Figure 1.--We have relatively little information on on the Rugby suit. The American Eton suit was based loosely on the Emglish Eton suit. We do not know if this style of suit was based on a suit style worn at Rugby school. As far as we can tell, the Rugby suit as marketed in America was essentially a single-breasted short pants suit. |
We have relatively little information on on the Rugby suit. The American Eton suit was based loosely on the Emglish Eton suit. We do not know if this style of suit was based on a suit style worn at Rugby school. As far as we can tell, the Rugby suit as marketed in America was essentially a single-breasted short pants suit. Note that the suit here was blue. Such blue suits were not common in England. The ad copy read, "Boyville Jr. Rugby Suit $3.49. --Good-looking, 2-button single breasted coat
--Shorts are fully lined --Complete with smart artificial leather belt Sturdy flannel 50% resued wool, 50% cotton. Coat has taped fronts, lined front facings; 2 side pockets; welt chest pocket. Fly front shorts, 3 pockets. Shpg. wt., 2 lbs. Sizes: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. State size; see chart on page 306. 40 D 3274--Navy $3.49
40 D 3273--Teal $3.49." Boyville was the Sears housbrand for boy's clothes. The Jr. simply means the selection of clothes for younger boys.
HBC speculated that Rugy suits might have been an American style, in much the same way that colarless Eton suits for small boys became. HBC has noted, however, references to Rugby suits in
other countries. I have inquired with my English contributors and they have not heard of Rugby suits made for English boys. This requires some further investigation, however, as Rugby suits were being metioned in Australian advertisements at the turn of the 20th century.
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