Figure 1.--These French schoolboys were photographed playing in 1936. Note the berets and back-buttoning smock. Notice how the boy on the left has rolled his kneesocks over rather than cuffing them. |
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In the early 20th century three-quarter length stockings remain common, although kneesocks begin to grown in popularity as short pants begin to replace kneepants. The new Scout movement may have been an influence here. Kneesocks do not appear to have been as common as in England. A variety of colors and patterns were worn. White kneesocks appear to have been popular for dressy occasions. Although commonly worn in the inter-War years, they were worn more seasonally than in England. After World War II (1939-45), kneesocks became increasingly seasonal.
In the early 20th century three-quarter length stockings remain common, although kneesocks begin to grown in popularity as short pants begin to replace kneepants. The new Scout movement may have been an influence here.
Kneesocks do not appear to have been as common as in England. HBC is not precisely why this was the case. It may have been a climatic factor. Englan is located north of France and there are areas of France with a much more moerate climate.
French boys wore a variety of colors and patterns of kneesocks. Grey and tan kneesocks appear to have been the most common. Solid colored kneesocks appear to have been the most common. Argyle and other patterned kneesocks were also worn. Colored kneesocks were worn for play, school, and dress occasions. White kneesocks appear to have been especially popular for dressy occasions. Unlike England, both boys and girls wore white kneesocks. Boys commonly wore white kneesocks with suits, even younger teenagers. Younger boys might wear them with strap shoes.
Although commonly worn in the inter-War years, they were worn more seasonally than in England. After World War II (1939-45), kneesocks became increasingly seasonal.
French boys wore their kneesocks in a variety of ways. Some images suggest that boys may have worn their kneesocks rolled up rather than cuffed over.
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