MAN AND HIS MODES.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 2206, 1 August 1910, Page 7

MAN AND HIS MODES.

Whereas, practically speaking, 'tis woman's whole existence, man's dress is of man's life a thing apart, and I am not quite sure that the writer in a lady's journal is wise to give her gentle encouragement to alleged I strivings on his part after sartorial ! picturesqueuess. Directly a modern man makes the slightest effort in this direction he invariably loses his virility. He becomes a "creature," an oiled and curled Assyrian bull. Why this is so, the powers that be—and possibly tailors —alone know. It was not ever thus, for when our lords and masters cut such pretty figures, they were fine open-air fellows, ever ready for a fight and withal well supplied with brains. But in these times they are only possible in Harris tweeds or conventional vicunas. Either they must look as if they prepared for a long country tramp, or present an appearance of almost painful neatness.

As he is thus turned out, the modern man is more or less respected and admired by women, but one ventures to think she would not think much of him for any length of time if he permitted himself to be inveigled into picturesque garb and decorated with fal-lals. Theoretically it is all very well to declaim against dull tweeds, top hats, and swallowtail coats ; but we know that in practice they alone suit the twentieth century man. When he begins to "beautify" himself he is despised by every other mam Other times, other materials would appear to apply to English menfolk, and one cannot help feeling that we should turn those of the present day into mere drawing-room pets if we put them into fancy materials and •"dressed them up pretty," as the nurses say.—"World."