Dress does not make the man, but it is often indicative of his
character. Some men dress in such a manner as to indicate that they
estimate themselves by the cost per yard of the garments they wear;
others dress so as to carry an impression of perfect indifference to
the feelings and sentiments of those around them. Both are wrong.
Our personal appearance, which depends to a great extent on dress,
is a matter of some consequence; and the man who wholly disregards
the customs and habits of others in this respect will be very likely
to be indifferent to the sentiments and feelings of society in other
particulars, and at least may be in danger of passing for less than
his true worth. But the fop, whose only accomplishment is the dress
he wears, is usually despised as thoughtless and vain.
The style of dress which is most to be commended is that which will
not draw attention either for its gaudiness or its plainness. The
external appearance of our clothing should always be regarded as
less important than its practical uses, inasmuch as bodily health is
infinitely more important than personal appearance.
During the warm season we require clothing which will protect the
body without retaining too large an amount of heat. For this purpose
we prefer, in summer, materials which are good conductors of heat.
Cotton and worsted, though not as good conductors as linen, are
usually found sufficiently cool for the temperature of the Northern
States, where the climate is so changeable that there are but few
days in the season when linen can be worn with safety.
Winter clothing should correspond somewhat with the exposure, both
in quality and amount. The object to be sought in winter clothing
is, not to produce heat, but to retain the heat which the body is
constantly evolving.
Woolen is one of our best non-conductors of heat, and all garments
formed from this material are regarded as warm clothing. All kinds
of furs are good non-conductors, but they are liable to two serious
objections: First, furs are too warm for ordinary exposure, and cause
too great a change of temperature when they are removed; second,
they prevent the escape of perspiration, and confine it within the
garments usually worn inside of the fur.
The amount of clothing should depend on the constitutional vigor and
the exposure of each individual. Indoors we require less than during
an outdoors exposure; less when taking active exercise than when
inactive. The amount of clothing, therefore, should be sufficient to
insure a constant and uniform protection against sudden changes.
It is especially injurious to bundle up the face and neck with fur
collars and shawls, which are so warm that colds will be induced when
they are removed.
In a changeable climate, the constant wearing of flannel under
garments next to the skin should be recommended. Flannel absorbs the
perspiration and preserves a uniform temperature of the surface of
the body, and prevents that sense of chilliness which we are liable
to experience without flannels.