FOR INVALIDS’ WEAR.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 12, 19 March 1892, Page 283

FOR INVALIDS’ WEAR.

MANY women are more or less confined to their room or to a sofa in the family gathering place, and while unable to ‘ dress like other folks ’ they probably wish and should be attired neatly and becomingly. It is a dreadful misfortune to be even a semi-invalid, but it makes it less of a hardship for our family if one can look attractive. In fact I cannot excuse untidiness at any time ; that is, chronic untidiness. In the first place there are so many pretty covers now for sofas, footstools, chairs and pillows that kindly friends might keep the invalid provided for in this line. Have bright shades of soft colours for all of the surroundings. Avoid blazing contrasts, large patterns and glaring colours, all of which pall upon one doomed to see them day by day.

WHAT TO BUY,

THE feet should be warmly covered with crotcheted or tine cloth or kid slippers, of a rather large size, tying the latter on with straps of ribbon to prevent any falling off if the wearer has to be lifted. One skirt, beside the flannel, is sufficient, and if able to afford it, have that of soft surah silk, which is so cool and light to wear. Next to this select one of wool taffeta, or mohair, but not a stiff white one unless in a white wrapper. In place of a shawl for the shoulders, have what is called a ‘ nightingale,’ a shaped garment as easily removed as a shawl, yet does not fall off when most wanted. They are of opera flannel generally, with feather-stitched hem, and the pattern is issued by the chief pattern houses. A corset is out of the question, but a neat fitting underwaist is not. Avoid a display of jewellery and have all of the surroundings and the invalid most daintily clean. The tea-gown, wrapper and matinee

styles give a choice for all. The latter consists of a skirt and a half fitting jacket to match, or a black skirt can be worn with surah, China silk, cashmere or lawn jacket. The striped wash-silk ones are as cool as lawn, and far more becoming than the clear white of cotton goods. If the latter must be worn select some of the pretty figured fabrics that have a bit of colour in them. HOW TO DRESS INVALIDS. r |IHE skirt should be full, and made without canvas fac--1 ings, as soft and light skirts are better for lying down. The jackets can be trimmed with feather stitched hems or lace, with a few little bows of ribbon to enliven the general effect. Women do not lose their inborn desire to look well even when ill. Never leave any garment with a lot of strings to tie or to be fastened with pins. The task of dressing is much lightened it each garment is easily adjusted and with as few buttons as possible. Princesse wrappers, half-fitting, can be of percale, cashmere, striped flannel, flannelette, etc., with some trimming of silk, embroidery, or velvet ribbon on the collar, cuffs, and as a half belt. All the gowns should touch the floor, so as to cover the feet when lying down. Avoid white dresses, as they are sad reminders on a pale-faced invalid still dear to her friends. Dainty tea-gowns of plain or figured China or wash-silk, cashmere or chailie, have a close-fitting back and a loose front of contrasting goods, with a ruche of the material, or lace down the front, around the neck and wrists. Old-rose, golden and reddish-brown, dark-red, medium blue and heliotrope are generally becoming colours, as a colour must be supplied to the wearer who usually has pale cheeks. Lace ruffles, falling over the hands, go far towards concealing the ravages of illness.