It was probably not that unusual in the 50s, but my single mom could not afford new clothes for me, and there were not as many thrift shops in those days. I was sent home from school sometimes for not being dressed respectfully for the school, even though it was the best I had.

Having two parents who could afford better but didn't care, might have been a little better.

What is odd, is that kids today are often intentionally dressed worse than I was, and seem to be regarded as displaying high fashion sense. Crazy World.