Figure 1.--These toddler boy outfits were offered by the New York retailer Altmans in 1921. Two of the outfits were short smocks. |
|
After World War I it became increasingly less common for boys to wear smocks. This appears to have been one of the many changes following World War I (1914-18). HBC has noted smocks for todler boys in 1920s clothing catalogs in sizes up to 5 years. They were relatively short smocks, quite different from the long ones worn in the late 19th century. They were, however, decidedly unpopular with American boys except the very youngest. The few American boys who still wore smocks were was mostly boys being raised in wealthy families, but even this had mostly disappeared in the 1930s. These smocks appear to have been generally lighter colors, in some cases
gingham. Often short sleeved smocks were now employed. Some younger boys might have worn them at private preschools or kindergartens.
They were, however, decidedly unpopular with American boys except the very youngest.
After World War I (1914-18) it became increasingly less common for boys to wear smocks. This appears to have been one of the many changes following World War I (1914-18). A rare example we have found is Paul Lawson who was about 5 years old in 1922. He wore a short smock with long knee pants.
HBC has noted smocks for todler boys in 1920s clothing catalogs in sizes up to 4 years. Some of the other todler styles were for boys yo to 5 years, but the smocks were only for boys up to 4 years.
They were relatively short smocks, quite different from the long ones worn in the late 19th century. Often short or half sleeved smocks were now employed. The retailer offered two smocks (figure 1). One had quite traditional smock styling. The retailer offered the following descriptions:
49S41: Boys' suit of chambray, in a combination of colors, with hand stitching incontrasting silks; in tan stitched with brown or blue with the stitching in Copenhagen blue; the trousers, collar, cuffs and laps on pockets are of darker shade; sizes 2 to 4 years .... $3.35.
49S43: Boys' suit of brown or blue chambray, trimed with white brais, sizes 2 to 4 years. .... $2.95.
The few American boys who still wore smocks were was mostly boys being raised in wealthy families, but even this had mostly disappeared in the 1930s.
<>h2>Colors
These smocks appear to have been generally lighter colors, in some cases
gingham.
Chambray appears to have been a popular style for smocks. Chambray was a fine variety of gingham made in plain colors, but with warp and weft of different colors.
Some younger boys might have worn them at private preschools or kindergartens.
Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Smock-related pages:
[Return to the Main national smock page]
[American]
[English]
[French]
[Turkey]
Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Smock-related pages:
[Return to the main Main U.S. smock page]
[Pinafores]
[Fauntleroy suits]
[Fauntleroy dresses]
[Sailor hats]
[Park outings]
[French page]
[Renoir page]
[School smocks]
Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Web Site:
[About Us]
[Introduction]
[Activities]
[Biographies]
[Chronology]
[Clothing styles]
[Countries]
[Girls]
[Theatricals]
[Topics]
[Bibliographies]
[Contributions]
[FAQs]
[Glossaries]
[Images]
[Index]
[Links]
[Registration]
[Tools]
[Boys' Historical Clothing Home]