Actually, for the upper classes, they seem to have adopted linen underwear, from which lace collars later evolved, exactly so that they could launder the underwear all the time, and not bathe, and keep the overwear cleaner, since it could only be brushed. The under linen was supposed to absorb the bad humors. The invention of washable body linen was credited in my daughter's history book with extending peoples lives even before the institution of other forms of sanitation. There seems to be a lot of references to having to poke and arrange ruffs, with a certain French King, (Henry someone) even doing his own ruff arranging and helping his friends. One had to wear one's ruffs to court events and look good, I would assume. Having a natty looking ruff was a major source of prestige for the upper classes. Devon In a message dated 4/12/2009 9:42:11 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
But... how often were clothes washed in those days, particularly good ones, precious ones? I think it must have been far less often than we would be comfortable with today, though I admit I have only vaguely remembered lectures from my uni days as a basis for that. Sr. Claire - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected] **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1220572838x1201387489/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fwww.freecreditreport.com%2Fpm%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fsc%3D668072%26hmpgID %3D62%26bcd%3DAprilfooterNO62) - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
