The _Daily Courant_, Nov. 4, 1708, says: 'Also very fine Muslin Neckcloths to be sold at 5_s._ a Piece.' A gentleman's shirt was of fine holland, and was somewhat dear--the fronts were worn very open, and the ruffles were not laced, at least for ordinary wear: this piece of extravagance was reserved for a later time. Showing so much of the shirt necessitated clean linen, but it is hardly likely that many followed the example of Tom Modely,[195] whose 'business in this world is to be well dressed; and the greatest circumstance that is to be recorded in his annals is that he wears _twenty shirts a week_.' That they were costly, we may judge from the fact that Swift was not extravagant in his dress, and that he bought them first-hand in Holland, by means of his friend Harrison, who was under great obligations to him. '28 Feb. 1718. I have sent to Holland for a dozen shirts,'[196] etc.--and again he writes: 'Jan. 31, 1713. I paid him (Harrison) while he was with me seven guineas, _in part_ of a dozen of shirts he bought me in Holland.' [Footnote 195: _Tatler_, No. 166.] [Footnote 196: _Journal to Stella._] This having the waistcoat unbuttoned to show the shirt is very frequently mentioned, but it was eminently a young man's practice. A lady, speaking of her husband, says: 'You must know, he tells me that he finds London is a much more healthy place than the Country; for he sees several of his old acquaintance and schoolfellows are here _young fellows with fair full-bottomed perriwigs_. I could scarce keep him this morning from going out _open breasted_.'[197] Again[198]: 'There is a fat fellow whom I have long remarked, wearing his breast open in the midst of winter, out of an affectation of youth. I have therefore sent him just now the following letter in my physical capacity:-- [Footnote 197: _Tatler_, No. 95.] [Footnote 198: _Ibid._ 246.] '"Sir, "From the twentieth instant to the first of May next, both days inclusive, I beg of you to button your waistcoat from your collar to your waistband."'