children's clothing

The history of children's clothing reflects the attitude of adults from childhood, which until very recently, children had no voice in the matter. Before the late 18 century, children were dressed as miniature adults, in clothes, which limited their physical freedom and social constraints on their behavior. From birth, infants were tightly packed, as their limbs immobilized. Toddlers placed in smaller versions of their parents' clothes, a practice which reflected the prevailing view that childhood was an unfortunate prelude to adulthood, to be gotten through as quickly as possible.

Until the social revolution in the late 18 century, strict and sometimes violent child-rearing practices encourage early compliance with adult standards of behavior. Parents were not necessarily a positive experience when several uncontrollable births were the norm and women frequently died in childbirth. Child mortality was high, less than half the children born survived until 5 years and half of the remainder never reached 10 years. Offspring were often seen as "IMP of Satan" or the result of original sin. Since the average lifespan was only 30 years, children were forced into early adulthood, usually between the ages of 7 and 9, depending on their social status. Early maturation was a necessity because the working class of 5 year olds could be employed 14 hours a day to help support their families.

Contrary to common practice, philosophers and educators such as Erasmus (c.1466-1536), Ascham (1515-1568), Komensky (1592-1670) and John Locke (1632-1704) wrote important treatises on the education of children, condemning use of fear and violence in the classroom, and suggest age-appropriate methods and respect for the child. Movement for children's rights gained momentum and international recognition in 1762 with the publication of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's best-selling and controversial novel Emile. In his writings, Rousseau describes his childhood as a cleaner state is to be loved rather than despised and embraced for its potential for happiness and playfulness. He went further than other reformers and characterized children as individuals in their own right.

Unlocking the child started a revolution in dress that would ultimately lead to greater freedom and informal in clothing for both adults and children. In the late 18 and early 19th century true childrens forward. This form of dress bore no resemblance to adult clothes, and was designed to provide comfort and convenience for the young. Styles include pink cotton "skeleton suit" for boys and uncorseted high waisted dress for girls, both of which were to have a strong influence on later adult styles.

The pendulum swung back to discomfort in the 1820s, when the children were again exposed to the whims of an adult fashion. The industrial revolution enabled a growing middle class to practice a new level of ostentation, where children were again used to indicate social status of their parents. Victorian materialism bring the girls back in crinolines and lively, and both young boys and girls to become, long hair and many petticoats. Older boys had tunics, shorts, pants and a series of military-style uniforms, which at times provided ease and comfort. But the weight was no longer on the child's welfare and needs. Children were dressed in elaborate costumes and hats, narrow high-heeled shoes, and heavy, stiff, dark matter until the late 19th century, despite opposition from the dress reformers.

During the 19th century child labor laws and social programs began to redress the wrong suffered by many children, but the next great social change did not occur until the 20th century, when the First World War triggered a relaxation of manners and simple dress for all ages. An interest in psychology in the 1920s led to changing attitudes to children and their development. At the same time added a new way for sports, fresh air and sunshine, and the growing ready to wear industry for adoption of adults in simpler, more comfortable, active styles that were designed for children. Worship of youth would become the dominant social development in the later 20th century and sportswear would blur the differences between child and adult styles.