Figure 1.--Only two boys in this 1926 Belgian class wore sailor suits. We note that the styling was more traditional than had been the case in earlier years. We wonder just what the school dress code was here.

HBC has little information on actual regulations concerning clothing at Belgian schools. We believe that smocks were required schoolwear in the late 19th century, but in fact have little information to confirm this. Belgian school children for the most part did not wear actual school uniforms. We note some schools portraits, however, in the 1920s and 30s which suggest that there were some requirements, perhaps more commonly at private than state schools. A case in point is the school class seen here in 1926 (figure 1). After World War II some private schools had uniforms, especially Cathloic schools. We are not sure just when these uniforms were instituted, but believe that it was after World War II. The earlist images we are note are from the 1950s, but it could be earlier. These uniforms varied. Some may have required smocks. There were various other uniforms. One of the most commom was blue shirts, blue sweaters, blue short pants, and white kneesocks.

Late 19th Century (1870-1900)

HBC has little information on actual regulations concerning clothing at Belgian schools, especially in the late 19th century. We believe that smocks were required schoolwear in the late 19th century, but in fact have little information to confirm this.

Early 20th Century (1900-1919)

Inter-war and War Years (1920-39)

Post-war Years (1945-70)

After World War II some private schools had uniforms, especially Cathloic schools. We are not sure just when these uniforms were instituted, but believe that it was after World War II. The earlist images we are note are from the 1950s, but it could be earlier. These uniforms varied. Some may have required smocks. There were various other uniforms. One of the most commom was blue shirts, blue sweaters, blue short pants, and white kneesocks.