MEN’S DRESS IN SUMMER MONTHS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22198, 7 December 1946, Page 6

MEN’S DRESS IN SUMMER MONTHS

F was no doubtful “silly season” inspiration which prompted the Gisborne Junior Chamber of Commerce to speak up in favour of dress reforms for men, with special emphasis on_ the sartorial needs of the summer months. Particularly in the cities and towns of the warmer climes menfolk have long squirmed restlessly under the almost insufferable burden of fashionable suitings. Although a well-cut tailor-made suit, preferably one acquired at a reasonable cost, is welcomed as one of the essentials in any man’s wardrobe, there is a growing conviction that in the hotter period of the year this three-piece affair could well be reserved only for special occasions and that, for everyday use in offices, shops and business premises of most kinds current fashions should run more to lighter garments and fewer of them. The Jnycees’ sponsoring of grey slacks, open-necked shirt and 1 he mere carrying of a sports coat should make a strong appeal. In most eases slacks made from a light material —when procurable in the desired quantity—would be just as comfortable as shorts and certainly more dressy. Hats should always be favoured by people whose eyes are inclined to be affected by glare. One of the most important features of the suggested reform is the discarding of the tic. Gisborne and many other towns in New Zealand experience days during which the tyranny of the tic is sheer frightfulness—a torturous imposition to be rejected at all costs. In the study of neck comfort men have lagged many years behind the fair sex. They have laughed indulgently at the changing feminine fashions, but it should be noted that the vagaries of womanly apparel have never incorportacd a return to stifling neckwear. Altogether the members of the Junior Chamber can be credited with having struck a sensible blow for the freedom of themselves and their fellow-men. It is to be hoped that when the hot weather really sets in they will show the courage of their convictions in leading a Gisborne crusade for dress reform.