Figure 1.--This American boy was photographed with his baby brother or sister, we think about 1910. He looks to be about 14 years old. Notice the coal shovel.

American boys of a wide age range wore black long stockings, most with knee pants and knickers. The age of the boys wearing them changed oier time. Black long stockings wee nt very common in the 1860s, but tey begin to become popular in the 80s, although mostly for younger boys. We note even older teenagers wearing black long stockings. This was especially true during the 1890s and 1900s. It was also the case of the 1910s, although we see more older boys in the 1910s wearing black long stockings, but not as many older teenagers. A good example is an unidentified New York boy. He looks to be about 10 years old. After World war I knickers were still very common, but we gradually see fewer older boys wearing long stockings in general. By the 30s, black long stockings were more for formal occassions and worn by younger boys.

Created: 1:15 AM 11/4/2007
Last updated: 7:42 AM 12/12/2007