MEN’S CLOTHES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21184, 3 November 1938, Page 10

MEN’S CLOTHES

UNWRITTEN LAWS There are a number of unwritten laws about men’s clothes which are useful to know. One finds them useful not so much because they are rules but because by general consent following them shows good taste. It will be found that there is reason for most rulings. Young men incline to be free and easy in town and make no distinction between clothes for the country. It is better for a country or sports jacket to button fairly high; to be easier and longer than usual; and have flaps to pockets and notched lapels. Instead of four buttons on sleeves, as for dressy jackets, one is suitable and distinctive. A good plan is for side seams of trousers to be turned over and stitched. Vents at side or a slit at back is right, but not for town. Hats and Shoes Black shoes should not be worn with flannel or tweed unless the hat is black. If a grey soft hat be worn brown shoes would be right. Dark mahogany shoes may accompany a blue suit, but only when the hat is brown. Patent shoes are wrong for day wear and day clothes are incorrect for evening wear. Collar Styles Stiff collars should not be seen with tweeds or sports clothes. It is not advisable to couple a white shirt with a stiff collar; a white ground carrying neat stripes is preferable. Men with long necks need deep collars; those with short necks require shallow ones. Choice of Ties Formal ties look out of place with country or sports clothes. A good plan is for the tie to tone with suit; but a sharp contrast is often more attractive. For instance, a winecoloured tie goes well with a blue suit.

All smart men either learn to knot a dress tie or have it done for them; the ready-made type is rarely effective. Ends of bows should rest on the collar and not underneath. Unless a man is tall he should not choose a wide dress tie. Double-breasted reefers look trim when buttoned, but sloppy unfastened. Many men leave singlebreasted jackets undone; but they make a better show when at least one button fastens. Double-breasters should be avoided by stout men.