This section considers the early manifestations of nautical styles among the affluent classes - in particular in children's dress and leisure wear. It also looks at the cross-over between contemporary fashion and naval uniform which served to evoke pride in the Royal Navy, continued to express solidarity with it through the two World Wars and was a measure of its high status in British society. Key objects include the sailor suit made for the young Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, the painting commissioned of him dressed in his suit, Edwardian bathing suits and children's sailor-inspired outfits.

 

© NMM Neg. no. F4848-001 Child's sailor uniform, 1846

white cotton-duck with blue-jean collar and cuffs, and metal buttons

This outfit, commissioned by Queen Victoria for her son, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, launched the fashion for children's sailor-suits. The Queen recorded the first time he wore it in her diary, 'Bertie put on his sailor's dress, which was beautifully made by the man on board who makes for our sailors. When he appeared, the officers and sailors who were all assembled on deck to see him, cheered, and seemed delighted'.

NMM UNI0293/UNI0294

Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805 – 73)
oil on canvas HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), 1846

Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805 – 73)
oil on canvas

The sailor-suit commissioned by Queen Victoria for her son was intended as a surprise for his father, Prince Albert. Albert was so delighted that this portrait was commissioned. Winterhalter was a German artist who first visited Britain in 1842 and became one of Victoria and Albert's favourite painters, creating about 120 works for them

 Her Majesty The Queen

 

© NMM Neg. no. F7074-003. Reproduced by kind permission of the Fashion Museum, Bath & North East Somerset Council Woman's bathing costume, about 1900

Wool

Suitable clothing for seaside activities – swimming, yachting and promenading – naturally drew upon nautical styles. This woman's bathing costume shows a number of recognizable motifs, including the square sailor collar and the familiar use of navy blue with white trim. Made of wool this would have been an impractical and heavy garment when wet.

Fashion Museum, Bath & North East Somerset Council

© The Fashion Museum, Bath & North East Somerset Council Sailor-style hat, about 1945

black wool felt and applied silk ribbon

This hat belonged to the celebrated British ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn (1919–91) and was made during the Second World War or soon after. Its style draws directly on the British sailor's cap. It illustrates the close relationship that existed between fashion and uniform at this time, and the patriotic associations embodied by an almost literal interpretation of sailor's dress.

Fashion Museum, Bath & North East Somerset Council