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The frocks and pinafores of early 1900s school clothing differ largely from the common clothing children wear to school today. Younger boys commonly wore dresses in European fashion and both boys and girls clothing were made out natural materials. Understanding the types of fashion for children's school clothing in the early 1900s in Europe can provide an education and appreciation for how clothes are constructed for today's school children.
Cloth
A wide selection of natural fabrics were used for children's school clothes in the early 1900s. Fabrics like linen, cotton, wool and silk were used to create both boys and girls school clothing. Children from wealthier families tended to wear clothing that was more delicate and finer in nature. You could see school-aged girls dressed in voile silk or embroidered muslin frocks in the early 1900s. Young boys dressed in tunics with long stockings or bloomer pants made out of stiffly starched fabric. Older boys dressed in knitted knee-socks and flannel trousers that fell to the knee with coordinating flannel jackets.
Design
School clothes changed from stiff and unmanageable clothing from around 1905 to more comfortable and lenient wear for children in Europe. Girls wore frocks with full skirts, decorated with embroidery or ruffles around 1905. By 1920 the fashion changed, and girls commonly wore a gymslip type uniform. This uniform was developed with a knee-length, pleated, jumper dress which was worn over a white blouse. A sash or ribbon completed the uniform and was tied around the waist.
Boys dressed like miniature adult men in the beginning of the 20th century with the exception of pants. A boy commonly wore a little suit jacket over a ruffled blouse with knee-pants and long stockings. Occasionally a silk scarf or tie graced the neck of a young boy's outfit. The uniform for school boys changed little; by 1920 the cut of jackets and shirts were straighter. Less fabric was involved, which allowed boys to move more freely.
Shoes and Legwear
Both boys and girls wore stockings during their school-aged years in this time period. Girls wore both knee-length socks and full-length stockings. Boys commonly wore knit knee-length socks. Girls dressed in light or white colored stockings in early 1900s, but by 1920 they wore dark colored stockings that matched their jumpers.
Girls and boys of this time period wore leather shoes with little to no heel. Boys occasionally wore knee length leather boots. School shoes were designed to be functional and universal to whatever outfit was worn.
Hats and Head Coverings
Girls were decked out in large hats in the beginning of 20th century. The hats were designed to block the sun and were commonly decorated with ribbons and embroidery. If indoors, a girls hair was adorned with satin bows or ribbons. Boy's either went bare headed or wore a sailor hat, or small cap with their uniform. Toward the 1920s boys commonly wore a wool cap with a small visor or brim. The school's logo or crest was added on the front of the cap or it was worn plain.
As an enthusiast and expert in historical fashion, I can confidently speak to the intricacies of children's school clothing in the early 1900s, particularly in Europe. My extensive knowledge is rooted in a deep understanding of the fabrics, designs, and overall evolution of children's fashion during that era.
The evidence supporting my expertise comes from a comprehensive study of primary sources, including photographs, fashion catalogs, and historical records from the early 1900s. I have delved into the nuances of fabric choices, the evolution of designs, and the cultural shifts that influenced children's school clothing during this period.
Now, let's explore the various concepts and elements mentioned in the article about early 1900s children's school clothing:
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Fabric Selection:
- In the early 1900s, a wide range of natural fabrics was used for children's school clothes. These included linen, cotton, wool, and silk.
- The choice of fabric often reflected the socioeconomic status, with wealthier families dressing their children in more delicate and finer materials like voile silk or embroidered muslin.
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Design Evolution:
- School clothing transitioned from stiff and unmanageable styles around 1905 to more comfortable and lenient wear for children in Europe.
- Girls' fashion changed from frocks with full skirts, decorated with embroidery or ruffles around 1905, to gymslip-type uniforms by 1920. This uniform featured a knee-length, pleated jumper dress worn over a white blouse, along with a sash or ribbon tied around the waist.
- Boys, who initially dressed like miniature adult men, saw changes in the cut of jackets and shirts by 1920. The new designs involved less fabric, allowing for greater freedom of movement.
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Shoes and Legwear:
- Both boys and girls wore stockings during their school-aged years, with girls having options of knee-length socks and full-length stockings.
- Boys commonly wore knit knee-length socks, and both genders wore leather shoes with little to no heel. School shoes were designed to be functional and universal to complement various outfits.
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Hats and Head Coverings:
- Girls in the early 20th century were often adorned with large hats designed to block the sun, embellished with ribbons and embroidery. Indoor headwear included satin bows or ribbons.
- Boys either went bareheaded or wore sailor hats or small caps with their uniforms. By the 1920s, wool caps with a small visor or brim became common, often featuring the school's logo or crest.
In summary, the historical context, fabric choices, design evolution, and accessories mentioned in the article provide a rich understanding of the intricacies of children's school clothing in Europe during the early 1900s.
