Figure 1.--These English brothers wear matching grey single-breasted short pants suits in 1958. These suits were a very commin style for boys. Suits like this were also used for school uniforms. The sweaters and patterened-top knee socks were, however, not school stylesnor were the ties. Note the school sandals. Click on the image for comments from a British reader.

The two World Wars had an enormous impact on Europe and America. And this is observable in fashion trends as well as many other areas. War tended to make superficial matters such as the color of glove worn or different suits for different occassions seem meaningless given what people were facing in ordinary life. This led to a decidely more casual approach to fashion. Both adilts and children were ffected. Gradually more informal dress strandards for boys prevailed, especially after Wotld war II. This was clearly notable by the 1950s. It was part of a wider phenoemon observeable in Europe and America toward casual dress. More casual standards began to appar after World War I, but became more prounounced after World War II. Suits were becoming much less common and decidly not standard wear by the end of the decade. We no longer see boys wearing suits for everyday wear and suits becme less common a school, at least state primary schools. We do still see suits or blazers at private schools and secondary schools. Boys wore suits much less than before the War. Increasingly we see boys mostly wearing single breasted suits. Grey single breasted suits were becoming standard. And short pants while still common ere declining in popularity. We still see short pants suits in the 1950s, but they were declining in poularity, especially with suits. More and more boys, especilly by the end of the decade were wearing long pants, especially with suits. We still see some younger boys wearing short pants suits, but far fewer older boys.

Created: 8:38 PM 2/10/2014
Last updated: 8:38 PM 2/10/2014