Figure 1.--This unidentified tin-type looks to us like it was taken in the 1900s decade, but tin-types are difficult to date. Anmerican children commonly wore long stockings. The white long stockings were mostly worn by girls, but younger boys were also dressed in white long stockings.

Hosiery for women and girls in the 18th is difficult to assess because dress lengths were so long and of course there was no photography. We have more information on the 19th century, but not for the early-19th century. The popular Empire dress styles were very long and there was still no photography. Hem lines began to gradually rise, especially for children. Legs were modestly covered by pantalettes so we still don't have a lot of information on hosiery. The invention of photography in France (1839) meant that details on garments are for the first time available in substantial numbers. This was especially true of America where the photographic industry quickly surpased that of any European country. Children in America commonly wore wore long stockings, both boys and girls. The only major exception was the many children going barefoot. Socks were not very common. At the turn if the 20th century we still see mostly long stockings. Black long stockings were common, but girls and younger boys might wear white long stockings. After World War (1914-18) in the 1920s we begin to see socks along with long stockings. By the 1930s we still see socks and long stockings, but socks were becoming more popular, both knee socks and ankle socks which wwere worn by both boys and girls. After World War II (1939-45) we see fewer boys wearing knee socks, but they were very popular with girls. By the 1960s knee socks were becoming primarily a girl's garment. Color was a major factor in hosiery differences. Girl's knee socks could be very colorful.

Created: 12:46 AM 4/16/2024
Last updated: 12:46 AM 4/16/2024