Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 179, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 August 1918 — U. S. War Industries Board Restricts Clothing Styles to Save Wool and Leather [ARTICLE]

U. S. War Industries Board Restricts Clothing Styles to Save Wool and Leather

Necessity for wartime conservation of wool and leather will be further reflected in civilian footwear and men's clothing for next spring trade. Restrictions upon manufacturers an-" nounced by the war Industries boardl are expected to , effect a substantial! saving of leather and cloth so necessary for the nation’s ever increasing fighting force. Both quantity and styles will be affected. The height of women’s shoes is to be reduced to a maximum of eight" inches from heel to top, with the same maximum for overgaiters or “spatfe.” All shoes, both leather and fabric, will be restricted to black, white and two cloors of tan. Patent leather will be black only. Shoe manufacturers may not, for the next six months, introduce, purchase or use any new style lasts. Manufacturers are especially urged to encourage the sale of low-cut and low-effects in shoes; to reduce the number of boot samples for women and to co-operate with retailers and wholesalers to restrict the return of merchandise. Marked changes are prescribed for men’s clothing. Sack coats will be Shorter, with a minimum of 30 Inches for 36 sizes and 1% inches added for “longs.” Double-breasted overcoats Will be eliminated, and the length of topcoats will be a minimum of 43 Inches for 36 sizes and two inches to be added for “longs." Only three outside pockets will be allowed in sack coats and facings will not exceed 4% inches. Side and back straps and flaps of trousers are to be eliminated, and no re-enforcement of trousers can be made with wool cloth. Not more than ten models of’sack suits are to be put out. The maximum length of rain coats is fixed at 48 inches, while the maidmum width of collars will be 3% inches. All double coats with detachable linings for civilian use are to be eliminated.