Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1907-05-31
Modern Methods in Dress.

90 some modification if the plan of
hiring evening dress for special Occa-
sions becomes of any more extended
application. 1t is quite generally
known in the larger cities that this
has been a resort of the " shabby
genteel," the Wilkins Micawbers.
whose desire to keep in the social
swirl has been greater than their
purses would allow and has compelled
Il resort to all sorts of expedients by
those male-bird of respondent plum
are whose chief ambition seems to be
to appear on dress parade.
But we now receive from London 4
report of a custom of somewhat SINH
lar shady reputation that has sprung
up through an effort made by women
to dress better than their circum-
stances allow. 1t is based upon the
same plan Us that of her brother
man, but is far more comprehensive
in that garments, partially worn, are
sold, hired or rented as occasion may
warrant. 1t applies to all sorts of
apparel, such as clOaks, mantleS,
hats, gloves, shoes, fans, and almost
everything pertaining to dress.
Nothing bartered in these tranac-
tions is new; the garments are all
second hand, but in many instances
show no effects of wear, and are
fresh and unsoiled-practically good
as new-and only discarded from that
noted perversity of the female mind,
q desire for change.
The only real objection to this traf-
fic is that it is repugnant to accepted
ideas of social propriety, but from
the multitudes available for custom
ers have grown up easy methods of
exchange whereby the identity of the
individual is effectually concealed.
These are the so-called dress-agsncies,
known as knackers," where gar
ments, often fine creations of Lon
don or Paris artists are available
that have been worn two or three
times, and are either sold at a great
sacrifice, or are placed in the circu-
lating wardrobe department., where
they are worn in turns by many sub
scribers for smart" costumes. A
woman may, by this means, appear
at all times well dressed on public
occasions, at q 1.-THE of tho cost re-
quired for new gowns. They are
distributed very much as books from
a circulating library, subject to SINH
lar rules and regulations as to period
of use, wear and tear, etc. The wo-
man who has an accommodating fig
ure and can use stock Sizes" pays
lower rate. however, than the dame
who is fastidious and must have gar
ments fitted to order. Besides stout
and active persons do more damage
to hired-out costumes than those of
ordinary figure and lighter weight.
So it follows that the woman of nor
NAL proportions is able to afford a
much wider and more attractive
wardrobe, where cost must be a con-
trolling restraint.
1t is to the foibles of the rich that
this trade upon the changeable ma
ture of woman has developed into an
abnormal growth. Those who have
wealth at command do not have to
consider the economic side of the
question. They pay cash, soon tire
of their fittings, or Dame Fashion
may have suggested notifications
that require new fabrics or styles.
This makes it possible for the middle
crust of society to dress much better
than they otherwise could afford.
and supplies the only essential factor
of trade, Demand and Supply. 1t
is not presumed that the aristo-
cratic danes themselves place their
cast-off clothing in the market, for
sale or hire, but it is taken for granted
that they pass to others as gratuity
who have less scruples and in due
course of time find their way to a more
active and extended service.