Figure 1.-- The boys at this school are all wearing identical Eton collrs. They are the classic Eton collar, which was a stiffly starched or celuloid material worn as a detachable collar to their shirt waists. Notice how the neckties are tied. Also note how many are not pulled tight to the neck. Image courtesy of the MD collection. |
They all seem to be wearing neckties, although that is difficult to make out. It looks like a stripped necktie. Neckties were just beginning to appea in the early 20th century. At some schools the Eton collar was worn without a necktie. Almost all of the boys are wearing these stripped ties. We note, however, a few other ties. There is at least one solid color tie and a tie with very narrow white stripes. This is discussed on the headboy page. We note in particular that many boys have not pulled their toe knots tight up to their collars. By the 1920s this would have considered to be slovenly. At this school, no one seems to have made an issue of it. Which is interesting because in other aspects the headmaster here appears to have been quite strict about the uniform and how it was worn. Apparently this was not part of the collar monitor's assignment.
Related Chronolgy Pages in the Boys' Historical Web Site
[The 1880s]
[The 1890s]
[The 1900s]
[The 1910s]
[The 1920s]
[The 1930s]
[The 1940s]
[The 1950s]
Related Style Pages in the Boys' Historical Web Site
[Long pants suits]
[Short pants suits]
[Socks]
[Eton suits]
[Jacket and trousers]
[Blazer]
[School sandals]