Figure 1.--Rompers were very popular for younger children. They often came in two sizes, these were made for children from 2-6 years. These Dutch bloomer rompers were available from the 1922 Montgromery Ward catalog. They were made in blue and pink, suggesting that modern colors conventions were beginning to become established. Galatea was one of several materials in which rompers were made. |
HBC has noted this fabric in adverisements for many turn of the century garments. It appears to have been a popular, but moderately priced cotton material. It was often, but not always a striped fabric. One clothing expert descibes galatea as a durable fabric, explaining its use in childrn's clothing. HBC has not collected much informtion about the fabric. No details, however, are available on the fabric. Galatea is, however, a figure in Greek mythology. Galatea was the woman brought to life by Aphrodite from the ivory statue carve by Pygmalion. HBC is unsure if the fabric was somehow named after this woman. The American HeritageŽ Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000. suggests that the fabric was named after the HMS Galatea, a 19th-century English warship. Apparntly the connection was that galeta was commonly used for children's sailor suits.
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