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boys clothing: American children's literature chronology illustrations 1910s
American Children's Literature: Illustration Chronology--The 1910s
Figure 1.--This illustration appeared in an early 20th century storybook. We do not know, however, who the illustrator and author were. We are not sure about the date of publication, but would guess the late 1910s or early 20s. The illustrations are particularly interesting because they are contemporary and not historic. Two of the boys here wear knickers suits with long stockings. Nitce they are wearing suits and ties while playing marbles. We believe this illustration comes from an American book, but it could be Canadian. Image courtesy of the CS collection.
Color illustrations become common place for the first time in the 1910s. Many illustrations show boys wearing caps--often flat caps. We notice sailor suits and tunic suits for boys in the 1910s. The tunic out outfit the boy wears on the previous page is a good example. Notice the trim, belt, and above the knee bloomer knickers. The outfit here is shown as a play suit. Younger children might wear rompers which were worn by both boys and girls. Click on the image here to see a romper suit worn by a girl (click on figure 1). Older boys wore kneepants or knicker suits. Notice that the boys here wears suits and ties to play marbles (figure 1). This is a bot idealized, but not wholly unrealistic. Many boys still wore suits to school and played marbles after school. It does accurately depict the fact that boys wore suits much more commonly than is the case tiday. Long stockings were much more common than kneesocks in the 1910s. Headwear was quite common, although notice here that only the girl has a hat. Long stockings were common, especially black ones. Younger children might wear short socks. High-top shoes were still very common.
