color is one important piece of information lacking in contemporary photography. Close up on the sewing and enbroidery are also often lacking in period photograpy. While they are not perhaps as interesting as actual period photography, such information is important in assessing historical clothing.

The sailor suit and middy blouse is one of the most popular child's tyle. While boys no longer commonly wear it, it was once the most popular stylr for boys. This boy's middy blouse was dated about 1890-1910. It is a tan linen long sleeve blousewith a sailor collar. The collar and cuffs are decorated with brown braid and two brown embroidered stars. The approximate modern size is 7/8. While blue and white were the most popular colors for sailor suits, theybwere made in other cokors. This offcolor, grey or tan middy blouse was a popular choice in America for summer play as it did not show the dirt like a white suit.

Figure 2.--Notice the two stars making upmthe trim on the collar flap. Also notice the matching wrist cuff trim with the traditional three stripes.