The question of cleanliness is one which is apt to clash with the principles here described, and it is probable that for this reason smooth, closely woven linen and cotton fabrics can never be discarded entirely. These materials are suitable, above all, for outer garments ; primarily in surroundings where protection from dust is desired. For use in the summer, as well as in the household and for nursing, white, smooth cotton garments, worn over porous underclothing, are hygienic and clean. As darker materials absorb more heat from the sun's rays than lighter ones, the colour of the clothes also plays a small part ; and for this reason alone white linen and cotton outer garments must not be underrated.
In addition to these more general considerations, some special questions of dress need discussion. With regard to the cut of the outer clothes this is known to be subject to fashion. From the hygienic standpoint, fashion is harmless as long as it does not lead to an unnatural or unsanitary com pression or uncovering of certain parts of the body. Generally speaking comfortably fitting garments are naturally preferable. For certain pur poses it appears serviceable and practical to make the clothes waterproof ; but garments that are made completely waterproof by a covering of caout chouc or varnish are by the same process rendered absolutely unporous, and are not beneficial to health for reasons already stated. Such garments should, therefore, be used temporarily only. A fair protection against drenching is, however, afforded by clothes impregnated with certain other substances, which partly preserve the porosity of the material.
Another question is whether the numerous dyestuffs used in fabrics may all be considered harmless. By far the majority of them may be used with out detriment to health. Some of the injurious ones, as those containing arsenic, are forbidden by law in certain communities ; others, containing chrome, antimony, or aniline, are not very likely to cause poisoning from the skin, and do not, therefore, deserve much attention. Occasionally, poisoning has occurred in the skin of the feet from new stockings.
The usual head covering is generally rather too warm than too cool, at least that which is used by men. In so far as it is a question of combining porosity with waterproof qualities, the establishment of at least a moderate ventilation by air-holes should be taken into consideration. Fur caps should be worn only in very cold weather. In summer, as is well known, a light covering for the head is most desirable. Light straw hats perforated
on the sides, or light white caps with air-holes on the sides, answer the purpose. In a scorching sun, the back of the head and the nape of the neck should be protected. To guard the eyes from the dazzling rays of the sun, it is of advantage to wear wide-brimmed hats, or caps that are in front.
Garments that constrict the neck should be avoided, as they may impair the normal circulation of the blood to the head. The dictates of fashion unfortunately often favour tight-fitting collars for women's apparel ; and certain excessively high collars worn by men are not much better. The free exposure of the throat and of the upper part of the chest may become quite as harmful.
Experience teaches that it is of great importance to keep the abdomen warm. Offences against this rule are often accentuated by disturbances of the digestive organs. Here, too, the susceptibility of different persons varies considerably, and for some people it may be advisable to wear an abdominal bandage during the cooler seasons. In temperate climates the limbs, no less than the other parts of the body, require the protection of garments. In a certain respect they require it still more, as they are situated at greater distances from the heart, and may occasionally suffer from a diminished blood supply. This is not the case so long as the limbs are vigorously exercised ; but if the mode of living is such that the body is often at rest, the circulation of the blood sometimes becomes impaired, and the heating of the extremities insufficient. While an incomplete cover ing of the arms and legs is not often encountered in adults, it is frequently customary to allow children to be about with naked arms and with partly uncovered legs. In cold weather this is not advisable.
The use of gloves appears to be appropriate only under certain condi tions ; especially during the cold season to prevent affections of the hands or of the tips of the fingers by frost-bites. It is well known, however, that in a great number of cases the winter-glove accomplishes the opposite of that for which it is intended, and by constriction of the blood supply more than favours the numbing of the fingers. In order to be actually warming, gloves must be very wide, and should preferably be mittens. The thicker the gloves are, and the more airy and loosely woven their texture, the warmer they will keep the hands.