Sir.-Surely it is time the general public realised they are very often paying exorbitant prices for so-called "fashion" garments.

Fashion garments are, naturally, manufactured and modified from year to year, presumably to ensure that companies make the greatest possible profit, no doubt utilising less and less material together with fewer employees.

Take a look at men's fashions: eliminate the tie - no comment necessary; eliminate the turn-ups on trousers - no comment necessary; remove six to eight inches from the tails of shirts and make all shirt sleeves half length; and eliminate the breast pocket of all shirts. In fact, these so-called fashion pundits have even tried to lose shirt collars.

In return for this, a "fashion" logo is sewn to the garment and many can then cost at least twice the price of a reasonably comfortable shirt which is tailored to be worn inside, not flapping around outside, the trousers or belt.

The present fashion for ladies to wear skirts which are hardly worthy of the name "skirt" and, in fact, appear to be more like broad belts, together with tank tops which are little more than skimpy vests, surely need hardly be commented upon. These ladies must feel the cold during the winter!

Most of these so-called fashion garments appear to be manufactured overseas, where labour is said to be cheaper. But, if one adds the cost of importing them from halfway around the globe, then surely one is left with a much truer estimate, and I believe manufacturers and sellers then increase the cost to the customer.

In my opinion, these garments are not worth the cost, but they sell because the general public are willing to accept the prices as long as they are convinced these items are fashionable.

-Name and address supplied.