The first suit I remember, and was I proud of it, was known as a ‘Knickerbocker’ the breeches buttoned below the knee and the coat had pleats at the back.
(Picture)
Granny Mary made it, she was a tailoress. The First World War was now on and it was no doubt becoming difficult to get a bit of serge with almost all material going to clothe our troops. I expect she got it from her place of work. I was certainly a very smart eight or nine year old lad but I dread to think what the outfit would look like today.
Footwear was chiefly boots, I presume they were more suitable for the country lanes.
My mother always had smart hats which she would decorate with artificial flowers and real feathers etc. Father’s head gear was bowler when changed and a cap at other times. As a matter of fact I wore a bowler for many years on special occasions such as weddings, funerals plus Sundays. I still have my last one.
When I worked at the dairy I wore breeches and leggings as did all the men for there was always water slopping about so when I started work at GWR engine sheds they were the only working clothes I had. Thank goodness I was soon supplied with overalls.