PRICE OF CLOTHES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2146, 1 July 1920, Page 4

PRICE OF CLOTHES.

LONDON’S PROTEST AGAINST

HIGH PRICES

(Christchurch Press.) London, May G,

Incensed at the rapid rise in the price of clothes, a number of city men, including 1 stockbrokers, bankers, and lawyers, have determined to follow the United Stales’ example and wear engineers’ overalls or dungarees. In the Lnited States prices have risen-to such an extent that even judges have taken their scats in Court clad in blue overalls as a protest. There is no indication that his Majesty’s judges contemplate doing likewise, but it is expected that before long the most exclusive business circles in London, where morning coats, cashmere trousers, silk hats, while spats, ami the vest “slip” arc (lie hall-mark of the prosperous business man, will be invaded by bareheaded men in overalls. It is considered the only way to reduce the price of clothes, and it is hoped to induce hundreds of city people to follow the lead. At some tailors in the West End as much as £lB to £2O is being charged for a suit, with the intimation that prices are likely to go higher still. Several persons celebrated May Day by appearing in the London streets for the first time in overalls. The secretary of the Middle Classes Union was one of the adventurers in a two-piece suit of navy blue cotton twill costing a guinea, and the fashion is already launched on the Stock Exchange. Just at first people may be a little shy of overalls, but once a lead is given they will soon follow, and if overalls become common wear, the M.C.U. will have made a most effective hit against the high price of clothing. Women employees at its offices wear blue overalls such as are usually worn for gardening or housework, and they appeal to members to adopt the habit, in the hope that tailors will be obliged to reduce their prices if fewer suits and costumes are bought. The “coverall” is a development of the overall, and it is daily winning new adherents among women. In its newer manifestations, which are based very much upon American lines, it is in reality a loose gown easily put on. It is open at the neck, but. not to any pronounced extent, and it has long sleeves. A waistbelt enters into the scheme, and with some smocking, French knots, or the use of some simple embroidery or motifs, effective variations can be introduced. The range of colours comprises all the favourite shades, light as well as dark. Manufacturers are prepared to meet huge orders during the coining months.