Figure 1.--These short sets called "suits" were offered by Sears in 1930 for boys from 2 to 8 years. Note the self belts. |
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Sears offered a whole page of boys wearing outfits with casual shorts. There were many styles of these casual outfits than the few suits offered for younger boys.
Here is the page of more casual clothing for boys in a variety of styles. Most of the boys under the age of 8 wear short pants with knee socks (or
three-quarter socks as many are not shown pulled up to the knee) and washable waists, although there are a couple of knicker suits at the extreme right left. Also
there a few other choices such as one-piece sun suits and sailor suits.
The Sears ad copy read, "Pepperell" fabrics are well known and widely advertised throughout the country. We have tested them out in our own laboratory and know that they are all that is claimed for them. They are guaranteed fast color and will
launder exceptionally well. They also come up to a very high standard as
to wearing qualities. Suits A, B, C, D, E, F, G listed below and illustrated on the opposite page are made from these guaranteed fabrics and each suit carries the "Pepperell" label." HBC has no other information on Pepperell at this time and its relationship if any with Sears.
We refer to these outfits as short sets. Sears call them suits, presumably because the tops and bottoms were corrdinated. Also the tops or shirts are referred to as "waists".
The ad copy read, "Each Postpaid
$1.00. Sturdy neat looking suits for the little fellow of Fast Color
"Pepperell" fabrics at a price we believe is lower than ever asked for a
suit of this high quality. Made in three practical styles and unusually
attractive color combinations. The leg and shoulder seams are overcast to
prevent ravelling. Strongly bar tacked. Pants button to waist and have
side pockets and belt. SIZES--2 to 8 years. State age size. 40 V 3670
(Style A) Fancy Figured "Pepperell" Broadcloth Waist with Plain Blue
"Pepperell" Peggy Cloth Pants. Postpaid $1.00. 40 V 3668 (Style B) Fancy
Tan Figured "Pepperell" Broadcloth Waist and Plain Brown "Pepperell"
Broadcloth Pants. Postpaid. $1.00. 40 V 3666 (Style C) Fancy Figured
"Pepperell" Broadcloth Waist With Plain Blue "Pepperell" Peggy Cloth
Pants. Postpaid. $1.00."
There were some interesting features on both the shirts and shorts.
The shirts called "waists" had an interesting collar. It looks like an open collar on items A and C. The midlle item B shows a collar button that could be buttoned and worn with a tie if so desired. Its not clear, but the collars could be identical nd perhapa A and C could also be buttoned at the collar.
The pants had a self belt, a popular feaure that would last into the 1950s. Also notice the cuffed shorts.
The material here is "broadcloth" for the shirts and "peggy cloth"for the pants. Broad cloth is a well known term. I'm not sure what peggy cloth was.
Note the use of blue and brown. These were the two most popular colors for boys.
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