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From: "Sally Rolls Pavia" <>
Subject: Proper Attire for Men in Mourning
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 15:36:26 -0700

"The Kansas City Journal" (Missouri) Wednesday, March 30, 1898

MEN IN MOURNING.

A man wears deep mourning for his mother or wife not less than
one year. During that period his business suit should be a rough
black cloth and his frock coat the same. The requisite black band,
usually of fine black cloth, in preference to crepe, should vary in
width from two to four inches, according to the style of the hat. His
scarf is of dull black, and never shows a pin. His gloves are heavy
black glace kids, excepting for driving or out-of-door sports, when
black castor or dogskin may be worn.

His handkerchiefs must be all white, with only the narrowest of
hemstitched border, neither must they show initials, monogram, or
embroidered markings of any description. Instead, the full name
or initials written in black indelible ink, preferably by the owner himself.

His watch charm is laid aside, and a black guard is used instead, while
his gold buttons and studs have as substitutes those enameled to look
like the linen itself. His visiting cards, always small, and his stationery

have a narrow border.

To lighten his loneliness, etiquette allows him to visit his men friends two

months after he has assumed mourning. With a man friend or alone he
may go, very quietly, to a public place of amusement, but on no account
can he wear evening dress, go with a lady or make one of a party.

This thread:

• Proper Attire for Men in Mourning by "Sally Rolls Pavia" <>