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Knickers were still commonly worn at the beginning of the decade. We see as the decade prgresses knickers being worn by younger boys. They were were declining in popularity, especially by the end of the decade. Many of the ones we do see had knit closures rather than the clasp closures common in the 1920s. Many younger boys still wore short pants, especially durng the summer. Sears calls some of its short pants 'English shorts', we are not entirely sure what this meant. Shorts were mostly for boys 10 years of age and younger although some older boys wore them, especially during the summer. This was, however, a winter catalog. We don't have the year, but it is clearly ainter catalog as you can tell by the overcoats, mitten and knit caps. Some boys still wore short pants all year round even during the winter. Mothers at the time were changing, but some still thought that younge boys shous wear short pants. Here there was also a social-class aspect. Boys from affluent fmilirs were more likely to wear shorts and boys from working-clas families more likeky to wear long pants. There was also a regionl aspect with short pants more common in the South than North. Many of the pants for younger boys (all three main types) were done in button on styling.
The Spiegal ad copy read, "Priced to save! Check this low price by the Nation's Yardstick of Value. Stirdy long wearing heavy Corduroy knickers in button-on style, with all around matching belt and metal buckle. Fully lined with cotton Twill. 3 pockets and button fly front. 50 % Wool Knit cuffs. Sizes: 4 to 10. Colors: Wine, Navy Blue or Brown. VH5045... Pair $1.39."
The Spiegel ad copy read, "Warm 50% Wool Cheviot knickers, fully lined with cotton Twill. Will stand lots of wear! Four roomy pockets, snug 50% Wool knitted cuffs. Fly front opening. Sizes 4 to 10. Color: Blue. See size chart. Page 220. VH5046."
The Spiegel ad copy read, "Choice of fabrics at a low saving price! Button-on shortswith matching belts and metal buckles. Greater savings on any 2 pairs. (A) Dressy 50% Wool Cheviot. (B) Heavyweight Corduroy. Sizes: Naby Blue, Gray or Brown. See size chart on Page 220. VH5047. Choice A or B. 98c. Savevmore! 2 prs. $1.93." You notice that here, the shorts were button on style for ages up to
size 12. We were a little surprised because the knickers only go to age 10 years. These are not summer play shorts. We know that because of the heavy material and the fact the shorts are lined. They are winter dress shorts. That seems a bit olde for 1938-39 as by this time we only see very few boys this age wearing button-on outfits. A trader writes, "I have noticed regional and social differences. Best & Company seemed to offer button on blouses to size 10 but short suits to size 9."
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