Have you ever looked at your baby and just started smiling? Not just
because they are beautiful and adorable; but because what they are
wearing is just too cute? Baby used to wear rags long ago. Parents
just didn’t see the value of dressing them up since they were just
going to get messy one way or another. Have you ever wondered when we
started to gravitate toward cute baby outfits? Read on to learn all
about how they became popular and how we turned into the society
today that dresses babies to the nines!
Dating all the
way back to the sixteenth century in Europe, boys and girls were
dressed the same. Often wearing nothing but cloaks and robes, bodies
were covered but fashion was certainly an afterthought-function was
key.
During the
seventeenth century, swaddling was huge and babies were often just
wrapped in blankets or linens so that their diapers were covered.
This certainly does not constitute as cute baby clothes. Once the
stigma of swaddling hit the eighteenth century (because many believed
that swaddling impacted the straightness of the limbs) parents
started putting their babies in slips. While better than linen or a
robe; babies and kids of this era were not wearing cute baby outfits.
Once a baby began to walk during this century, they were taken out of
their slip and put in petticoats and bodices. Girls wore this kind of
clothing
until they were considered an adult, which was around fourteen years
old. Talk about boring and a lack of variety and personality! Little
boys wore the ensemble until they were about seven. After this age
they were able to wear mini styles of what adult men were
wearing-vests, coats, and breeches.
Then, during the
late nineteenth century, babies and toddlers often wore clothing that
lacked gender distinction. Often bland, both boys and girls wore
cream colored tops that hit just above the knee, looking like tunics.
Tights were put underneath for boys, and lace up booties was worn.
A short time into
the early twentieth century, babies and children’s clothing started
to get better. The birth of the romper in 1920 was one of the hottest
trends of the times. Making its way into the cute baby clothes
category, rompers started off plain but got fancier as the years went
on.
Both boys and
girls were put in romper for not only play time, but formal
festivities as well. Colors on clothes started to veer away from tan,
beige, and brown. Gender colors really picked up in popularity,
donning girls clothes “pink” and boys clothing “blue.” With
colors appearing on rompers, as well as designs like flowers and
polka dots; cute baby outfits were born!
The rest, they
say, is history! Once the 1940’s hit, little girls were “allowed”
to play in pants and short sleeved tops. Dresses were still required
for parties, school, and church. These dresses were lined with lace,
tulle, and were given ruffles and puffed sleeves. Beyond cute, the
clothing started to become more expensive and the birth of brands
left all house moms the urge to splurge on cute baby clothes for
their little ones.
Once the 1980’s
hit, boys and girls were playing in stretchy, colorful leggings and
sweat pants. Active shirts were designed in colorful prints,
patterns, and even showcased favorite television characters. Kids
were cute suits and formal dresses on holidays and on special
occasions. Little girls could even wear a pair of miniature heels!
The 90’s up
until now really is all about fashion and making cute baby clothes
for both genders to enjoy. A miniature version of what adults wear
today, expect to find baby
sized everything-from fedoras, to bow ties, tutus, and body
suits-cute baby clothes certainly came a long way.
You can find an
overabundance of personalized items that can be monogrammed,
embroidered, and customized for extra cuteness.
The accessory
market also plays a huge part in making boutique style cute baby
clothes or any one of the many emerging baby boutique stores you can
find throughout the web now. The baby boutiques have
excellent cute baby girl outfits and baby boy outfits
that you can find great accessories with. From headbands, flip flops,
sunglasses, and even printed socks; both baby and toddler boys and
girls are wearing these accessories to complete their cute outfits.
In conclusion,
clothing is important. Clothes help create a desired “look” for
your baby. While they may have started out unisex and bland, cute
baby clothes and accessories are certainly on the market today and
are available in abundance at big name stores and baby boutiques in
your area. The next time you’re out shopping for your little one,
but thankful you’re living in the era that you are, since cute baby
clothes rule the market!
