Thanks to the sewing machine, advances in the quality of machine lace etc. shirtwaists in the most delicate & dainty materials can now be had for pretty cheap, but before buying them the prudent office girl should ask herself: can I afford their laundry costs?

(says the one who has just ironed and starched a few shirts, and even cheated a lot (steam iron, spray starch…), but it's HOT)