Figure 1.--Sears in 1902 offered a variety of blouses and waists for boys. Some blouses were made with large collars and sailor back flaps. Waists were made with smaller pointed collars. Both blouses and waists were made without shirt tails. Note in particular the difference in the collars. |
We note a range of blouses and waists for boys. Some blouses were made with large collars and sailor back flaps. Waists were made with smaller pointed collars. Both blouses and waists were made without shirt tails. The difference between blouses and waists is not clearly defined. Blouses are usually for younger boys and done in a variety of juvenile styles. Blouses might butoon on to the waist band, but some blouced over the waist. Waists were usually done in more mature styles. They always buttoned on to the pants (trousers) at the waist. Age groupings varied. Some styles were for younger boys and others for older boys. Other styles spanned the age groups. Standard age groupings were not yet established.
Some blouses were made with large collars and sailor back flaps. Waists were made with smaller pointed collars. Both blouses and waists were made without shirt tails. The difference between blouses and waists is not clearly defined. Blouses are usually for younger boys and done in a variety of juvenile styles. Blouses might butoon on to the waist band, but some blouced over the waist. Waists were usually done in more mature styles. They always buttoned on to the pants (trousers) at the waist. Age groupings varied. Some styles were for younger boys and others for older boys. Other styles spanned the age groups. Standard age groupings were not yet established.
Blouses with large collars were very popular for younger boys. This blouse was done in stripped domet flannel. Flannel is a wool material. Domet flannel was a mixed domet cotton and wool blend. This blend was named for Josiah Domett, a cotton manufacturer in England. This material was introduced in the late 1820s. It is plain woven on a cotton warp with woolen filling and finished with a nap slightly raised. Note the large, destinctive shaped collar and back flap. The Sears ad copy read, "Made as shown in the illustration on the left, in a fine quality of striped domet flannel in a variety of shades. Large sailor collar, double cuffs and trimmed with pear buttons and thorougly well sewed. You will fibnd this a most excellent garment for the price. No. 40T950 Price for boys' blouse, age 3 to 10 years, 40 c."
Waists was the common term for what we might call shirts today, alhough theuy did not have tails. Waists were usually done in more mature styles than blouses and were for older boys, but there were wauists in mature styles for younger boys as well. Note that the waist here begins at age 4 years. They always buttoned on to the pants (trousers) at the waist. Age groupings varied. Note the waist here for boys 4-14 years. There are many garments in early 20th century catalogs that have unusual or varied age groups like this.
Waists with smaller more adult-looking collars were more popular with older boys. This check waist was made in domet flannel. Flannel is a wool material. Domet flannel was a mixed domet cotton and wool blend. Waists and shirts in a in a check/plaid pattern became a fashion mainstay for American boys. The Sears ad copy read, "We furnish this waist in neat check patterns in medium shades. It is made, as shown in illustration on the right, with turn down collar, one outside pocket, double cuffs and double stiched seams. The material is a good wearing quality of domet flannel. No. 40T952 Price for boys' waist, age 4 to 14 years, 40 c."
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