Victorian Etiquette: What “Art of Good Behaviour” Can Teach Us Today
In Facts for the People, or Things Worth Knowing, published in 1850, there is a section called, “Art of Good Behaviour.” It starts with the basics: we first present ourselves with our outward appearance, and this requires our immediate, daily attention.
According to this guide, good behavior starts with cleanliness. We still know how essential this is; on your hands alone, germs can linger for more than three hours, which confirms the importance of frequent handwashing, especially after using the restroom. Proper handwashing, by the way, has been shown to reduce the risk of illnesses like respiratory infections by nearly 20%.
But we digress. Hygiene is also the foundation of proper appearance, as it states in Facts for the People:
Of the Person
Cleanliness, absolute purity of person, is the first requisite in the appearance of a gentleman or lady. Not only should the face and hands be kept clean, but the whole skin should be subjected to frequent ablutions. Better wear coarse clothes with a clean skin, than silk stockings drawn over dirty feet. Remember that dirt is the never-failing sign of vulgarity, as cleanliness is of gentility. Let the whole skin be kept pure and sweet, the teeth and nails and hair, clean, and the last two of a medium length, and naturally cut. Nothing deforms a man more than bad hair-cutting, and unnatural deformity in wearing it. Abstain from all eccentricities. Take a medium between nature and fashion, which is perhaps the best rule in regard to dress and appearance that can be given.
Cleanliness is essential to the appearance of a lady, and this goes beyond the face and hands to the entire body. Our guide recommends frequent washing, as cleanliness signifies gentility, while dirt is a mark of vulgarity. Phrased differently: it’s better to wear simple clothing with a clean body, than fine garments over unclean skin. There is no point in donning fineries if you are unclean and ungroomed. Proper grooming is a must (in particular, clean teeth and hair), and a natural and tasteful approach to hairstyles is advised. Although we value individualism and personal branding these days, the vintage philosophy on this is quite different: avoid eccentricities in appearance, and instead strive for a balance between nature and fashion as the ideal standard.