Figure 1.--This boy's name was Ralph. We don't know his last name, but we know he was 12 years old. The portrair is undated, but we would guess was taken in the 1920s. Knickers in the 1910s tended to have fuller cuts.

We are not entirely sure about suits worn by 12 year old boys in the early 19th century. At mid-century 12 year olds commonly wore blouse abnd long trousers. We see some boys wearing suits, but the jacket and pants commonly did not match. Vests were very popular. Knee pants began to become popular in the 186os, but mostly for younger boys. We do not see 12 years olds commonly wearing them until the 1880s and even then many boys that ahe wore long trousers, especially in rural areas. In the 1890s 12 years olds very commonly wire knee pants suits. Only a few boys that age wore Fauntleroy suits, but quite a few wore sandard sits with Fauntleoy trim ad floppy bows added. Most 12 year olds wore knee pants suits in the 1900s, but knicker suits were more common in the 1910s. Most 12year olds in the 1920s wore knicker suits in the 1920s. Knickers suits were also common in the 30s, but we also see boys wearing long pnts suits. After World War II, some 12 year olds wore short oants suits, but knicker suits both single and double breasted were much more common. By the 1930s, 12 year olds weewearing both knicker and long pants suits, but by the 1940s most were wearing long pnts suits. Wearing suits bega to decline in popularity by the 1960s in a more casual era.

Created: 11:08 PM 9/1/2007
Last updated: 11:08 PM 9/1/2007