Figure 1.--Denim was a popular fabric in the 1980s. We note denim bib-front shorts for younger boys. Denim jeans were popular for boys of all ages. We note moderate flares in 1980, but not the wide flares popular in the 1970s.

German mail order catalogs offer a very useful time line on changing fashion trends. German mail order catalogs show a major shift in German boys' clothing in the 1980s. Denim was a popular fabric in the 1980s. We note denim bib-front shorts for younger boys. Denim jeans were popular for boys of all ages. We note moderate flares in 1980, but not the wide flares popular in the 1970s.

1980

Denim was a popular fabric in the 1980s. We note denim bib-front shorts for younger boys. Denim jeans were popular for boys of all ages. We note moderate flares in 1980, but not the wide flares popular in the 1970s. The denim items seen here were carried in the Spring 1980 Quelle catalog. The ad copy read, "'Billy' Simply great. Bib-shortalls with long front zip. Large pocket on bib, two pockets on legs, elastic waistband in rear. Adjustable suspenders. Pure cotton denim. An EXPLORER model! Featured in the women's magazine FOR HER. Quelle was in the habit of giving girls' and boys' names to the clothing items sold for girls and younger boys. Hence "Billy". EXPLORER is a Quelle house brand. The bib-shorts came in sizes 92 to 122, which fit boys 2 to 7 years old. We also note Burda kniiting patterns done in the folk (tracht) style. Some were translated into other languages.

1981

1982

1983

1984

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

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Created: December 18, 2003
Last updated: December 18, 2003