LONDON LOOKING-GLASS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 100, 22 January 1935, Page 5

LONDON LOOKING-GLASS

Waterproofs and Buttons

(By Peggy Magee.)

"Who would be in London now December’s here?” That’s what most London women are asking themselves as they splash their way to work through the driving rain. Stockings are ruined by passing buses; in one’s infrequent glimpses of the sky, it seems as though it will rain indefinitely; and one has completely forgotten what sunshine is like. On days like these, when everything around is dirty and di.iV. the last thing one wants to do is to add to the drabness of the scene. An up-to-date wet weather outfit goes a long way towards maintaining cheerfulness under these conditions, and may add a touch of brightness to the gloomy streets. London on a rainy day, combined with a raincoat which has degenerated into a family heirloom, would kill every trace of the “Christmas Spirit” in all but the bravest! Proofing to-day has become such a fine art that one may have' a raincoat of practically any material one may choose, from heavy tweeds and gaberdines to the finest and lightest of silks; and all are equally waier-proof. Thus one may have a “utility” mac for fishing or hiking, or—most useful of all—camping; or a light one for those occasions when, rain or no rain, you must be smartly turned out. And there's no need to stick to th? old plain colours, either. Raincoats which look like tweeds, in gay plaids or bold checks, prevent you from having that terribly “macintosby” feeling when the sun shines out unexpectedly, besides being most attractive to look at. Lately there have even been some silver raincoats about, which are most decorative. especially when glittering with raindrops. This effect is obtained by a proofed coating which is ap-

plied to the cloth of which the coat is actually made. Our ideas with regard to the cut of raincoats have changed, too. People realise nowadays that there are just as many, if not more, intricacies in the cutting of a raincoat as in the cutting of any ether garment, and that there is no longer any need to go out looking like the proverbial sack of potatoes simply because it is a wet day. Raincoats, although they are much warmer, in a hygienic way, are well ventilated now, and so have lost that sticky clamminess which produced a most unpleasant feeling when one put on one’s mac. In addition, they are less cumbersome, lighter in weight, and take up very little room. Prices, too, are lower. Quite a good raincoat can be obtained for as little as ten shillings, and for eighteen shillings one may purchase a really superb specimen. Buttons are things which have been modernized in the most amazing way, and some very amusing ones are to be had. They are made of almost anything—wood, glass, wool, metal, string —all are pressed into service; and a very plain raincoat can be made surprisingly smart by the addition of a few exciting buttons. Although macs have “gone gay,” however, they sacrifice nothing to utility—indeed, they seem to become more and more practical. Most of the new coats have ties which defeat even the strongest winds, and another new idea is the use of a small buckle and strap in place of a button. A new thing in belts is one which is made in three pieces. It can be worn either as a whole belt, or as a half belt at the back or the front, just as one feels inclined, merely by buttoning on whichever parts one requires.