Figure 1.-- These two brothers look close in age, probably about 11-13 years old. They have identical double-breasted knee pants suits. Notice how the younger brother wears a fancy Fauntleroy blouse and floppy bow. Also notice how the younger boy has his jacket open to show off the blouse.

Fauntleroy items were used in age grading, a common practice in the late 19th ad early-20th century. This was the practice of using clothing to emphazize age differences in children. This was a common practice for families at a time when it was common tonhave large families. We note yonger boys switching from skiets/kilts to knee pants Fauntleroy suits. The primary Fauntleroy items used for age grading somewhat older boys were floppy bows and lace or ruffle collars. We note instances in which boys might wear similar or even identical non-Fauntleroy suits and the yonger boys wear the Fauntleroybitems. And single boys might wear a suit with a floppy bow and Fauntrleroy collar for a year or two and then wear the same suit with more mature collars and neckwear. The paticular items, suit styles and ages of the boys varied from family to family.

Created: 1:36 AM 2/9/2008
Last updated: 1:36 AM 2/9/2008