Figure 1.--We note a range of todler outfits in 1910. Skirted outfits except for tunic suits are relatively rare by 1910 based on the photographic record. One popular outfit that we do see in the photographic record were romper suits. Unlike the tunic suit, rompers were worn by both boys and girls. They were primarily a play suit. We notice Stern Brothers' rompers. Stern Brothers calls them rompers. They were also called rompers. done with both short and long sleeves. The short sleeves were done in bubble style. They They were identified as 'children's and not boys' outfits. This, the illustration, and the color options all ;point to them being made for both boys and girls. They were made in sizes 2-6/8 years of age. This of course put them beyond the toddler age and into the school-age range. The thing is that we do not see school-age boys wearing them in the photographic record. The larger sizes may have been worn by girls.

We note a range of todler outfits in 1910. Skirted outfits except for tunic suits are relatively rare by 1910 based on the photographic record. One popular outfit that we do see in the photographic record were romper suits. Unlike the tunic suit, rompers were worn by both boys and girls. They were primarily a play suit. We notice Stern Brothers' rompers. They offered four styles (figure 1). Stern Brothers calls them rompers. They were also called rompers. done with both short and long sleeves. The short sleeves were done in bubble style. They They were identified as 'children's and not boys' outfits. This, the illustration, and the color options all ;point to them being made for both boys and girls. They were made in sizes 2-6/8 years of age. This of course put them beyond the toddler age and into the school-age range. The thing is that we do not see school-age boys wearing them in the photographic record. The larger sizes may have been worn by girls.

Todler Outfits

We note a range of todler outfits in 1910. Skirted outfits except for tunic suits are relatively rare by 1910 based on the photographic record. One popular outfit that we do see in the photographic record were romper suits.

Gender

Unlike the popular tunic suit at the the , rompers were worn by both boys and girls. We see that in both the illustratins here and in the photograohic record.

Usage

These eraly rompers were primarily a play suit.

Stern Btothers

The Stern Brothers Department Store in New York was founded by the sons of German Jewish immigrants that began selling dry goods in Buffalo, New York. From these humble beginnings the Stern Brothers became an important merchandising family in New York City. The entire family worked in this store, which carried both luxury goods and merchandize for the working classes. It was an elegant store noted for its fashionable clothes. This enterprise was distinguished by its elegant door men in top hats and by the generous and friendly service of the Sterns themselves. It eventually was taken over by Federated Stores and the various Stern stores were converted into Bloomingdakes and Macey stores.

Offerings

We notice Stern Brothers' rompers. They offered four styles (figure 1). Stern Brothers calls them rompers. They were also called rompers. done with both short and long sleeves. The short sleeves were done in bubble style. They They were identified as 'children's and not boys' outfits. This, the illustration, and the color options all point to them being made for both boys and girls. They were made in sizes 2-6/8 years of age. This of course put them beyond the toddler age and into the school-age range. The thing is that we do not see school-age boys wearing them in the photographic record. The larger sizes may have been worn by girls.

Figure 2.-- Here we see the Stern Brogthers B25 and 26 rompers. These were similar to the other two styles, except with short bubble sleeves.

Ad Copy

Stern's had four styles of romper suits. They had design difference and were offered in different colors. The choice of gingham meant that they were meant as a play garment. Chambray was also used. The pink and blue options suggest that moder color conventions were emerging. All four were one-piece outfits made with below the knee bloomer knicker oants.

B23 children's rompers

The B23 model was one of the illustrations with a child pictured at the top of the page (figure 1). It was a pictured with a rounded neck and discern able square yoke. We am not sure what collar could apparently be offered. The detachable collars shown do not seem to be suitable. It has long sleeves. There was a fabric belt which crossed and buttoned at the front and side. All four rompers pictured had this feature. The Stern Brothers ad copy read, "Children's Rompers, in pink and white or blue and white checked gingam, with or without collar; sizes 2 to 8 yrs ... 48c and 69 c." The choice of gingham meant that they were meant as a play garment. The pink and blue options suggest that moder color conventions were emerging. A girl was pictured wearing these rompers, but a boy could wear them as well.

B24 children's rompers

The B24 model was another one of the illustrations with a child pictured at the top of the page (figure 1). It was similar to the B23 outfit, but with an actual attached collar. The Stern Brothers ad copy read, "Children's Rompers, with or without collar, in blue or tan chambray, 2 to 8 yrs ... 48c and 69 c." A boy was pictured wearing these rompers, but a girlcould wear them as well.

B25 children's rompers

This was one of the romper outfits pictured at the bottom ofp the page without a model shown wearing the outfits (figure 2). The primary difference with the other two rompers is that these suits had short sleeves done in the bubble style. It has a square neck opening without a discerbable yoke. The Stern Brothers ad copy read, "Children's Rompers in blue chambray, 2 to 8 yrs ... 95 c. Similar Style, in pink and white checked gingham ... 95c."

B26 children's rompers

This romper outfit is pictuted with a rouned neck opening and square yoke (figure 2). And for some unfathomable reason was the only made to only size 6 years compared to 8 years for the other models. The Stern Brothers ad copy read, "Children's Rompers, in pink and white or blue and white checked gingam, low neck, short sleeves; 2 to 6 yrs ... 48c and 69 c."

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Created: 8:38 PM 12/9/2013
Last updated: 8:38 PM 12/9/2013