This pair of boy's pyjamas is part of a collection of Australian made children's clothing dating from 1948 to 1963.

Originating in a children's wear shop at North Sydney, this collection typifies the type of clothing worn by middle class children in New South Wales during this period. Although it is not known why the shop closed down, a possible factor could have been the decline in independent retailers from the 1960s, with the rise of suburban department stores, shopping malls and chain stores.

The clothing in this collection illustrates the prevalence of Australian-made garments at a time when high tariffs were placed on imported goods and the local product was therefore competitive. This began to change in the early 1970s when tariffs on imported goods were reduced and cheaper clothing from overseas came onto the Australian market. The result was a decline in Australian manufacturing in the textile, clothing and footwear industries.

Made in Australia by Junior Style.

This pair of pyjamas is part of a collection of clothing from a small North Sydney children's wear shop that closed down in the early 1960s and is thought to have been demolished. The shop's unsold contents were packed in a garage until Lorraine Foster of The Vintage Clothing Shop purchased the whole collection around 2000. The clothing dates from 1948 to 1963 and includes many brands, probably all Australian made. Most items retain their labels and some are still in their original packaging. None had been sold or worn.

Pyjamas, boys, cotton flannel, made by Junior Style, Australia, 1948-1963

Boy's cotton flannel pyjamas, consisting of long-sleeved top and long pants. Blue, red and white stripes with red feature around the collar and pocket. The top has a turn down collar and the centre front opening fastens with three white plastic buttons. The pants have an elastic waistband and the centre front fly opening fastens with one white plastic button. Both top and pants are machine sewn and unlined.

Made: Junior-Style; Australia; 1948 - 1963

Top: white and blue fabric label inside centre back neck 'JUNIOR-STYLE/ALL COTTON/1789 30'. Pants: white fabric label inside centre back waistband 'THE VINTAGE CLOTHING SHOP/5/149 CASTLEREAGH ST./SYDNEY 2000. PH. 9267 7135/CODE: BC.08.04/SIZE: '.

2007/21/2

1948 - 1963