Figure 1.--This image shows the shoulder brace belt and hose supporter. They were made in sizes for children up to 12 years.

Stocking supporters and related elastic supporters were widely sold in America during the 1920s. A good reflection of the variety of products available. These advertisements also provide a variety of information about those products. A bit later, Kazoo and perhaps other manufacturers, decided to modify the suspender waist as a garment for girls and younger boys. They were still called suspender waists because of the over-the-shoulder straps, but they did not literally function as suspenders (a device for holding up trousers). On these modified versions there were no leather attachments at the waist to be buttoned onto trousers as in the case of adult male suspenders. Instead they had waist bands with buttons on them. These could be used by younger children in the same way that panty waists had been used--for bloomers, panties, or even outer garments like short pants or skirts (although, as you point out, most girls didn't wear skirts at this period).

Usage

Stocking supporters and related elastic supporters were widely sold in America during the 1920s.

Types

A good reflection of the variety of products available. These advertisements also provide a variety of information about those products. A bit later, Kazoo and perhaps other manufacturers, decided to modify the suspender waist as a garment for girls and younger boys. They were still called suspender waists because of the over-the-shoulder straps, but they did not literally function as suspenders (a device for holding up trousers). On these modified versions there were no leather attachments at the waist to be buttoned onto trousers as in the case of adult male suspenders. Instead they had waist bands with buttons on them. These could be used by younger children in the same way that panty waists had been used--for bloomers, panties, or even outer garments like short pants or skirts (although most girls didn't wear skirts at this period). A new type of stocking supporter appeared in the 1920s--the waist union suit. A popular brand was the Kazoo waists.

Age

Gender

Stocking supporters were worn by both boys and girls, including younger teen agers. We suspect that in the teen years that they were mkre common with boys than girls.

Clothing

The principal purpose of stocking supporters was to hold up long stockings, although some were used to hold up trousers as well. Thus there is a close association between long stockings and stocking supporters. stockings. The popularity of lng stockings began to decline in the 1920s. They were still commonly worn, but by now by yonger boys and on a more seasonal basis. Some boys began wearing kneesocks with their knickers rather than long stockings. Even so long stockings were still widely available, as were stocking supporters.

Advertisements and Catalogs

Stocking supporters were still prominently featured in magazine ads and catalogs during the 1920s. We note Montgomery Ward's underwaists in 1922. We notice more Ward's underwaists in 1925 and 1926. We notice Nazareth Underwaists in 1927. Sears also offered stocking supporters. An example is Sears underwaists offered in 1929.

Clothing Stores

We have a very good idea of the importance of stocking supporters and long stockings from the period catalogs and advertisements in newspapers and magazines. What we rarely get to see is how stocking supporters were marketed in stores. Occassionaly we come across photographs showing the inside of shops and department stores. They are not, however, very common. We had thought tghat there might be modest counter displays for stocking supporters. We note one photograph of a very elborate diplay for the Whiz Suspender which appears to offer Kazoo stocking supporters. We are not entirely sure if this was an actual display or an advertizing gimic. Nor are we sure yet how common such displays would have been in cloyhing stores.

Created: January 11, 2001
Last updated: 12:07 AM 2/4/2013