1930s Children's Fashion: Girls, Boys, Toddler, Baby Costumes

The 1930s were hard times for families. Save for the price, however, the clothing available did not always reflect these hard times. Little girls’ dresses looked like mom’s with natural or empire waists, knee length skirts, rounded white collars, and a matching sash tied in a bow. They were always made in colorful small prints and cheerful solid colors of sky blue, coral pink, golden yellow, and jade green, and many had ruffles on the hemline. As the girls grew up, hemlines dropped to mid-shin and colors darkened. Black Mary Jane shoes were worn by all little girls.

Boys wore casual clothes for play: an attached shirt and shorts or shirt and pant combination suit, and a pullover sweater. Shoes were mostly lace up boots. Formal occasions like church or school called for boys to wear little suits, most with knickers or long pants. The popular sailor look in white or navy made little boys into Navy captains, complete with hat.

See pictures of 1930s kids clothing on our Kids Vintage Pinterest board or at the bottom of the page for some inspiration, then shop for new vintage inspired kids clothing and costumes.