This boy's shirt 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 and accessories used 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 Youngawear.

This boy's shirt 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.

Shirt, boys, with packaging, cotton / plastic, made by Youngawear, Australia, 1948-1963

Boys long sleeved shirt made of red and white cotton with a houndstooth pattern. The shirt has a turn down collar, a patch pocket on the left front and the centre front opening fastens with four white plastic buttons. The cuffs also fasten with a white plastic button, the shirt is machine sewn and unlined. The shirt is in the original packaging which is a clear plastic bag with the company logo and name 'Youngawear' in green and red.

Made: Youngawear; Australia; 1948 - 1963

Shirt: two white fabric labels inside centre back neck 'YOUNGAWEAR/ALL COTTON/A.S.A.', 'C-MB/4/2/828/4/COTTON/$1.99'.
Packaging: 'YOUNGAWEAR LONGWEAR STYLE FIT QUALITY'.

2007/21/12

1948 - 1963

245 mm

93 mm

20 mm