Figure 1.--This sailor suit worn in 1890 appears to have classic styling, althoiugh it was a solid color without the standard three white stripes. Note the stars on the corner os of the back flap.
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Figure 1.--This sailor suit worn in 1890 appears to have classic styling, althoiugh it was a solid color without the standard three white stripes. Note the stars on the corner os of the back flap. |
The fasion magazine Delineator published these illustrations with
explanatory text in 1890 for a boys sailor suit.
This pattern is in twelve sizes for boys from four to fifteen years.
Dark-blue flannel was here selected for the suit, and machine stitching,
embroidered emblems and a ribbon bow comprise the decorations. The
blouse is made over an under waist, and is cut out at the neck to
accommodate a deep sailor collar and disclose a vest that is attached to
the under waist by buttons and button-holes. The lower edge of the
blouse and under waist are gathered to one band. and the full sleeves
are plaited at the bottom and finished with pointed cuffs. The trousers
are shaped by the customary seams and flare well over the boot in
regulation sailor style. The fronts close with a fly, and the back is
adjusted smoothly to the hip darts. Pockets are inserted in the leg
seams, and a hip pocket is inserted at the right side of the back.
Flannel, serge and cloth are generally used for the sailor suits, the
favorite hues being blue and white, either in solid colors or in
stripes, nautical items may be embroidered on the collar and vest.
Figure 2.--The blouse of this sailor suit buttoned up rather than being made in the pullover middy style. |
The Dileantor text and ilustrations provide the following
insights as to the sailor suit style and conventions in 1890.
The sailor suit appears to have been a style worn by a wide range
of ages, boys from 4-15 years of age. This woukld mean boys as old as 16 might
wear a sailor suit--as a mother was unlikely to buy a suit for only
1 year.
The Delineator suggested flannel.
The Delineator suggested blue.
The Delineator suggested machine stitching, embroidered
emblems and a ribbon bow as trim. Nautical items were embroidered on the
collar and vest.
This suit was worn with a vest that buttoned on to the pants rather than
a dicky.
Knee pants were used for most boys' suits by the 1890s. Some sailor
suits were made long pants, like these bell-boyom trousers.
The pants had front flys. Pockets are inserted in the leg
seams, and a hip pocket is inserted at the right side of the back.
Flannel, serge and cloth were used for sailor suitss.
Colors included blue and white, either in solid colors or in
stripes.
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