Clothes for the Voyage - The Choice of a Waterproof - Advice as to Buying Garments in the East

The question of clothes and what is necessary in the way of an outfit is a very important one, and much could be said on the subject. In the first place, the dress-box, or boxes, which goes in the hold of the ship should be made of tin enclosed in a deal case with iron clamps. This will stand the rough usage in loading and unloading cargo, and will also serve to store winter clothes and protect them from insects and mildew during the hot, damp season.

Clothes for the Voyage

The cabin box should be of the specified regulation size, to go under the berth during the voyage. If the Straits Settlements be the destination, then it is only necessary to provide enough Warm clothes to last for the first fortnight of the voyage, after Which, with the exception of a light cloak to wear after the sun goes down, they will not be required again till the return voyage. There, all the year round, Women wear white drill or holland skirts and muslin blouses, and about eight of each of these would be required.

These, although old-fashioned in England, are perennial in the East, for they return as good as ever from the washtub. Any thin dress suitable for a hot summer's day in England is suitable for wear in the Tropics all the year round, but it must be remembered that the sun bleaches all colours very rapidly, and one Washing will, as a rule, ruin a coloured dress for ever. A white, unlined alpaca skirt and a white silk shirt make a very suitable dress, as it is not affected by damp and does not crush readily.

Advantages of Buying in England

If these can be bought at sales, they will be much cheaper to buy in England, but, even if not, they will be as cheap as those made by native tailors, and have a very much better cut and appearance for the money. A thin evening dress is a necessity, the colour being a matter of taste, and should be made with a transparent yoke capable of removal, and the dress will then serve two purposes.

A waterproof and umbrella are as essential out East as at home, for rain showers are both heavy and frequent. The waterproof, however, should not be made of rubber, since with this substance the climate will play havoc.

On no account should an English sun-helmet be bought, for it is an expensive item, and is seldom seen on the head of the Englishwoman resident in the East, although tourists passing through invariably wear them. Most women Wear straw hats as at home, and carry a thick sun umbrella. A white cotton cover for the ordinary umbrella makes a cheap and excellent protection from the sun, and if a sun-hat, or tope, be required, it can be bought locally for a few shillings. A pair of sun-glasses will be required by many people, but can be bought locally, if found necessary. Speaking generally, clothes bought at European shops in the Far East are very much dearer than at home, and this is true more especially of underclothing, boots and shoes, and stockings.

The Quantity of Garments Required

White cotton gloves for summer and white kid and black suede for winter are best, as they are not destroyed to the same extent by spots of mildew. The undergarments Worn are of the same description as those used on a hot summer's day in England, provided a thin Wool or silk and wool vest be worn next the skin to prevent chills.

Six of such articles would be sufficient to allow for frequent changing, if necessary. It is better not to take out a large number of each article, as a fresh supply can always be ordered by post from home as they are required.

In China and all parts outside the Tropics, in addition to the above summer outfit, a winter outfit is also required. This is similar to what is worn in England; and if it be remembered that in the ports in North China one Would dress in the cold season for three or four months as if for a cold, snowy winter's day in England, and in South China as if for a chilly spring or autumn day in England, no difficulty Will be experienced as to what sort of clothes are required to form a winter outfit.