Figure 1.-- Galeries Lafayette offerred two styles of underwaists which the French call a "gilet-corset". They are similar to the underwaists worn by American children. A major diference here was that American children commonly wore these garments to hold up long stockings. French boys did not, however, commonly wear long stockings. Thus these waists in France were primarily worn by younger children to hold up pants.

Galeries Lafayette offerred two styles of underwaists which the French call a "gilet-corset". They are similar to the underwaists worn by American children. A major diference here was that American children commonly wore these garments to hold up long stockings. French boys did not, however, commonly wear long stockings. Thus these waists in France were primarily worn by younger children to hold up pants. Notice the term, "porte-culotte" which I think means to support shorts. The ad probably specifies shorts, not because they were not suitable for long pants, but because boys mostly wore shorts. The waists here were made in sizes up to 8 years of age. I believe that these would have been worn by both boys and girls and not just boys. A reader writes, "You are right, I think, that long stockings were much less common in France than in some other European countries. But note that the lower model of underwaist (the one with adjustable shoulder straps) seems to have garter tabs at the sides for supporters. These may not have been used all that often, but they were there in case mother wanted boys to wear long stockings for some dress-up occasion or for extra warmth on very cold days." Yes HBC did not mean to say that long stockings were not worn in France. I believe they were worn in northern France and in mounaneous areas, especially during the winter. I also think they may have been worn more by girls than boys. They may even have been required at some Catholic schools.

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Created: 7:25 PM 7/18/2007
Last updated: 8:45 PM 7/18/2007