Children's Clothing

Childrenswear fascinates a distinctive breed of auction watcher. From century-old handmade ruffled lace christening gowns, brocade dresses, and velvet frock coats to 20th century pieces with historical significance or timeless appeal, a broad range of child-sized fashions come across the auction block.

Children's fashion at auction often features vintage style, time-honored craftsmanship, and may even have an appealing provenance. Whether you prefer the natural fibers, classic styling, and high quality of clothes from days past or are an avid collector of bygone garments, shopping for vintage children's clothing is anything but child's play. Auctions can be competitive for some pieces, particularly those that once belonged to famous figures.

Quick Facts

• In November 2015 on eBay, a pair of little boy's '40s button-fly Lee jeans sold for $202
• Two young girl's day dresses, one with a ruched satin bodice (circa 1870) and the other in velvet with an Edwardian skirt dating to the 1840s, sold in a Christie's London 2007 auction for £1,375
• In July 2015, a red polka-dot dress worn by six-year-old Shirley Temple in the 1934 film "Stand Up and Cheer" went for $75,000 in Kansas City bidding sponsored by Theriault’s auction house