Dear Sir,–There would appear to be a popular prejudice against, the adoption by men of the garment the wearing of which has for its object the training of the figure to retain and accentuate its outline and at the same time to repress certain tendencies which mar the acknowledged natural beauty of the human male frame.
There would appear to be no logical reason why the opposite sex should have a monopoly of the useful as well as aesthetic effects obtained by systematic artificial methods if inclination and opportunity do not permit of the attainment of similar results by athletic exercises. The reasons, therefore, that induce some men to have a restrictive garment made to suit them fall under two heads and can be described as aesthetic and beneficial.
As to the first, I suggest that beauty of figure is not an attribute of one sex only, and that men should aim at achieving a recognised standard in this respect, allowing a margin for individual tastes without departing from the ideal. As to what the ideal is, opinions may differ: but surely it will not be contested that a well-developed chest and slender waist are attractive, whilst obesity is surely undesirable.
As to the second, it would appear certain advantages are to be obtained from figure training, inasmuch as a sense of dignity and self-possession a developed similar to that in evidence when clothed in well-tailored and refined garments.
In addition, my experience leads me to believe that energy is conserved, and indeed excited, by virtue of the fact that the pressure experienced tends constantly to remind the wearer of his duty to himself, if he is to avoid leaping into a slovenly attitude and ungainly gait. The corrective influence is always present. Whether or not the steel stiffenings induce electrical circuits, I am unable, for want of scientific knowledge, to assert definitely; but at least it would appear possible, thus introducing an element of some advantage if duly directed.
There is one other feature which I claim is an advantage–namely, the feeling of heightened repose when the period of rest, restrictions are set aside, only to be resumed when the serious duties of the day begin, thus accentuating the active from the passive hours of the twenty-four, with consequent fuller realisation of both.
To those who may feel inclined to experiment in this direction, I would say that they must not allow themselves to be deterred from the results outlined above by a temporary feeling of discomfort, because with perseverance this disappears entirely, or by custom and usage becomes unnoticeable. They will be surprised what effects are obtainable, and their interest will grow to enthusiasm, I was going to say they would become fascinated by the cultivation of a well proportioned, and therefore beautiful, manly figure.