Little or no blame attaches to the worker for this state of affairs.  Seldom, if ever, does the management attempt to standardize working clothes.  Moreover, the underlying idea is not made clear that such clothes bear no resemblance to the meaningless uniforms which are badge and symbol of service.  They resemble rather the blouse or pinafore of the artist, the outfit of the submarine diver or the fireman.

THE SPORTS PRESENT A FINE EXAMPLE OF THIS.—­The greatest advance toward standardizing clothing has come in the sports, which, in many respects, present admirable object-lessons.  In the tennis court, on the links, on the gridiron, the diamond, or track, the garment worn of itself does not increase fatigue.  On the contrary, it is so designed as not to interfere with the efficiency of the wearer.

MANAGEMENT SHOULD PROVIDE CLOTHING STANDARDS.—­Under Ultimate Management the most efficient clothing for any kind of work will be standardized.  The expense of such articles of clothing as will add to the quantity or quality of output will, directly or indirectly, be borne by the management, just as it now bears the expense for equipment and tools.  These essentials being supplied, and the underlying dignity and importance of standardization understood, the worker will gladly conform, and supply the minor accessories.

SUCH STANDARDS MUST APPLY TO ALL.—­It is of the utmost importance that such standardization, when adopted, should apply to the clothing of all, managers as well as employes.  When the old pride in the “crafts” returns, or when efficiency is as universal in the industrial world as it is in the world of sport,—­then one may look for results.

EFFECTS OF SUCH STANDARDS ENORMOUS.—­The effect which such standardized clothing would have on the physical and mental well-being of the wearers can scarcely be overestimated.  Fatigue would be eliminated, and the old “joy in working” might return.  Not being based upon looks alone,—­though the aesthetic appeal should not be neglected,—­the worker’s ability to work more and better with greater content of mind would be the criterion.  The success of the clothing would be scientifically measured, the standards improved, and progress itself become standardized.

STANDARD METHODS ELIMINATE FATIGUE.—­There is no doubt in the minds of those who have made it a study, that the constant receipt of the same kind of impressions, caused by the same kind of stimulation of the same terminal sense organs, causes semi-automatic response with less resulting fatigue, corresponding to the lessened effort.  All methods should, therefore, as far as possible, be made up of standard elements under standard conditions, with standard devices and appliances, and they should be standardized from the standpoint of all of our senses as to color, shape, size, weight, location, position and surface texture, that the worker may grasp at a single thought by means of each or all his senses, that no special muscles or other fatiguing processes need be operated to achieve the standard result desired.