Figure 1.--These short sets called "suits" were offered by Sears in 1930 for boys from 2 to 8 years. Note the self belts. Green was a color also used for boys, but was not as common as brown and blue. |
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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. Also there a few other choices such as one-piece sun suits and sailor suits. Here are four of the different outfits offered.
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 Sears ad copy read, "Each Postpaid. $1.48. Made from fast color "Pepperell" Broadcloth, Jean and fine yarn dyed Suitings in the season's newest and best styles and in color combinations that are most attractive. We have finished off these suits
and built up the make to a standard that is used in much higher priced
garments. The leg and shoulder seams are double stitched and other seams
are overcast so there are no raw edges. Cut full size. Pants button to
waist and have belt loops and side pockets. Detachable belt with buckle.
SIZES 2 to 8 years. State age size. 40 V 3654 (Style D) Tan Color
"Pepperell" Jean with Blue Trimmings. Postpaid $1.48. 40 V 3652 (Style E)
Vestee Style Waist and Pants of Plain Blue "Pepperell" Suiting. Postpaid
$1.48. 40 V 3650 (Style F) Waist of Figured "Pepperell" Broadcloth and
Pants of Plain Green "Pepperell" Suiting. Postpaid. $1.48. 40 V
3672--(Style G) Waist of Fancy Doby Weave "Pepperell" Broadcloth With
Pants of Plain Blue "Pepperell" Suiting. Postpaid. $1.48."
There were some interesting features on both the shirts and shorts.
The shirts called "waists" had various collars. One has a kind of sailor collar, but done in a rather unnautical tan. Although these are casual clothes, nite that two have buttoned collars worn with string ties. This suggests that boys were increasingly casual styles, in many cases to events that earlier would have required toes. One boys is shown with an open collar. It is not clear if it could be bttoned 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 "jean"for the pants.
Note the use of blue and brown (tan). These were the two most popular colors for boys. Green was occassionaly seen, but muxh less common. Note the absence of grey here and on the other Sears shorts sets.
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