ALL SET FOR THE WINTER SPORTS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21167, 17 July 1940, Page 3

ALL SET FOR THE WINTER SPORTS

As a rule the duty of a fashion writer is to tell her readers absoultely all about the new styles as they are originated. In the discussion of styles for the snow, however, an exception to this rule should be made. For the sake of the novice it would not be fair to tell of all the fashions that are presented each year and which with their sheer colour and audacity of design often ensnare and delude many into believing that here, at last, are the gay, the enchanting ski togs for which they have been seeking. Correct attire for skiing, as advocated by experts who ought to know what is best by reason of their experience, is remarkable more for its obvious simplicity and utility than for its novelty and gay trimmings. Where They Fall Experts say that novices to the skis are easy to distinguish even off the snow because they so often fall for the fussy details and accessories that are more decorative than useful. Fancy suspenders, impractical gloves, Tyrolean hats embellished with hearts and flowers do not come into the scheme of things at all according to the well informed. For our part, we’ll be quite glad to take their tip for needless expenditure is not part of our personal plan, especially with a wartime programme to support. While there are those of us who of necessity will have cancelled plans for a skiing holiday this year there are others of us with soldier husbands, fathers, brothers, or sweethearts who will be spending final leave together at one of the snow sports centres. A Minimum Plan So here is a minimum plan for a skiing wardrobe. It is simple and easily selected at

| any good store. Here is the list of j essentials:— Trousers, windjacket, ! mitts, headband, or cap. For skiing ! away and independent from a hostel 1 or club you will also require equip--1 ment of your own, which would be j skis, poles, and boots. I Knickerbocker trousers are the most commonly seen in New Zealand snows and they are definitely the

best from all points of view. A suit that incorporates a jacket and trousers in a matching tone is usually the most economical proposition, but when a colour contrast is desired it is sometimes necessary to procure the two garments separately. | Remember that a ski suit should be I a size larger than ordinarily requir- | ed as it must be roomy enough for ! you to wear not only woollen under - ! things, but also several woollen I sweaters under it as well. Caps of i gabardine may be bought to match I your suit. These have a handy j peaked front that wards off the sun’s ! glare to a certain extent. So much j for the basic outfit! The rest of your skiing wardrobe might be conscripted from your regular clothes. That is, sweaters, underthings, socks, scarves, sungoggles, shirts, and blouses. At most ski centres you will be glad to have an evening dress to slip on for dini ner in the evening, and if a golfer, you will want to include a suitable outfit for this sport in your portmanteau. If you already have a waterrepellent windjacket for golf, so much the better for it will double for ski-time wear, too. Practical Accessories The most practical gloves are those made of canvas with leather palms. These should be worn as the outer shells over another warmer woolly pair. Authentic headbands that cover the ears and keep the hair under con- | trol may be hand-knitted or cro- ' dieted.