Figure 1.--This 1958 image from a sewing magazine shows a sunsuit-style play romper with a bib-front. It was an outfit for a younger boy. Click on the image to see the smock that came with it. Also notice the large pockets,
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Figure 1.--This 1958 image from a sewing magazine shows a sunsuit-style play romper with a bib-front. It was an outfit for a younger boy. Click on the image to see the smock that came with it. Also notice the large pockets, |
HBC does not believe that rompers were created in the Netherlands nor do we yet know of any destinctive Dutch styles. These styles were also worn in neighboring countries as well as in America. There appaer to have been several different types of romper suits. The 1950s romper play outfits were generally the sunsuit style, commonly with bib front. There were, however, many different styles. Some romers were full tops with sleeves--both short and long. There were some with only the bubble romper pants and attached suspenders. These different types could be made in both play and dressy styles.
The 1950s romper play outfits were generally the sunsuit style, commonly with bib front. This was the most commom style for romper play suits. It was commonly worn without a blouse diring the summer. Many of these suits has matching smocks that could be worn over them. Generally the smocks were quite short so as not to completely cover the rompers.
We have noted one boy in 1951 who looks to be about 7 or 8 years old
wearing a sun-suit type romper for beachwear. His sister wears a
coordinated outfit, but with a skirt and not romper bottoms. I'm not sure
how popular rompers were for boys this age, but they look to have been
more common weith younger boys.
Many Dutch rompers were made with an accompanying smock. The outfit could be worn with or without the smock. The smoc could be used as a protective garment or to provide a little extra warmth on a chilly day or morning. Nornmally the smock and romper were made in
matching colors. Most of these matching sets appaer to have been the bubfont of romper suits. A popular style was to add Russdian blouse type embroidery to the smock. Some times tassles were also added.
There were some with only the bubble romper pants and attached suspenders. These are simolar to the suspender shorts worn by slightly older boys. The suspender rompers were almost always worn with a shirt or blouse. They could be given quite a dressy look when paired with fancy trimmed or smocked blouse.
We have noted one boy in 1952 who looks to be about 4 or 5 years old wearing a suspender bubble romper. It is a rather dressdy romper and worn with a blouse that has a Peter Pan collar and decorative smocking. Rompers outfits like this appear to have been commonly worn by boys this age. Especially boys from wealthy families.
Some romers were full tops with sleeves--both short and long. These could be both play suits and dressy suits. The styles were quite varied.
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