Figure 1.-- |
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Children still commonly wore long stockings in 1928, although knee socks were beginning to be worn by the late-1920s. Boys wore short pants, knickers, and long psnys. Long stockings were still commonly wirn with knickers. As long stockings were still worn we continue to see adverisements for stocking supporters. One advertisement for a children's underwaist was offered in sizes 2-12 years. Many 12-year old wore knickers in 1928 and we see many wearing long stockings. Short pants were mostly worn by younger boys. Girls also wore long stockings. The adverisement as it was for children meant that the same style was suitable for both boys and girls.
This unisex underwaist (suitable equally for boys and girls) was a
major feature of a Montgomery Ward sale in Centralia, Illinois, in
September, 1928. It was obviously the time when mothers were
outfitting their children for school. The ad appears in the Centralia
Daily Chronicle for September 6th, 1928, page 4. Children's underwaists
generally were made of two different fabrics. Some, like this example,
were of knitted material and fitted the body closely; these had the
advantage of being more elastic and were also warmer. But some mothers
preferred underwaists made of sturdy, non-elastic fabric such as
cambric, jean, or coutil. This waist is shown with reinforcing shoulder
straps to support the weight of trousers or skirts, and has a row of
horizontally placed buttons for fastening on short pants or knickers.
There are additional tape straps that meet under each arm to which
metal pinning tubes are attached for the fastening of elastic hose
supporters.
Here is the text: "Children's Underwaist: Unusual Offer, 25 cents
each, 2 for 46 cents. Sizes 2 to 12 years. White only. Closely knit,
durable, white cotton, reinforced with tape. Bone buttons. Metal pin
tubes for attaching garters. Carefully finished with neat edging at
armholes and neck."
Note that the armholes are made wide to allow for athletic movements
without restriction and that the neck is cut low so that it won't show
under low-cut dresses or open-collared shirts. On the same page
Montgomery Ward also advertised Checker brand pin-on hose supporters in
either black or white for attachment to waists such as the one shown
here. In 1928 many children still wore long stockings to school--boys
with either short trousers or knickers (sometimes above-the-knee
knickers).
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