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The advertisement provides a good indication of the various stocking support garments worn in America during 1900. Fifteen different styles of children's underwaists for boys and girls are illustrated and described. Fifteen different styles of waists for boys and girls from 2 to 12 years of age. Some of these waists are for boys only, some for girls (or “misses”—teenage girls), and some are for both boys and girls. Three brand names already represented by HBC are given—Nazareth waists (made by Nazareth in Nazareth, Pa.), “M” Waists (made by Minnesota Knitting in Minneapolis), and Ferris Waists (made by Ferris Corset Company). All of these waists are designed to support outer garments such as trousers or skirts and also underwear (“drawers” or bloomers). They are also equipped with attachments at the side for supporters for long stockings. In some cases the supporters are already attached. In other cases only the attachments are supplied—usually either buttons or sturdy loops for garter pins. Interestingly, these waists are only offered for children up to the age of 12 (with the exception of waists for misses, i.e., teenage girls). Boys older than twelve often wore knee pants in 1900 and therefore required supporters for long stockings. These boys presumably wore suspender waists, which are not mentioned here. The heading read, "Here are parts of two pages from our latest catalogue. It will give you some idea of the assortment we offer in children’s waists. All the styles illustrated are now in our stock."
Here is the catalog ad copy for the various underwaists.
No. 215. Ferris Waist, Fine sateen. Buttoned from, laced back, white or drab, for misses 7 to 12 years or age sizes 20 to 18 75 cents.
No. 279. Ferris Waist—Strong coutile, removable elastic suspender sraps, hose supporters with each waist, white only. For boys 2 ½ to 10 years of age . 19 cents.
No. 204. Ferris Waist—Superfine material, buttons on back, white or drab, for children 4 to 6 years of age. 50 cents.
No. 43. Fine coutile, extra buttons for drawers, open back, white only, for children 3 to 10 years of age. 25 cents.
H. & W. No. 66. Misses’ waist, corded front and back, taped bone buttons, white only, sizes 20 to 28. 25 cents.
No 600—Nazareth Waist. Ribbed, best Egyptian cotton, crocheted edge around neck, for boys ro girls 2 to 12 years of age. 25 cents.
The “M” Waist—Ribbed cotton Jersey cloth for boys or girls 2 to 12 years of age, 15 cents. Same style in better quality, 25 cents.
Style 2—Chld’s Skeleton waist, white or black, for children 2 to 12 years of age, 35 cents.
Style 33.—Fine coutile, extra buttons for drawers, open back, white only: for children 1 to 4 years of age. 25 cents.
No. 275.Strong coutile, removable elastic straps, fits like a vest, white only. For boys 2 ½ to 10 years of age. 50 cents.
No. 273. Ferris Waist—fine cambric, white only, for infants 6 to 12 months of age. 25 cents.
No. 229. Ferris Waist. Superfine material, buttoned down back. White only, for children 2 to 4 years of age. 50 cents.
No. 180. Ferris Waist—Shirred front, fine twill trimmed with edging, white only. For children 2 ½ to 10 years of age. 50 cents.
No. 166 Child’s Waist—Corded throughout white only. For children 2 to 10 years of age. 25 cents. In ordering give waist measure.
the material chosen for these underwaists was cambric, coutile, and Jersey cloth. Cambric and Jersey cloth were common fabrics. We have not noted coutile as commonly. Ot was as the name suggests a cotton fabric. It was done in a herringbone weave. It was used in both underwaista and corsets because it was both sturdy and heavy-duty and at the same time pliable and soft. Some observers report in softened upon washing.
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