06/01/2026
The dress pictured is a 1860s dress that was donated by a patron to the Museum. It was a part of a large collection donated. The donor gave us a little background on the collection and dated the child’s dress as 1860s, and it was more than likely worn by the three children in the family's ancestry, two of whom were girls, and one of whom was a boy…Yes, you heard that( or read that) correctly. Boys of this era, as well as girls, wore dresses for a portion of their lives.
At first glance, this charming red-and-white checked dress and matching jacket might appear to be a little girl's outfit. However, in the mid-19th century, clothing did not always indicate a child's gender as clearly as it does today. Dating to the 1860s, this ensemble comes from a period when both boys and girls commonly wore dresses throughout infancy and early childhood. Before a boy was "breeched,” the ceremony or milestone marking his first pair of trousers, he often wore garments remarkably similar to those of his sisters.
During the 1860s, children were increasingly viewed as distinct from adults, and clothing reflected that change. While earlier generations often dressed children as miniature adults, mid-Victorian fashions began emphasizing comfort and mobility. Once a child was walking, the long gowns of infancy were replaced by shorter dresses such as this one.
So how could families tell the difference?
Victorian hairstyles often provided clues. Young boys commonly wore side parts, loose curls, or small top knots, while girls typically wore center-parted hair. Boys’ garments were usually less elaborate than girls’ clothing. Their outfits might feature military-inspired braid trim, sailor styling, or vest-like details intended to give a more masculine appearance. The decorative braid work on this jacket reflects popular tailoring influences of the late 19th century.
The shorter skirt length seen here is especially important — long gowns were considered impractical for walking toddlers. Once children became mobile, shorter hems became fashionable and functional.
From the collection of the Shippensburg Fashion Archives Museum
