Sailor outfits for children.

[doghouse]

Does anyone know where I can find sailor outfits for children? Preferably at an affordable price. We are getting ready to take family pictures, and I'd like do dress them in matching sailor outfits. I'm looking for 12M, 2T, 3T boys outfits, and a dress in 4T.

 

[Elaina]

I would try Macy's. Not sure on how affordable that would be, however, but it seems that themed dressing like that, I have the best luck there.

We're doing a Hawaiian themed family photo, so I do understand the idea. Sadly, I think the boy has the best shirt.

 

[dhermann1]

Middie blouse

If you look on ebay or elsewhere online, you might want to use the term "Middie blouse". The term is short for Midshipman. That's what it would have been called in the 19th century when they were popular.

 

[RAF Man]

Does anyone know where I can find sailor outfits for children? Preferably at an affordable price. We are getting ready to take family pictures, and I'd like do dress them in matching sailor outfits. I'm looking for 12M, 2T, 3T boys outfits, and a dress in 4T.

Can't help you other than the suggestion by dhermann1, but I was wondering where and how the idea of dressing young children up in these sailor suits came about. It appears to have been done in the US and UK in the late 1800s early to mid 1900s, not sure about Canada or Australasia, or any non-English speaking countries.

 

[Lincsong]

I had one in 1970. I wanted to get one for my nephew, couldn't find it so I ended up getting him a safari outfit which he insisted on wearing in the winter. I saw some for girls at Macy's at Christmas when I was shopping for my nieces. There's always Grandma's old staple store; JC Penney.

 

[Pina Bridgette]

RAF Man,

Wikipedia seems to think it was due to a engravings & portraits of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales in 1846.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailor_suit

"In 1846, the four-year-old Albert Edward, Prince of Wales was given a scaled-down version of the uniform worn by ratings on the Royal Yacht. He wore his miniature sailor suit during a cruise off the Channel Islands that September, delighting his mother and the public alike. Popular engravings, including the famous portrait done by Winterhalter, spread the idea, and by the 1870s, the sailor suit had become normal dress for both boys and girls all over the world."

Here is another site with more clothing details:

http://www.victoriana.com/Victorian-Fashion/boysclothing-1890.htm

Doghouse,

There is a catalog tickling my memory that I might have seen sailor outfits in but it escapes me. When I do remember, I'll be sure to post it.

P.

 

[RAF Man]

Pina Bridgette - thank you for that bit of information. It would make perfect sense now, knowing that it had a Royal connection, and that the masses in those days wanted to follow fashion. Just like today I suppose, only it's football players, actors/actresses etc!
Certainly never had or been photograped myself as a kid in a sailor suit, but I have pictures of my father in 1926 wearing one.

 

[Pina Bridgette]

doghouse,

still can't remember the catalog but found this site with a whole section of sailor and nautical outfits:

http://www.bestdressedchild.com/childrens-sailor-suits-nautical-outfits.html

best wishes,
pina

 

[dhermann1]

Blazers

Semi-off topic: Let's not forget that Blazers are supposed to be Navy uniforms. Supposedly worn by "gig" rowers from Royal Navy Frigate HMS Blazer in the mid 1700's.
Yes, I know, nothing really to do with Middie blouses.

 

[RAF Man]

The Blazer - Certainly was worn by all UK school kids upto the 70s, we lost the old school caps in the 60s, now just the more select and quality schools stick with the tradition of a school uniform blazer, shirt and tie, until they are about 15.
Then it just degenerates into, well what more can I say. If it does'nt say GAP, FCUK, Diesel, etc or have some offensive vulgar slogan on it your'e a social outcast.

 

[doghouse]

Wow! Thanks guys! I love how helpful everyone is here.

Pina, Maybe the catalog you are thinking of is "Wooden Soldier". I love theirs but I was hoping I could find them maybe a little cheaper.

 

[John in Covina]

http://www.littlegirldresses.com/boys-sailor-outfits-74.html

I had at least 2 when I was little a white one at about 3 and a blue one at about 5 or 6. I do recall loving to wear the blue one. I always had a bag of Gold Rush AKA Gold Dust Gum hanging from my belt loop.

 

[reetpleat]

Does anyone know where I can find sailor outfits for children? Preferably at an affordable price. We are getting ready to take family pictures, and I'd like do dress them in matching sailor outfits. I'm looking for 12M, 2T, 3T boys outfits, and a dress in 4T.

Awwww ma, vintage again?

 

[doghouse]

Awwww ma, vintage again?

Haha. Actually.. the older ones enjoy vintage as much as I do. The younger two hate clothes in general.

Back to playing my new Wii. (yes, they are FUN!)

 

[Pina Bridgette]

If you can sew or know someone who can, look for older (80's?) Butterick patterns 4244 & 4246. I think the number has been recycled along the line so be sure they are the childrens patterns. or maybe another of the pattern companies has one out?

 

[Joie DeVive]

Another pattern

I'm not sure if another pattern will help, but just in case, Simplicity had one out (I'm not sure how recently I bought it).

Simplicity 5982

Good Luck!

 

[Pina Bridgette]

For anyone interested... there is a very nice article in the current issue (#18) of Selvedge magazine on the history of the sailor suit for youths.

http://www.selvedge.org/

 

[ohairas]

I had done MUCH searching for little boys suits, sailor~knickers~eaton suits, ect,
and other that ebay this site was the cheapest, they don't have much left tho.
http://www.dapperlads.com/SearchResult.aspx?KeyWords=sailor
However it has been about a year since I searched. I hope you find something! $100 for a child's outfit is rediculous!

I'd send you mine but I'm too sentimental, I save everything, lol!
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w115/ohairas/Birthday boy/novafishingsailor.jpg
Oh, and forgot about this one, my little brother wore it 21 years ago and my son wore it a year and a half ago,

Will be a very cute picture of them all, best wishes!
Nikki

 

[ohairas]

These aren't as exspensive as some, but when you add up as many as you need.. ouch...
http://www.littlegirldresses.com/sailor_suit.html
WOW, this site has a million different patterns and colors! Boys and girls,
http://www.grammies-attic.com/saco-sailor-dresses-and-outfits-for-girls-all-sizes.html
Nikki

YIKES, I just saw the original date of this thread so I'm probably no help, lol!
How did the pics turn out then??

 

[doghouse]

Thanks O'hairas..

I actually still haven't gotten family pictures done because I haven't found any at a reasonable cost. Unfortunately, I haven't sewed anything since I was a child, so that's not an option.