Figure 1.--This is a grey-blue sailor suit with dark detailing . It has the classic dark stripe detailing. In this case multiple stripes rather than Nelson's traditional three stripe. There are also two columns of brass buttons. The knee pants are also done with dark sripe and brass buttons. Part of of the values of vintage clothing is that we get to see the color of the outfits. This is important because most of our sailor suit information comes from period black and white photography. Click on the image to see a boy wearing the exact same suit style.

This is a grey-blue sailor suit with dark detailing . It has the classic dark stripe detailing. In this case multiple stripes rather than Nelson's traditional three stripe. There are also two columns of brass buttons. The knee pants are also done with dark sripe and brass buttons. Part of of the values of vintage clothing is that we get to see the color of the outfits. This is important because most of our sailor suit information comes from period black and white photography. The suit was marketed by Best & Co., an important New York Department suit. There were many styles of sailor suits, but most were based on the simple suits worn by enlsted (ratings) sailors--part of the charm of the sailor suit. We think this style is sometimes called admiral suits. The suit is part of the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was done in wool and silk. The Museum dates thesuit at about 1897. This corresponds to our genral dting og these suits to 1890-1910, perhaps 1896-1905 may be more accurate, but we are still working on the chronology. We have found aportrait of a boy wearing actually wearing this exact same suit style.

Created: 11:41 PM 3/21/2025
Last updated: 9:11 AM 3/22/2025