Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-08-15
How One Man Solved the
Summer Garb Problem

To the Editor OF The Star:
have read several articles recently
ON the subject of hot weather dress
reform for men, and as the theme is
one on which I have often pondered
will venture my own little opinion II
The Star sees fit to print 1t.
Most I have noticed seem couched
in a facetious vein, with no construc-
tive recommendations looking to the
relief Of sweltering manhood from it's
prison cells of pride"
Talk about men wearing short pants
with socks is inappropriate. for have
we not already sufficiently regaling
spectacle in the shape of womanhood
gadding about the streets to show their
shanksP 1 dare say such exposure on
the part of males would be as distaste-
full to the erStwhile modest sex as the
female crural pageantry is to us.
therefore humbly suggest mode of
attire which 1 adopted several years
ago, and do not presume to selishly
reserve for my own exclusive enjoy
ment. Though still using it when in
town, will be frank enough to admit
that long since discarded it at home,
where 1 wear the same decking minus
the shirt and with trunks for trousers.
all of which I am able to do because
discreetly surrounded by woods, with no
Peeping Tom nigh to hinder Conse-
quently, even were others to follow my
example, 1 would still be one jump
ahead of them in the race.
Starting from the ground up, wear no
socks and only low canvas shoes or
sandals. There is nothing unspeakable
about the bare foot if kept dry and
kaHyN 4a@ TylNSe ,-4o VaI
heelless sock question at one stroke.
Don long, ample trousers of dark but
cool, light material, preferably silk or
mohair.
At waist neither belt nor suspenders,
but an elastic arrangement such as
found in the type Of neither garment
called "easyalls," in which the waist
band is rubberized, like the old-fash-
toned Congress" shoe. This facilitates
STOPPING, and will tend to make a gym
mast or acrobat out of the stiffest
Let the shirt be of some dark colored,
feather-weight silk fabric, navy blue,
deep green, brown or black being good
shades. Better have a detachable col
lar. so that it may be removed while at
work or in telephone booths, elevators
and other close quarters. Sleeves should
be somewhat short and cuffless, the
opening amply large to allow hand to
PISS freely.
No vest. and if any coat be worn
let it also consist of lightweight but
dark-colored silk. AS a matter of fact,
a man will look quite neatly dressed
even without a coat, provided he be
clad in a silk shirt of Somber hue, such
as ] have described. No danger of any
movie or other show refusing him ad-
mission if he has the entrance fee.
In the way of headgear, either go
bareheaded or sport a SLOUGH hat of
fiimsy material, silk If you like; say
King Carol style.
Now we come to the crux of this
proposition, namely, what will be the
effect of this revolutioniZed garb on the
fairer sex, and how will it affect our
chances of winning their favors?
Without wishing to display undue
vanity, will simply relate my private,
vanished truth, after 1 started to ap-
pear in the aforementioned raiment the
fair maidens fairly mobbed me.
Whether they came to feast their eyes
on my silks or to gaze upon a real,
untrammeled growth of whiskers in this
smooth-shaven age, leave to others to
riddle out, but the fact is they came,
and I never felt the slightest bit lonely
any more, either in my office or walking
on the sidewalks.
SO I believe have offered solu-
ton of the heat problem for my suffer
ing brethren which will prove salts
factory in every regard. While scarcely
f1attering myself that my well meant
plan will be adopted at once, respect
fully submit it to my fellows for serious
meditation 'twixt now and the time
these trying dog days roll around once
more. WILFRED STEVENS.