*** sailor suits: chronology








Sailor Suits: Chronology--Century Trends

sailor suit chroonolgy
Figure 1.--This English boy was from Blackpool, or at least had his portrait taken there. Blackpool was an important beach resort. It is undated, but we would guess it was taken in the late-1870s, although the early-80s is possible. Notice the bow and Eton collar worn eith the suit and the bold stripes on the kneepants.

Boys commonly wore sailor suits in both the 19th and 20th centuries. For about 100 yers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries it was among the most popular styles for boys and became a major style for girls as well. Major changes in children's clothing had occurred in the late-18th and early-19th centuries. Another major innovation was the sailor suit wjich appered in the mid-19th century. Queen Victoria is usually given credit for the innovation, although we are not entirely sure if some may have introduced the innovation erlier. It took a while for the fashion to cathch on with the general public, but it gradully grew in popularity and spread to many other countries. There were many stlistic variations. Girls began wearing sailor suits as well by the 1860s abd was a major stylistic influence by the 1870s. By the late-19th and early-20th centuries the sailor suit was among the most popular style for boys and girls. The sailor suit continued to be widely worn in the Edwardian era. After World War I it began to decline in popularity for boys. A factor here was the popularity among girls. Older boys began turning away from sailor suits, although varird substantially from country to country. Aftr World War II only very young boys wore sailor xuits, although many girls' dresses continued to be done with sailor styling.

The 19th Century

Major changes in children's clothing had occurred in the late-18th and early-19th centuries. A range of more comfortable, loose fitting styles appeared. English children were among the first to be emancipated. Another major innovation was the sailor suit wjich appered in the mid-19th century. Queen Victoria is usually given credit for the innovation, although we are not entirely sure if some may have introduced the innovation erlier. It took a while for the fashion to catch on with the general public, but it gradully grew in popularity and spread to many other countries. There were many stylistic variations, often divering in various ways from the traditioal uniforms of the Royal Navy. Styls were developed from the uniforms of other naional navies. Some styistic innovations were more styles of fashion. Girls began wearing sailor suits as well by the 1860s abd was a major stylistc influence by the 1870s. By the late-19th the sailor suit was among the most popular style for boys and girls.

The 20th Century

The sailor suit by the early-20th century was among the most popular style for both boys and girls. Although we note that the style was more popular in other countries than in England itself. The sailor suit was especially popular in France and Germany, but they were also very popular in America. Sailor suits were very popular for European royals and this must have been a factor for the popularity with the general public, especially the middle-class. The sailor suit continued to be widely worn throughout the Edwardian era. After World War I it began to decline in popularity for boys. Styling became increasingly traditional in the 20th century. A factor here was the popularity among girls. Older boys began turning away from sailor suits, although varird substantially from country to country. Aftr World War II only very young boys wore sailor suits, although many girls' dresses continued to be done with sailor styling.

The 21st Century








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Created: 6:20 PM 3/4/2007
Last updated: 7:16 AM 4/3/2014