Figure 1.--These short-legged, short-sleeved union suits for both boys and girls were designed to simplify dressing by having no buttons at all. They stretch in such a way that they can be put on and taken off without the use of any buttons. |
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Major changes occured in men and boy's underwear during the 1930s. In the mid-1930s cotton briefs with elastic waist bands were manufactured and gradually became the dominant style of underwear for boys—the so-called “Jockey” style briefs. These are more commonly referred to as "Y"-fronts in Britain. Some boys by the late 1930s began to wear looser-fitting non-knitted shorts (often made
of broadcloth) that had button fronts similar to those worn by American soldiers in the warmer seasons and climates, and it was not too long before “boxer” shorts began to replace the button-front shorts. These were loose-fitting shorts with an elastic waistband and no buttons, based on the shorts that professional boxers wore
in the ring.
Major changes occured in men and boy's underwear during the 1930s. Both boxers and beiefs were introduced. Jockey introduced briefs in 1930. In the mid-1930s cotton briefs with elastic waist bands were manufactured and gradually became the dominant style of underwear for boys—the so-called “Jockey” style briefs. Jocket introduced the convnient Y-front style with a vertical slit. in 1934. Musingwar introducrd a horizontal slit and pouch in 1936. Jockey briefs are more commonly referred to as "Y"-fronts in Britain. Some boys by the late 1930s began to wear looser-fitting non-knitted shorts (often made
of broadcloth) that had button fronts similar to those worn by American soldiers in the warmer seasons and climates, and it was not too long before “boxer” shorts began to replace the button-front shorts. These were loose-fitting shorts with an elastic waistband and no buttons, based on the shorts that professional boxers wore
in the ring.
We notice somne company ads that promoted diverse underwear garments.
This ad shows a variety of underwear for children including undershorts and shirts, untaped union suits, shirts and button-on panties, and waist union suits. The latter category is illustrated by the girl on the right who wears a short-sleeved, short-legged waist suits (with extra buttons for skirts and garter tabs). But this style was also available for boys to about age 13 or 14. The boy, second from the right, is wearing a short-sleeved, short-leg union suit with no reinforcement straps. All this underwear is made out of cotton. The union suits are of course knitted. See HBC page.
The changing trends in underwear fashions can be observed at several different companies.
This advertisement shows two styles of union suits for children. The girl on the left is wearing a non-taped, short-legged union suit with drop seat. The boy on the right is wearing a long-legged waist union suit of ankle-length. See HBC page.
This ad shows both untaped union suits and waist union suits for children. The models shown have short legs but the suits were also available in long-leg styles. The taped waist union suits have extra buttons for outer clothing plus “garter loops” for the attachment of hose supporters. These have button drop-seats. The untaped union suits have no reinforcement straps, no extra buttons or garter tabs, and have seats with flap closures rather than the drop seat. The untaped union suits are almost exactly like adult union suits but in smaller sizes. The waist suits are available in sizes up to about 13 or 14. The untaped suits come in age sizes up to about 18.
These short-legged, short-sleeved union suits for both boys and girls were designed to simplify dressing by having no buttons at all. They stretch in such a way that they can be put on and taken off without the use of any buttons. Even the seat is constructed with stretch elastic so that they open and snap back into place. These were clearly designed for younger children who would have trouble with buttons. They do not appear to have been very practical because repeated washings would make the garments loose much of their elasticity so that they would become baggy. This innovation did not really catch on and seems to have been dropped within a few years. Note that in the same advertisement, two-piece underwear for children is also being advertised. Union suits for children were still being made up through the 1940s and into the 1950s. But by the late 1940s their popularity was in rapid decline. [Image not yet loaded]
Partial text: “No Buttons or Fasteners on Tu-Way Switch Quickees Union Suits. Features that Make Life Easier for Mothers: Economical, Sagless Drop-seat; Streamlined Appearance; Perfect Comfort; Soft Fabric; Free Booklet”
This ad appeared in Saturday Evening Post for October, 1920. It shows two styles of boy’s underwear—ordinary union suits and waist union suits. The latter is shown at bottom left for boys and girls from age 2 to 12. This suit has short sleeves and short legs but comes also in long-sleeved, long-legged styles also. This waist suit has the usual reinforcement straps over the shoulders, waist buttons for short pants or skirts, and cloth loops for attaching hose supporters. See HBC page.
This ad shows both sleeping wear for children and two styles of union suits. At the bottom right a waist union suit for boys is illustrated (short sleeves, long legs). It has reinforcement straps, waist buttons, and metal garter tubes for attaching supporters. A boy model is shown, but this waist was made for both boys and girls up to about age 13. See HBC page.
Advertised in Parents’ Magazine for 1933, appealing to mothers who would be shopping for children’s school clothes. These “Merrichild” waist suits are the same in style as those advertised in the 1930 ad above and are available in both long-legged and short-legged styles. Reinforcement straps, waist buttons, and convenient “garter loops” for attaching pin-on hose supporters. See HBC page.
This ad shows a variety of children’s underwear including waist union suits. The model here is a girl (extreme right) wearing a short-sleeved, short legged waist union suit, but this style was available for both girls and boys. Age sizes were about 2 to 12 or 13. Notice the new trunk style short legs so that garters and underwear would not show under the shorter pants and skirts then being worn. The ad also shows a boy wearing an untapped, short-legged union suit. If this boy wore long stockings, he would have to wear a separate garter waist over his union suit—a not uncommon alternative to a waist suit. See HBC page.
Sears offered three styles of children’s garter waists in their 1937-38 Fall and Winter catalog. One style is called “Sears ‘Daisy’, which is an updated version of the famous Dr. Parker style with shoulder straps, cross piece, waist belt, and side garters. A second style is referred to as “ Kern’s ‘Dandy’, a buttonless style which hangs entirely from the shoulders, and a more expensive “Sateen Button Waist” which has non-detachable supporters, extra buttons, and a chest cross-piece. [Image not yet loaded on HBC]
The popular brand advertised again in Parents’ Magazine. Color shown is black.
A more and less expensive grade of children’s hose supporters are advertised here. Although black and white are both available, the preferred color is white (the color shown). The higher grade supporter is referred to as “Velvet Grip”. The lesser grade is referred to simply as “Pin-on Garters”. Ages from 2 to 12.
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