Figure 1.--These short sets called "suits" were offered by Sears in 1930 for boys from 2/3 to 8 years. Note the self belts. Note how the pattern of the shorts on item H is repeted on the trim of the shirt (waist). |
|
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 is on of the outfits.
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, " There's nothing neater than this trim looking fast color novelty suit.
Pants are oyster color with neat checks and the waist is plain oyster
color. Made from a special cotton wash fabric which looks like real linen
and wears very well. Fast color. Pants button to waist with good quality
buttons. Have two pockets and detachable belt with buckle. Waist has two
pockets with buttons. 40 V 3658--Sizes 3 to 8 years. State age size.
Postpaid $1.65." The age range here is about the same as the other outfits and the illustrations shows the boy with an open collar. Nor are we sure why Sears believes "particular mothers" will like this suit. These Sears headings have we think to be taken with some reservation. In some instance, probaly like the outfit here, the hrading was just meaningless text to make it sound good.
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 buttoned at the collar. Even though this is the Spring-Summer catalog, the shirt has long sleeves.
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.
For some reson the boy here was shown wearing formal patent leather shoes. I'm not sure why.
Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing catalog/magazine pages:
[Return to the Main Sears 1930 shorts set page]
[Return to the Main American mail order 1930s page]
[Main photo/publishing page]
[Store catalogs]
[Fashion magazines]
Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Web Site:
[Main U.S. page]
[Main U.S. 1930s page]
[Introduction]
[Activities]
[Biographies]
[Chronology]
[Cloth and textiles]
[Clothing styles]
[Countries]
[Essays]
[Topics]
[Bibliographies]
[Contributions]
[FAQs]
[Glossaries]
[Satellite sites]
[Tools]
[Boys' Clothing Home]
Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Web Site:
[Sailor suits]
[Sailor hats]
[Buster Brown suits]
[Knickers]
[Short pants]
[Eton suits]
[Rompers]
[Tunics]
[Smocks]
[Tights]
[Long stockings]
[Stocking supporters]
[National descriptions]