There have been three posts recently at Noleftturns on the book The Suit, the first and by the second by Peter Schramm, the other by Julie Ponzi, who refers to George Washington’s "The Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation". (printer-friendly version)

Books on manners and etiquette for wannabe gentlemen go back to the Renaissance and earlier--still, it is interesting to see George Washington's teachings.

"24 Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Public Spectacle."

I am reminded of certain counsels for monks...

"28 If any one come to Speak to you while you are Sitting Stand up tho he be your Inferior, and when you Present Seats let it be to every one according to his Degree."

I wonder if this is an American custom or if it was to be found among the British as well.

Anyways, while the modern suit may be the clothing of choice among the elites, I still don't like it, and prefer traditional costumes. The emphasis on change and novelty in clothing design, on 'fashion' is a sign of decadence and decay, even if it is only possible because of a surplus of money. (And then there is the moral question of how that surplus is being spent...) Unfortunately one has to wear the suit because conformity to social standards is still necessary, for the sake of adhering to something that goes beyond one's personal preferences.