Leggins...and other clothing

[Audra Spanfellner]

Hi all I've been away for a while but now I'm back!  so after trying on my son's wardrobe I have come to the conclusion that he needs a completly new wardrobe. He will be three in August. We live in Alabama so its warm most of the time for our events but I want to be prepared for cool weather too. So here's what I'm thinking.
Cotton or linen drawers with button on underbody.
Short or maybe long pants in cotton twill probably...maybe wool
Cotton 3/4 sleeve tunic with a white shirt to wear underneath in cool weather

Now to my question...I was looking in 1861 petersons and I came across a picture that said it was called leggins.it was on a page with other little boys clothes. Can anyone tell me is this worn with short pants to cover the bottom portion of the leg? It looked like it buttoned up the side? Do you think it is made of wool? Thanks for the help!

[Marta Vincent]

  Is it a whole garment, like pants, or just appears to come to the knee?  

If it only covers the lower half of the leg & buttons up the side, it's probably Gaiters.  Those were made of soft leather, cotton duck or lightweight canvas, or (IIRC) boiled wool.  Lined in soft cotton and the findings can be of leather.  I've seen a number of patterns for them in various mags of the era; usually sized for boys of about 6-8 years and worn with knickerbockers.  They seem to be worn for outdoor activites like hunting.  I have an image from a der Bazar of a boy wearing them while holding a boy-sized crossbow.

This boy from a fashion print is wearing them: http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee86/ParasolQueen/Boys%20in%20Fashion%20Prints/?action=view&current=sash.jpg