Why Did Boys Wear Dresses?
Until the early 20th century, it was common practice in the Western world for young boys to wear dresses or gowns. This wasn't a matter of gender expression, but rather a practical and cultural norm.
- Ease of Diapering and Potty Training: As noted in several sources, dresses were far more practical than breeches (pants) for diapering and potty training. The ease of access made changing diapers significantly easier for caregivers, and allowed children more independence during potty training without wrestling with buttons and closures. [Reference: So why were little boys wearing dresses until the early twentieth century? One reason may have been practicality. It is much easier to change a diaper with a dress than pants and during potty-training it would be easier for the child who didn't have to fumble with button closures on breeches]
Cultural and Historical Context
- Childhood viewed as genderless: Infants and toddlers, regardless of sex, were often seen as innocent and without defined gender. This perception led to similar clothing choices for both boys and girls. [Reference: Finally, small boys and girls were dressed alike because they were seen alike. Infants and toddlers were all seen as innocent, meaning sexless or without gender]
- Breeching: The transition from dresses to breeches (knee-length pants) marked a significant rite of passage, signifying a boy's entry into boyhood and later, manhood. This practice, known as "breeching," varied in timing across different cultures and time periods, often occurring around ages 3-7. [Reference: From the mid-16th century until the late 19th or early 20th century, young boys in the Western world were unbreeched and wore gowns or dresses until an age that…] [Reference: Long dresses until six months, then short dresses up until age three, then either Russian blouses with knickers or kilt suits up until the age of five or six.]
- Universal Practice: The practice of dressing young boys in dresses wasn't limited to a single culture or time period. It was a widely accepted norm across many Western cultures for centuries. [Reference: It used to be that all kids in the west wore dresses up to a certain age, regardless of gender. There even used to be such a thing as “boys dresses.”] [Reference: Boys were popped into dresses just like girls up until the late 18th century. Then, some little boys began to be dressed in pants or tight “...]
The Shift Towards Pants
The widespread adoption of pants for boys emerged gradually over time. While the exact reasons are complex and multi-faceted, it reflects a broader change in societal views regarding childhood and gender roles.
