Figure 1.--We note in some early photographs taken in the 1850s and 60s that young boys seem to be wearing a kind of transitional outfit that looks like the bodice of a dress, often with a low colarless neckline, and trousers. This portrait was taken in Sacramento, California, probably about 1860. Interestingly, the photographer was a woman, Mrs. Mrs. JF Rudolph. Most photographers at the time were men. Also note the boy's curls.

We note in some early photographs taken in the 1850s and 60s that young boys seem to be wearing a kind of transitional outfit that looks like the bodice of a dress, often with a low colarless neckline, and trousers. We do not know if this was also a European style. All of theimages we have are American. Nor do we know when this style began. We first see it in the 1850s, but his may be because 1840s photographs are quite rare. I believe that I have seen some earlier portraits by naive artists, but cannot recall specific portraits at this time. we assume that this fashion was a kind of transition from dresses to trousers worn with more boyish shirts or blouses. The boys pictured look to be about 4-6 years old. Many have their hair done in curls. Most clothes in he 1850s or 60s were still largely hand or home make at this time or very expensive. Mom probably just removed a skirt from a dress and made it into pants. The pants look not to be well made.

Navigate the Historic Boys' Clothing Web chronological pages:
[The 1840s] [The 1850s] [The 1860s] [The 1870s] [The 1880s] [The 1890s]
[The 1900s] [The 1910s] [The 1920s]

Navigate the Historic Boys' Clothing Web style pages:
[Dresses] [Smocks] [Bodice kilts]
[Kilts] [Sailor suits] [Sailor hats]
[Ring bearer/page costumes] [Shortalls]

Created: March 22, 2003
Last updated: March 22, 2003