Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-02-13

~ NE of the more frivolous pas
times of the I.cuten season
a generation or so ago was
the making IF new supplies
of undrrmuSlinS. In the
older American cities 40 or - years
ago the round of social gaYeties
slowed down considerably during this
late Winter period and women who
We're counted "in society" found
themselves with many hours of lei
sure upon their hands. In many we'll
regulated families there was a stand
inc arrangement To have some seam
stress spend the entire month of
March~poSsihy the entire Lcnten
season~in residence. The women OF
the family devoted themselves more
or less seriously to the task of adding
the touches of fine needlework that
their fine lingerie required.
Society women have no such period
of idleness thrust upon them nova
days. Lent may have an even deeper
religious significance now than it did
in Victorian days. but there seems to
he as much dancing. theatergoing
and card playing during this season
as any either. Still YOU will find that
there is real wisdom in keeping up
the old custom of turning your
thoughts to the rrnlrniShmCnt of your
supply of undertakings at this time of
the year.
Fashions in such garments that
will surely persist for another twelve
month are now pretty we'll settled,
and the shops are ready with tempt
ing array of the materials YOU will
need. in case You make these things
yourself. Ii YOU buy them ready
made You will find this an excellent
time to buy them--for the stores are
usually not very crowded In this
Country the number of women who
have their underwear made TO order
is almost negligible If YOU don't buy
your lingerie all made it is safe 10
assume that YOU make il yourself,
alone or with the assistance of a
eeamstresS.
In France there are still many
women who are as particular about
having their underwear specially
made for them at establishments
where special attention is given to
this work as they are to have their
frocks and hats made to order. 1t is
often from these specially designed.
specially made pieces of French lin
gerie that the makers Of ready-made
lingerie get their inspiration.
Whether or not fashion favors
lace-trimmed undertakings at present
authority on the subject writes:
"All-silk lingerie is steadily taking
the place of lace-trimmed silk under
wear. For all types of garments the
all-silk made in geometrical lines is
considered smartest." From other
sources comes the emphatic statement
that lace trimming is increasing
steadily in favor--and one does not
have to have very sharp eyes these
days to observe that lace-trimmed
petticoats are worn by a great many
we'll dressed women
But obviously it is more difficult to
secure first hand information concern
ing what sort of lingerie is worn by
any large number of we'll dressed
women. After spending an hour or
so at luncheon or tea with a group
of women known FOR their allegiance
to fashion you c; draw certain con-
illusions concerning what sort of hats
or wraps or frocks this representa-
tive group of women is wearing-but
save perhaps for a f1eeting glimpse of
a lace petticoat ruff1e you are none
the wiser concerning what they've
got on for underclothes."
There is, of course, no doubt of the
continued preference with many wom-
en- for the fine silk undertakings de-
of crepe de chine, triple ninon, mousse
line de sole, toile de sole, georgette
and heavy Japanese silks. Sometimes
two of these materials are combined
In one garment. Ninon may be used