Figure 1.-- Here we see some of the Russian blouse outfits offered by Wards in their Summer 1914 catalog. Notice the wide variety of styles. The Russian blouse suits were mostly shown being worn with short socks, but one boy is shown wearing kneesocks. |
Wards offered quite a few different styles of these Russian blouses in its Summer 1914 catalog. Sone were qyuite plain while others were done wiyh fancy detailing. Most had the traditional sailor "V" front while one has the plain square oprn box collar. Almost all of these outfits had some element of sailor styling. Blue and white were the principal colors, but we see one white suit detailed in red. Brown was used which may have been a play outfit. There were other sailor outfits offered, such as suits with middy blouses. The Russian blouse style, however, seems to have been more popular for the younger boys. They were made in sizes for boys 2 1/2 to 7 years. The ad copy describe's these outfits as a cgild's suit, but obly boys are depicted in the illustrations. This is somewhat strange as the term child often denotes boys and girls.
The Wards ad copy reads, "Child's Russian Blouse Suit. Made of a woven fast color Chambray. This garment has a belt of the same material. Is neatly trimmed with white pique, which gives it a very dressy disappearance. The breeches are made bloomer style, with the inside button waist band. A garment of this description would cost a great deal more at retail than we offer it here. Sizes 2 1/2 to 7 years.
Same as the above only done in blue.
The Wrds ad copy read, "65 c Child's Russian Blouse Suit. This suit is made of a white wash material, woven to look like Butcher's linen. Will launder nicely. The collar, belt, and tie are made of medium blue, fst colorcotton material. The collar is trimmed with a narrow white braid. The trimmings add just enough color to this suit to make it a very desirble little dress-up suit. Suit can be worn on all occassions. The breeches are made bloomer style with button hole band around the waist. Sizes 2 1/2 to 7 years."
Same as the above only done in brown.
Same as the above only done in blue.
The Wards ad copy read, "Child's Russian Blouse Suit. The material used for this number is a heavy top weave, cotton wash fabric, that will only bevfound in suits of the better grade. It has a large sailor collar, trimmed with soutache and large flat braids. The shield, which can be taken out, when desired, is embroidered in white. A black patent leather belt is furnished with each suit. Sizes 2 1/2 to 7 years."
Same as the above obly done in tan.
The Ward's ad copy read, "$2.45 Child's Russian Blouse Suit. Made of very fine cotton Repp, fast color wash fabric. Has large revere coolar to matc, with scalloped embroidered edge and insertion; removable white shield, embroidered. Sizes 2 1/2 to 7 years." This was a rather expensive suit.
This suit is the same as the above only done in white instead of blue.
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