Figure 1.-- We note the term "rugby suit" used quite a bit in mail order catalogs during the mid-20th century. We believe the term refers to Rugby School and not the sport. The rugby football uniform has short pasnts, but these are long pants suits. We have no idea, however, what the term here means stylistically. Note that both single- and double-breasted jackets are offered. Just what about this suit makes it a rigby suit we are not sure. Perhaps it is just the general distinction that it is not an Eton suit.

We note the term "rugby suit" used quite a bit in mail order catalogs during the mid-20th century. We believe the term refers to Rugby School and not the sport. The rugby football uniform has short pasnts, but these are long pants suits. We have no idea, however, what the term here means stylistically. Note that both single- and double-breasted jackets are offered. Just what about this suit makes it a rigby suit we are not sure. Perhaps it is just the general distinction that it is not an Eton suit. The only things that the two suits have in common seem to be patch pockets and two vertical buttons rather than three. The Ward's ad copy read, "Wards 5-piece Rugby Longie Suits. $2.98. Choice of Double Breasted Models in Sturdy 1/2 Wool Cheviot. Yoke Sports Back Coat and Longies with Self Belt and Buckle. White Cotton Broadcloth Blouse. Red cotton Plaid Tie. Picture your boy in one of these neat Suits. It'll give him long wear, too, even if he's hard on his clothes because both the fabric and tailoring are strong. The Sports Coat has inverted center pleat and four pinch pleats in back. Blouse has shirt style collar. Longies have two side pockets and finished cuffs. Color: Navy Blue Cheviot suit, white shirt, plaid cotton tie. Age-sizes 4 to 10 years. State age-size. See Page 788. 39 C 3639--Single Breasted. Ship. wt. 2 lbs., 10 oz. 5 pieces $2.98. 39 C 3624--Double Breasted. Ship. wt. 2 lbs., 14 oz. 5 pieces. $2.98."

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] [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] [Underwear] [Stocking supporters]

Created: 10:31 PM 7/8/2006
Last updated: 10:31 PM 7/8/2006