There are comparatively few men who can afford the luxury of a good
valet, and that personage himself, when found thoroughly competent, is
indeed a treasure. But it is an absurd mistake for any one to think that
a valet is a necessity. If you take a quarter of an hour for the care of
your clothes every day, you can be just as well turned out as if you
hired an expensive servant. Even if you have indulged in the luxury of a
valet, you yourself should know all about looking after your wardrobe.

Whenever you change your clothes you should first empty all your
pockets. Then, as soon as each garment is removed, it should be
vigorously shaken and brushed before it is folded and put away. Never
hang coats, trousers, or waistcoats; always fold them. Wire coat hangers
and trousers stretchers ruin clothes. Whisk brooms are useful only when
an extra-vigorous treatment is desired. Take a clothes brush and give
your coat, as soon as you take it off, a thorough brushing, and hold it
to the light, so that no particle of dust may escape your eye. The coat
is then folded exactly in half lengthwise, sleeve to sleeve, the lining
on the outside. With evening coats it is sometimes necessary to fold the
sleeves in half, owing to the shortness of the waist. In packing a trunk
the same method is used, only the sleeves are stuffed with tissue paper
to avoid possible wrinkles.

Large and bulky garments, such as overcoats and frock coats, should be
folded in triplicate. Lay the coat flat on a table and first fold on
both sides, the right and the left, so much of the lapel and collar
lengthwise as will cover the sleeve. This will make two folds from the
top of the collar to the bottom of the skirt. Then fold the coat again
in half lengthwise, using the back as a hinge. You will find the same
principle illustrated by a cook with a pancake. The waistcoat is folded
in half, with the lining on the outside. Always take off your shoes and
unbutton the braces before you remove your trousers, and fold them over
the back of a chair, which is to serve you as a clothes rack. Take the
trousers by the waist and place together the first two suspender
buttons, one on the left and the other on the right. This will make the
fold preserve the natural crease and dispose of the extra material,
button and buttonhole tab at the waist. Trousers carefully folded will
only need pressing about twice a year. Hose should be well shaken, and
unless perfectly clean, throw