Figure 1.-A Ward's catalog (Spring and Summer catalogue for 1926, p. 131) offered garter waists for boys in sizes 2-12 years of age which Wards labels as "hose supporters". These garter waists were primarily to hold up long stockings. They were in essence a form of stocking supporters. Long stockings were still breing commonly worn by both boys and girls in 1936. They were, however, rapidly being replaced by kneesocks which did not require these gsarter waists. |
A Ward's catalog (Spring and Summer catalogue for 1926,
p. 131) offered garter waists for boys in sizes 2-12 years of age which they label as "hose supporters". These garter waists were primarily to hold up long stockings. They were in essence a form of stocking supporters. Long stockings were still breing commonly worn by both boys and girls in 1936. They were, however, rapidly being replaced by kneesocks which did not require these gsarter waists.
Although the word "consumerism" has a modern ring, it was personal concern for an early consumer movement, the "National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry,"
That inspired a young traveling salesman named Aaron Montgomery Ward to start the world's first general merchandise mail-order company in 1872.
The Ward's ad copy reads: "Belt and Garters. Adjustable shoulder straps with chest strap to prevent them from slipping. Sateen waistband with strong buttons. Strong elastic adjustable hose supporters attached. Even sizes: 2 to 12 years. State size wanted 20 D 4507--White only. 48 cents. Postage 3 c extra." The boy in the image is probably about 6 or 7 years old. Note that he appears
to be wearing an undershirt with buttons only half-way down his chest and short underpants the hem line of which is slightly above the hem of his stockings. This is still the "Dr. Parker" style garter waists, although the term is not specified.
Long stockings were once made at lengths just a little above knee-length. Note that in the model here that the attachments to the leg are shown high up on the leg. This is because younger boys were now wearing long stockings in short pants cit well above the knee and the style was to wear long stockings so that the tops could not be seen. It was only the younger boys that wore the shorter shorts, but for the most part it was also only the younger boys who wore long stovckings with short pants.
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