Figure 1.--The boys from this French school visited London in 1984. Note the string ties they wear rather than a necktie.

HBC has not noted French children commonly wearing ties to school. They appear to have worn ties much less than, for example, than British schooboys. Smocks dominated schoolwear for many years and boys did not wear ties with smocks. Some schools, mostly private schools, had uniforms or blue shirts and blue shorts with white kneesocks. This uniform was not normally worn with neck ties, but we have seen a variety of altenative neckwear including string ties. We have seen some French choirs wearing the string ties, presumably because they were using the school uniform. We do not know what the inspiration was for this style. Ee have also noted a kind of cross tie worn rather loike a bow tie. Boys commonly wore sweaters and jackets. Some boys wore suits to secondary schools, but often with open collars. Usually only the older boys wore neckties. One factor affecting the use of ties may be the climate, especially in southern France. Another factor appears to be the more informal approach generally taken to school clothes than the British.

Created: January 15, 2002
Last updated: January 15, 2002