Figure 1.--

French boys have worn both classic, traditional sailor suits as well as a large number of sylistic inovations based on the classic styles. Sailor suits came in summer and winter versions. The summer version consisted of a white or stripped cotton middy blouse worn with white or dark trousers. The winter version was usually dark (blue or black) serge. The dickie and back flap often supported embroidered nautical themes and the sleeve might have a rank insinia. The sailor suit was often worn for every day activities. The most traditional outfit was the middy blouse, but some sailor suits had blouses which buttoned on the front. In the 1890s sailor suits appeared in velvet and might be worn for more formal occasions.

Classic Suits Most Common

French boys primarily wore classic, traditional sailor suits, although a large number of outfits with sylistic inovations wee avilable.

Seasonal Variations

Sailor suits came in summer and winter versions. The summer version consisted of a white or stripped cotton middy blouse worn with white or dark trousers. The winter version was usually dark (blue or black) serge.

Stylistic Variations

Although the basic classic sailor suit was fairly standard, there were some variations. The number of stripes in the trim could vary. The dickie and back flap often supported embroidered nautical themes and the sleeve might have a rank insinia.

The sailor suit was often worn for every day activities. It looked smart enough, however, that it could also be worn as a dressup outfit. In the 1890s sailor suits appeared in velvet and might be worn for more formal occasions.

Garment Variations

The most traditional outfit was the middy blouse, but some sailor suits had blouses which buttoned on the front. The pants also varied, including long pants, knee pants, knickers, and short pants. A kind of bloomer knickers were popular for younger boys.

Individual Suits

HBC will archibe veveral individul suits as examples of traditional French sailor suits.

1913 summer bloomer knickers suit

This traditional light-colored sailor suit is rather plain and similar to American style sailor suits. It has a redish hue due to the coloring. It may have actually been white. There are the traditional three stripes on the sailor collar and cuffs. The blouse may have front buttons but appears to billow at the bottom. The trousers appear to be the bloomer-style knickers that were popular for boys in France. The boy wears white stockings and black patent leather strap shoes. Many pictures from this time show boys wearing white patent leather shoes and three quarter socks. His hair is parted on the left side and falls in curls around his ears.

Other Related Pages:
[Sailor suits] [Kilts] [Smocks] [Pinafores] [Sailor Hats] [Blouses]
[Ring Bearers] [Long hair] [Ringlet curls] [Hair bows] [Bangs] [Collars] [Bows] [French postcards] [French catalogs]

Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Web Site:
[Return to clothing styles]
[Introduction] [Activities] [Bibliographies] [Biographies] [Chronology] [Countries]
[Contributions] [FAQs]
[Boys' Clothing Home]

Created: February 26, 2001
Last updated: November 20, 2001