Figure 1.--This American boy was probably photographed about 1905. He wears dark long stockings with his kneepants sailor suit. Three-quarter stockings were becoming more popular in America after the turn of the century, but long stockingswere usually worn duyring the winter.

The hosiery worn with sailor suits varied. Sailor suits were worn with long stockings or socks of varying length, depending on the chronological period and or season. Boys in the late 19th century mostly wore long stockings, although this varied somewhat by country. Most American boys wore dark long stockings until after the turn of the century. Three-quarter length stockings seem to have been more common in France well before the turn of the 20th century. Three-quarter length stockings bcame more common in the early 20th century in both America and Europe, although long stockings were worn in cold weather or for formal occasions. Both black and white long stockings might be worn for dressy occasions. After World War I, kneesocks became increasingly common. Trends varied somewhat between countries.

Hosiery Types

The hosiery worn with sailor suits varied. Sailor suits were worn with long stockings or socks of varying length, depending on the chronological period and or season. There wre also variations from country to country. Long stockings were bery common in the 19th century. American boys in the 19th century mostly wore sailor suits with long stockings, although they would often go barefoot in the summer, at least in small towns and rural areas. Knee socks became cimmon in the20th century. We see many boys wearing three-quarter socks with sailor suits. This was more common in Europe than merica during the 19th century. A good example is English boy Harry Shaw.

Chronology

Boys in the late 19th century mostly wore long stockings, although this varied somewhat by country. A Russian Arristocrat, Prince Igor, wore black long stockings with his sailor suit in 1898. Black stockings were especially common in the 1890s and 1900s. Three-quarter length stockings bcame more common in the early 20th century in both America and Europe. After World War I, kneesocks became increasingly common.

Seasonality

Seasonality was another factor affecting thetypes of hosiery worn with sailor suits. Long stockings were commonly worn in cold weather. This was also true of kneesocks.

Formality

Formality was another factor affecting the hosiery chosen. Long stockings were considered to be more formal than socks.

Country Trenda

Trends varied somewhat between countries. Most American boys wore dark long stockings until after the turn of the century. Three-quarter length stockings seem to have been more common in France well before the turn of the 20th century. We also see many English boys wearing socks of many lengths. We note an English boy, Carl Roos, wearing three-quarter socks in 1881. We note a Russian arristocrat boy, Count Nicolas Alexandrovitch Tolstoi, wearing long stockings in 1913.

Colors

Generally dark blue, black, or white hosiery were worn with sailor suits. This varoies somewhat because sailor suits came in many clors besides white and blue. Also in the 1920s, beige stockings became very common. Both black and white long stockings might be worn for dressy occasions.

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Created: April 10, 1998
Last updated: 5:49 PM 5/28/2007