BEACH WEAR.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 7 February 1925, Page 12

BEACH WEAR.

The seashore provides for every child a playground unrivalled for health and interest, but the influence of strong air, sunshine and sea water is, unfortunately, as deleterious 'tp clothes as it is beneficial to the body. It is, therefore, to the, advantage both of the child and its mother that its garments should be of as unspoilable a character as possible, comfortable to wear, and easily laundered. Fadeless colouring is obtainable now in many cott6n fabrics, but. unless fawn and sandy shades are preferred, and these always look well against a< background of sea and sand, strong full tones should be chosen for beach-wear frocks, since even the fastest dyes are, apt to yield a little under the combined attack of sun and sea air. • •

Laundering is usually a consideration, and little folks’ play should not be hampered by thoughts of crumpled frocks; therefore muslin, linen and silk should be reserved for formal occasions, and beach wear limited to garments made of fabrics that lend themselves to easy washing ancl, if posible, no ironing at all. There are manypretty crepes to be had which only ask to be dried and shaken out to resume their proper crinkly appearance; with ratine, tricoline, and terry towelling, too, ironing is quite unnecessary, .and it may at a pinch be-dispensed, with in dealing with cretonne.. And all these fabrics, while quite light in weight, are substantial enough to offer good service. Knickers of the same material should, of course, accompany every frock..

A hat. brimmed to shade both the back of the neck and the eyes is essential for the child’s protection; a cap is always unsuitable if there is strong sunshine. Panama or rush (lined throughout) will provide useful and comfortable headgear for all but very windy days, and then a light-weight felt is a good .substitute. ~ Children playing on the beach will be aHvavs in and -ut, of the water, so bare legs and sandals make a. practical fashion. Very serviceable little shoes of hank-knitted straw are sometimes worn, and they prove almost, unspoilable. Crepe rubber, may be had in gay and pleasing hues, and also wears very well. If a canvas shoe is preferred it should be soled with leather for, use on a pebbly shore, for the constant friction soon wears holes in ordinary rubber.