Figure 1.--These two German brothers were photographed by a photographer inn central Berlin. The photograph is not dated, but we believe was taken about the turn of the 20th cebntury. A German reader reports that 1905 would be a good approximation. They wear identical sailor tunics, although the traditional striped "V"-neck collar has been done with elaborate lace. Notice the toy boat to their right. I'm not sure what is on the one boy's sleeve, presumably a navy rank insignia.

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.

Basic Styles

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 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. Oner problem with identifying tunic suits is that they were often not detailed in traditional sailor styles. Note the boy here. Hus tunic suit has traditiional sailor styling and is easy to identify (figure 1). We note some sailor tunics that have been done with lace and ruffles and do not immediateky convey the sailor image. We have also noted Russian blouse tunic suits, but have realtively few images. We are not yet sure if tunic suits like the American Buster Brown suits were worn in Germany.

Stylistic Elements

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 length of the tunic varies. By the 1910s we see tunic suits with tunics that look more like blouses.

Created: 10:35 PM 11/12/2004
Last updated: 6:31 AM 6/10/2005