Figure 1.--This undated portrait was taken of a German boy in Berlin wearing a sailor tunic. The sailor style was one of the two major styles of tunics popular in Germany. We believe it was taken at about the turn of the 20th century. The boy looks to be about 4-5 years old.

We note German boys wearing tunics in the mid-19th century. They seemed to be a generalized European fashion and not a destinctive German style. We have noted several styles of tunic suits worn by German boys at the turn of the 20th century, although they appear somewhat more limited than in America. We are just beginning to collect information on the different styles. The basic tunic might have different types of collars and button details. Almost always there was a belt. Fancy, lace trimmed French styles were less popular in Germany, but believe the Russian blouse style was commonly worn. Some had square, open collars and were popular for summerwear. We notice others with wide white collars andmatching collar cuffs. The sailor suit was the most popular tunic style in Germany. We have only noted a few sailor tunics, but this may be limited number of German images.

Early Tunics

We note German boys wearing tunics in the mid-19th century. They seemed to be a generalized European fashion and not a destinctive German style. We know relatively little about these early tunics. We do not have any images of these early tunics at this time, but assume they were similar to those worn in England and France.

Later Tunics

We have noted several styles of tunic suits worn by German boys at the turn of the 20th century, although they appear somewhat more limited than in America. We are just beginning to collect information on the different styles. As far as we can tell, there were two basic syules: the sailor style and the Russian blouse style. The basic tunic might have different types of collars and button details. Almost always there was a belt. Fancy, lace trimmed French styles were less popular in Germany, but believe the Russian blouse style was commonly worn. Some had square, open collars and were popular for summerwear. We notice others with wide white collars andmatching collar cuffs. The sailor suit was the most popular tunic style in Germany. We have only noted a few sailor tunics, but this may be limited number of German images. We are not yet sure if tunic suits like the American Buster Brown suits were worn in Germany.

Created: December 17, 2002
Last updated: 10:16 PM 11/12/2004