Boy's Suit c. 1939

This is Henry De Wolfe's drawing of a boy's suit. It offers a glimpse into late 19th and early 20th century childhood. During this period, clothing served not only a functional purpose but also to encode social status and gender expectations. The suit, with its elaborate detailing, challenges traditional ideas about masculinity. The lace edging and delicate design elements, reflect a sentimental view of childhood. While boys suits were common, the ornate design, raises questions about the wearer's social standing and identity. Perhaps the suit blurs the line between masculine and feminine, or reflects the cultural values of the time. This simple drawing allows us to think about how clothing shapes our understanding of identity, class, and gender.