8 9 



CHAPTER V. 

 RIDING DRESS. 



Habits and Safety Skirts Breeches Underclothing Hats Boots Gloves 

 Riding Under-Bodice, Hunting Ties, Collars, Cuffs, and Ties. 



HABITS AND SAFETY SKIRTS. 



THE choice of the material for a riding habit is 

 naturally limited to the price which the purchaser 

 intends to pay for the garment. I would, however, 

 strongly counsel the selection of the best possible 

 cloth, as only from it can a really successful habit be 

 constructed. Tailors who make a habit for five 

 guineas, doubtless give the best value they can for 

 that sum ; but when we consider that a good Melton 

 cloth costs about a guinea a yard, we can understand 

 that it is impossible to get material of that class in a 

 cheap garment. All good habit makers will admit 

 though in most cases very reluctantly that Melton is 

 by far the best material for riding habits which are in- 

 tended for hard wear, as in hunting ; but it possesses, 

 in their eyes, the very grave fault of longevity, for a 

 good Melton habit lasts for several years. Rough-faced 

 cloths, such as cheviot, frieze, and serge, retain moisture 



