Dress-Reform (Woolson)/Notice

NOTICE.

The Committee on Dress-Reform have extended their work by opening in Boston an accessible and attractive room, which is intended to serve for a bureau of information on all matters connected with dress-reform. They have provided it with an intelligent and earnest attendant, put into it specimens of nearly every article of under or outer wear which they have examined and approved, are now ready to exhibit these to all who may come to see, to manufacture them for all who may wish to buy, and to furnish patterns, instructions, or any aid that may be sought. They purpose to render this room a convenient centre and exchange for all dress-reformers who may have ideas or inventions to contribute to the cause, or who may wish to take away those of others. This room will be found at 25 Winter Street, over Chandler's dry-goods store, room 15.

It is intended that the room shall be self-supporting; but, as this is a benevolent enterprise, only such profit will be asked on the articles sold as shall be necessary to ensure the payment of running expenses. The labors of the committee will of course be gratuitous; and they will keep all expenses at a low figure, in order that the garments which they seek to introduce may be put within reach of all. To this end, also, they will be willing to provide the plainest and cheapest material, as well as the richest. The full suit of these garments will comprise the entire flannel under-suit of new and improved pattern, manufactured in this country, according to designs furnished by the Committee; chemiloons of all varieties of make, in muslin, cambric, and flannel; basque under-waists, with other garments properly attached; suspenders of all sorts; hoops with other skirts affixed so as to avoid waist-bindings, under-skirts, balmorals, Gabrielle dresses, and whatever else goes to the making up of a well-dressed woman, according to the light of the new dispensation. Nothing will be furnished which the Committec do not consider to be constructed, in all essential particulars, on strict hygienic principles. They will never forget that they are missionaries and not merchants; but they will spare no pains to render the garments they furnish acceptable, and therefore beneficial.

Orders sent must give explicit directions as to style, material, size, and ornament, in order to prevent the delay resulting from explanatory correspondence. They should be addressed to DressCommittee, 25 Winter Street, Boston, Room 15; and a stamp should be enclosed, if reply is called for. Articles ordered will be forwarded by express at the expense and risk of persons ordering them.

Hitherto it has been, Dress-reform made possible; hereafter it shall be, Dress-reform made easy. That, surely, will be a great gain.

For the Committee.