Figure 1.-- Sears also offered two types of garter waists for children in its 1936-37 Fall-Winter catalog. They were cnstructed quite differently. Sears described them as "Free Play Supporters", stressing thatt they would not inhibit movement. They also rather curiously described them as a sholder brace. They were considered helpful for good posture. The illustrations show younger children wearing them, presumably because older children were increasingly wearing knee socks and ankle socks. They are shown with boy and girl models, but both of the garter waists could be worn by either gender.

Sears also offered two types of garter waists for children in its 1936-37 Fall-Winter catalog. They were cnstructed quite differently. Sears described them as "Free Play Supporters", stressing thatt they would not inhibit movement. They also rather curiously described them as a sholder brace. They were considered helpful for good posture. The illustrations show younger children wearing them, presumably because older children were increasingly wearing knee socks and ankle socks. They are shown with boy and girl models, but both of the garter waists could be worn by either gender. They were made for children from 2-14 years of age. Sears claims that they were scientifically designed for children. I suspect that was designed to allay fears mothers might have about the restrictiveness of these garments.The model on the left "acts as a Shoulder Brace" in addition to supporting long stockings. The model on the right is the so-called Dr. Parker style with shoulder straps, a belt with extra buttons for panties, bloomers, trousers, etc. It has "Extra Buttons on Waist." The designation, Dr. Parker's Waist, was used only by Wards and Eatons, not by Sears, but the same construction applied to the Sears "Daisy" model.

Kern's Dandy

The Sears ad copy read, "Kern's "Dandy"--light, comfortable, easy-to-slip on supporters! Hang from shoulders--no strain anywhere else. Allows your child perfert freedom of movement. Also acts as shoulder brace. Sturdy white cotton tape with adjustable elastic hose supporters. Straps across back and front keep shoulder straps from slipping and hold stockings in place. White only. Age-sizes: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 years. State age-size. Shipping weight, 3 ounces. 25 D 5431. Each 35 cents." [N.B. This waist functions only as a support for stockings. It has no additional buttons for trousers, bloomers, skirts, or additional clothing.]

Kern's Daisy

The Kern's Daisy was done in two different weights.

Regular weight Daisy

The Sears ad copy reads, "Kern's "Daisy"--hangs from shoulders--no strain elsewhere! Durable cotton tape. Buttons on sides, back and front. Straps across back and front hold shoulder straps in place. Adjustable hose supporters. White only. Age-sizes: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 years. State age-size. Shipping weight, 3 oz. 25 D 5433--Each 39 cents."

Lighter-weight Daisy

The Sears ad copy read, "Same as above, of lighter weight white cotton tape. Age-sizes: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12. State age-size. Shipping weight, 3 oz. 25 D 5432. Each 23 cents." [This garter waist is simply a cheaper, lighter-weight version of Kern's "Daisy" described above. It is presumably less durable and not available in the largest size (14), probably because teenage boys and girls would require the heavier, more durable grade.]

Underwear

One interesting feature of this ad is the fact that both the boy and girl are shown wearing long stockings over long-legged union suits. During the 1930s and 1940s, children increasingly wore long stockings with short-legged underwear because of the reduction in bulkiness and the smoother and neater appearance. Many of the other ads for garter waists in the 1930s and 1940s show children in briefer cut underwear. The combination of long stockings and long underwear might have been necessary in rural regions of the country before the installation of central heating, but more city boys and girls lived in warmer houses and didn't need both long underwear and long stockings in winter any longer. So this ad is (unintentionally) a little bit out of date.

Ages

One interesting feature to be noted, however, is the upper age-levels for garter waists--14. The pin-on supporters to be worn with traditional underwaists or waist union suits are made in sizes only up to age 12. We believe that in both instinces, that most of these older children wear thse garments and lng stockings were girls.

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] [Topics]
[Bibliographies] [Contributions] [FAQs] [Glossaries] [Images] [Links] [Registration] [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] [Underwear]

Created: 7:40 AM 12/6/2007
Last updated: 7:40 AM 12/6/2007