This difference between masculine and feminine apparel is here simply pointed out as a characteristic feature.

The ground of its occurrence will be discussed presently.
So far, then, we have, as the great and dominant norm of dress, the broad principle of conspicuous waste.

Subsidiary to this principle, and as a corollary under it, we get as a second norm the principle of conspicuous leisure.

In dress construction this norm works out in the shape of divers contrivances going to show that the wearer does not and, as far as it may conveniently be shown, can not engage in productive labor.

Beyond these two principles there is a third of scarcely less constraining force, which will occur to any one who reflects at all on the subject.