Boy's blue cotton jacket

Date1890 -1910

Object number00018354

NameJacket

MediumCotton

DimensionsOverall: 480 x 290 mm, 0.15 kg

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis blue cotton boy's jacket was originally attached to a blue and white sailor-style collar and white cotton bib. Machine sewn, the jacket's design includes long buttoned sleeves gathered at the wrists and a cream silk tie at the neck. HistorySailor-style children's clothing first became fashionable in the 1850s after England's Queen Victoria dressed her children in sailor suits for public outings and official portraits. Worn by both boys and girls, sailor suits and collars were especially popular for visiting the seaside, a popular place for recreation and play in colonial Australia.SignificanceThis jacket is representative of popular fashions in children's clothing throughout the late Victorian and Edwardian eras.