Figure 1.--Sears in its 1931 Fall-Wuinter catalog offered a range of dress and work shirts in patterns and plain collars. They seem to have unsuually narrow size ranges. |
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These shirts were offered in the Sears Spring and Summer, 1931 catalog, p. 135. The garments here are referred to as "shirts" rather than as "waists" or "blouses" which means that, at least in most cases, they have ordinary shirt tails like men's shirts. But a few models are made in "coat style" (without tails). Most of these shirts are for boys up to the age of 14 1/2. One model is for boys up to 10 years of age. The ad also offers boys' suspenders in two styles. These have 32 inch elastic web straps, which means that they would fit almost all teenagers as well as younger boys. The straps, of course, are adjustable. General Heading of Advertisement: "Last Year's Prices! Fast Colors--Genuine Broadcloth" Several of the shirts here were not named by Sears. These were all long-sleeved shirts despite the fact they were for Spring-Summer.
The Sears, Roebuck and Co., huge merchandising firm centered in Chicago was founded by Richard W. Sears (1863-1914) and A.C. Roebuck (1864-1948). Sears had begun a career in mail-order business in Minnesota 1886. In Chicago he and Roebuck joined resources and formed a corporation in 1893 as a mail-order business under title Sears, Roebuck and Company. In 1895 Julius Rosenwald (1862-1932) bought Roebuck's interest in firm and became president on Sears's retirement 1908. A retail-store system was added 1925. The first foreign store
added in Havana, Cuba during 1945 and becane the first expropriated store in 1960. The Sears-Roebuck brought the production of industry to the fartherest corner of rural America, opening the cornucopia of the consumer age to rural America. All the new things that were changing
American life danced across their pages. Through it, a huge
Chicago warehouse offers to modernize the farms and small towns of the Midwest.
These shirts were offered in the Sears Spring and Summer, 1931 catalog, p. 135.
The garments here are referred to as "shirts" rather than
as "waists" or "blouses" which means that, at least in most cases, they have ordinary shirt tails like men's shirts. But a few models are made in "coat style" (without tails). Most of these shirts are for boys up to the age of 14 1/2. One model is for boys up to 10 years of age. These were all long-sleeved shirts despite the fact they were for Spring-Summer.
The ad also offers boys' suspenders in two styles. These have 32 inch elastic web straps, which means that they would fit almost all teenagers as well as younger boys. The straps, of course, are adjustable.
General Heading of Advertisement: "Last Year's Prices! Fast Colors--Genuine Broadcloth" Several of the shirts here were not named by Sears.
The Sears ad copy read, "Preshrunk Broadcloth $1.29 Postpaid.
33E1430--Plain White
33E1431--Plain Tan
33E1432--Plain Blue
33E1433--Plain Green
Frequent laundering cannot alter the original size or original color of these Pre-Shrunk, Fast color, fine count cotton broadcloth shirts for boys. Handsomely tailored with the newest long point collar, single barrel cuffs, fine ocean shell pearl buttons, and one handy pocket. A shirt of this quality ordinarily sells for a great deal more. Economy suggests that you buy where your money yields the most! Tie not included."
The sears ad copy read, "Dobby Weave $1.29 Postpaid.
33E1435--White with colored patterns. Sizes, 12 to 14 1/2-- Half sizes. State size. Here's a newcomer in the "Perfection Togs" family. It's a high-lustre, fine count, white Dobby Weave cotton broadcloth, and the fade-proof patterns are the newest and most attractive we have seen. Both you and your boy will like these shirts--he for their youthful swagger--you for neat appearance and long wearing qualities. Attached soft collar and one pocket.
Ocean shell pearl buttons. Tie not included.
The Sears ad copy read, " More Than Low Price--Built to Wear. 2 for 79 c Postpaid. 33E1020--Blue. Sizes, 12 1/2 to 14 1/2. Half sizes. State size wanted. Here's good news for mothers who want the utmost in thrift! Only shirts far inferior to these are priced so low--their equals cost much more! Extremely serviceable--the material is of durable, medium weight, chambray, cut in roomy dimensions, and tailored to outwear anything similarly priced! Coat style,
interlined collar, two large pockets and triple stitched seams. This is an absolutely bottom price for a boys' work anbd play shirt that equals expensive shirts in the points of long wear, comfort and appearance. 33E999--Blue. Same as above Number 33E1020 except in Juvenile sizes, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 years. State age wanted."
[HBC note: The term "coat style" seems to indicate that these shirts are cut straight across at the bottom hem rather than having the usual tails. This may indicate that the shirts could be worn outside the trousers rather than being tucked in, but we are not entirely sure how common such a practice would have been.]
The Sears ad copy read, " Boys's Suspenders.
36 c. Postpaid. 33E8765. Fancy assorted colors. Length, 32 inches.
Boys like to keep their trousers hanging neatly with a pair of fancy colored dress suspenders. They're made of live, fancy lisle, elastic webbind with non-rusting fittings and colored leather ends.
29 c. Postpaid. 33E8762. Length, 32 inches.
Many boys prefer these strong suspenders of the Police and Fireman type. They are made of live, elastic webbing with non-rusting brass fittings and strong leather ends."
The Sears ad copy read, "Fancy Chambray. Hercules Junior Work Shirts 69 c. Postpaid.
33E1007--Fancy blue.
33E1008--Fancy tan.
33E1009--Fancy gray.
Sizes 12 1/2 to 14 1/2. Half sizes. Be sure to state size.
Many extra weeks of shirt wear are packed in these Hercules Junior Fancy Chambray Shirts. For school or work they cannot be excelled even by shirts selling at much higher prices. Practically all the tailoring features which make the Hercules, for Men, the great workshirt it is, are found in these boys' models. Made of heavyweight chambray in the most up-to-date patterns. Your boy will get a comfortable fit plus an attractive appearance. Coat style with two large pockets. Not Pre-Shrunk."
Sears here offered Genuine Broadcloth. Fast Colors. There were two styles.
The Sears ad copy for the first style read, "79 c. 33E1423--White
33E1427--Tan
33E1429--Blue
Sizes, 12 to 14 1/2. Half sizes. Be sure to state size.
Price lower than ever! These "Perfection Togs" PLain Colored--Cotton
Broadcloth shirts for boys are superior to the average boys' dress shirt similarly priced. Made of closely woven, mercerized cotton boradcloth in attached soft collar style over dimensions allowing plenty of room for the growing boy. Smartly styled. A practical shirt, both in service and in price. Tie not included."
The Seaes ad copy for the second style read, "79 C. 33E1410 Fancy Patterns. Sizes 11 to 14 1/2. Half sizes. Be sure to state size. If you are like most mothers you'll ask for precisely the kind of boys' shirt service, looks, and comfort that these genuine Cotton Broadcloths give. You'll appreciate the fast color feature, too. And if you're a thrifty mother
you'll decide to pay no more than this low price--and take the savings that we offer. Have one pocket, attached soft collar and soft single cuffs. Tie not included."
The Sears ad copy read, "Heavyweight Fancy Chambray 67 c. Postpaid. 33E997--Fancy patterns. Sizes, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 years. State age.Let the young fellow in your home wear the same brand of shirts that is famous among hard-working fathers. This tough, coat style, Hercules Midget workshirt is made of durable heavyweight chambray. It has all of the renowned features of Hercules Workshirts for Men. New attractive patterns. Two large, handy,
button-through pockets. These shirts will see him through months of rough wear. Not Pre-Shrunk. Order several today."
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