Far be it from me, however, to remind man of his many limitations—­in dress.  That he can never know the rapture of donning a becoming spring bonnet, nor the pleasure of possessing “real lace” things, nor the sensuous charm of being enwrapped in caressing furs, or sleazy, silken garments as exquisite in color and texture as beautiful, fresh flowers, only delicate consideration for his feelings constrains me from expatiating upon at length.

I would rather be able to remind him that he can make his limitations his advantages, than reveal to him what he misses in not being a woman.

To treat of this important subject adequately and convincingly, one would require the masterly discernment of a skillful and accomplished tailor, the experienced knowledge of a well-dressed man, and the alertly critical perception of a loving woman who, even in the matter of clothes, wishes the dearest of men to her, to do full justice to himself and her ideal of him on all occasions.

Although certain of the foregoing qualifications must needs be lacking, nevertheless this timorous pen, with more trepidation than courage it must be confessed, begs to call attention to a few obvious details in masculine attire that caricature, more or less, peculiarities in the forms and features of men.

To be sure, in the matter of head-gear man is not conspicuously at the mercy of burlesquing ribbons, flowers, and feathers, and he has fewer opportunities than women to make himself ridiculous, yet a few suggestions regarding certain shapes of head-gear for certain types of faces, applicable to women are equally applicable to him.

The same rule that applies to the women of the wedge-shaped type of face applies to the man of the wedge-shaped type, as may be seen in sketches Nos. 75 and 76.  It is obvious that the youth depicted in No. 75 detracts from the manliness of his face and emphasizes the pointed appearance of his countenance by wearing a hat with a broad brim projecting over his ears.  This style of hat appears more frequently in straw than in any other texture, but the effect of a wide, projecting rim is the same in any material.  No. 76, it is plain, improves the appearance of the long, slim-faced man.  An alpine hat would not be unbecoming to him, the high oval of the crown forming a balance for the lower part of the face.

[Illustration:  No. 75]

[Illustration:  No. 76]

The man with a pugilistic chin should endeavor to select a hat that will not make his heavy jaw as prominent as does the stiff derby, in No. 77.

[Illustration:  No. 77]

A soft alpine hat, or one somewhat of the style of No. 78, improves his appearance.  The high crown and wide, gracefully rolling brim counter-balance the weight and prominence of the jaw.

[Illustration:  No. 78]