The first exhibition of children’s clothing presented by the Texas Fashion Collection, considered one of the most important historic fashion collections in the nation, is on display through May 7 in Dallas.

"Child’s Play: A Children’s Fashion Story," at Fashion on Main at the Universities Center at Dallas, explores the change in children’s fashions from 1870 to 1950 — from restrictive dresses and fine fabrics to sturdier and more free-fitting ensembles.

“Play was really an important motivator for making changes in the clothing,” says Dawn Figueroa, curator of the exhibition and collection manager of the Texas Fashion Collection.

“Prior to the late 1700s, children would be dressed as miniature adults. And as doctors began to notice that children’s clothing was not allowing for movement, which was important to a child’s development, dress makers began to shift how clothing was made and how children were dressed.”

The exhibition is on display from noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays at 1901 Main St.