Children’s Fashions – Summer 1840

Two boys and two girls stand in a lush garden next to a fountain under shady trees. The tallest boy on the left stands with his back to the viewer so we can see the rear cut of his blue jacket. The jacket has a snug fit, dropped shoulders, and narrow sleeves. Two buttons and two curved peplum sections create interest at the back of the waist. Underneath, a white ruffled collar and black cravat are visible. He wears white (or tan) stirrup pants, yellow gloves, and holds a silver-topped walking stick.

He has set down his black top hat on a neoclassical bench with volute detailing. Next to him is a young child holding a rolling hoop. The child wears a purple Tattersall plaid dress over white pantalettes. Purple cord is tied at the waist to create the waistline. The dress has short elbow length sleeves, and a boat neckline over a white ruffled blouse. On the bench is the straw hat with a white feather that belongs to this child. Next is an older girl in a white dress with three-quarter ruffled sleeves and a green plaid sash. Around her shoulders is a matching green plaid fichu crossed in the front.

The skirt reached below her knees, and she wears white lace-edged pantalettes. She wears fingerless netted mitts. Something has suddenly caught her attention as she grasps the arms of her playmates and turns her head to look away. This shows the back of her poke bonnet which has a light brim and a green plaid body and ruffle. A bow and the ties are also green plaid.

The boy at the right wears a loose brown knee-length coat with frogging on the sleeves, and triangular fastenings at the center front. He wears a white high-collared shirt with a ruffled neck and a black cravat. He wears white and black Tattersall plaid trousers and a tan wide brimmed hat trimmed with tassels. He holds a jump rope and a ball.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges