Figure 1.--The lapeless Eton suit had become an American standard for younger boys in the 1920s. Note that here is still worn with an Eton rather than a Peter Pan collar. Also notice that the boy here is shown wearing grey rather than matching blue kneesocks. |
The lapeless Eton suit had become an American standard for younger boys in the 1920s. Note that here is still worn with an Eton rather than a Peter Pan collar. Also notice that the boy here is shown wearing grey rather than matching blue kneesocks. It was much more common to have the kneesocks match the suit. We seem to have noted these suits more commonly done in black and grey. There were also white suits. This was considered a classic, conservative style and particularly popular with upper-class families. The age range here is a little younger (3-8 years) than the other suits on this page (4-9/10 years). Sears of course appealerd more to middle-class families. The ad copy read, "4-piece Eton model $3.98 --Good quality flannel, 60% wool, 40% rayon --Shorts full lined; 2 pockets, artificial leather belt --Button-on blouse Shorts lined with sturdy cotton fabric. Stylish plain back Eton coat; 3 pockets. White cotton poplin blouse, Eton style collar. Navy blue. Tie not
included. Shpg wt., 2 lbs, 5 oz. Sizes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. State size; see page 306. Single breasted coat full lined with rayon.
40 D 3142 $3.98."
A spin off of the Eton suits became fasionable for small American boys beginning at about 5 years of age. This style from the beginning was preceived as an upper-class style. Even so, it became the most stylish dress suit for two generations of American boys. It did not begin to disappear until the 1970s, but even in the 1990s is worn by very young boys at fornmal events like weddings. We have referred to these suits as American Eron suits, for what of a better term, because they were so common worn in America and called Eton suits in store catalogs and trade piblications. They were, however, worn by boys in other countries as well.
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