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Children's Collections
Playthings ~ Clothing

Boy's Three-piece Suit
jacket, skirt, knickerbockers

Wool flannel; cotton; silk velvet ribbon; metal buttons
American, circa 1862
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. L. Ferris, 74.78.2a-c

Worn by Harry Daniel, father of the donor, the suit includes a jacket with sewn-in vest, skirt and knickerbockers. An illustration from a French fashion magazine, La Mode Illustré, depicts a similar outfit described as a suit for a 3-5 year old boy in blue wool with black velvet trim. It was not unusual for boys to wear both pants and overskirts. Dresses were not considered inappropriate wear for boys. In fact, the decorative ribbon and button styling of the jacket reflects the influence of military uniforms.