MAN OBJECTS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3158, 17 August 1942, Page 2

MAN OBJECTS

SLACKS NOT APPROVED CAUSTIC COMMENTS PRACTICAL VIEWS OF WOMEN Although women, offering practical views, feels the wearing of slacks would solve the wartime problem of dressing, especially for office, factory arid home, men apparently still cling to the ideal of true femininity. “I a man impersonates a woman he is arrested —it should apply both ways,” declares a New Plymouth .business man, describing his reactions to the wearing of slacks as an answer to clothes rationing. There was no doubt, he added, that the war called for a modification of dress and a sacrifice of appearance, but he regarded the average woman’s' figure as definitely unsuitable for slacks. Not all the men who were asked their opinion were so caustic in thei rcomments, however. Some approved of slacks for utility wear, but nearl yall agreed that the garskirts. Typical comments were:— ments did not look as attractive as “A girl looks much nicer dressed as a girl.” “Slacks are unsuitable for dignified work and occasions.” • “They detract from true femininity.” “Women look terrible if they have broad figures or wear highheeled shoes with slacks.” “I don’t like the back view.” An army officer thought that New Zealand women would do well to copy the Chinese, who wore full trousers of soft materials, giving a full, graceful line, with hip or kneelength coats. “Women should realise,” added the officer, “that the view from the rear needs camouflaging.” 1 Women themselves had more practical views to offer. Many, said they disliked slacks for general street, wear,’ but felt they would solve the wartime problem of dressing, especially for office, factory and home. The chief reason for their popularity was that they would enable women to economise on clothing coupons, and would save stock-

ings. In addition, they were warm, time and. trouble in wartime dress, and were more practical to work in. ’Disregard of public opinion was shown by a plump young woman, attired in a pail* of slacks,' which she admitted were not becoming to her generous proportions. “What do I care for glamour in wartime,” she exclaimed. “This war has to .be won, and whether we win it in slacks or in skirts is a matter for individual choice.”