Figure 1.--This emacualte sailor suit was worn by an American boy about the turn of the 20th century. It was made in white linnen. The tunic had basic sailor styling with a "V" front collar and back flap.

There are important museum collections of vintage clothing as well as private collections. Some information is also available from internet and other auctions. These collections are of special interest to HBC because they allow a much more careful inspection of garments than is possible in a photographic image. We are collecting information on different kinds of tunics and tunic suits. These actual garments provide information on material, color, construction, embroidery, manufacturer, and a host of other details. Some readers have kindly provided us information about the garments in their collections.

American White Sailor Tunic Suit

This emacualte sailor suit was worn by an American boy about the turn of the 20th century. It was made in white linnen. The tunic had basic sailor styling with a "V" front collar and back flap. The "V" front is cut much deeper than on a normal middly blouse. The tunic is all white without any colored detailing as well. The bloomer knickers have elasticized legs. They seem to havebeen made to wear above the knees.