Those who originate customs of this kind sin gravely; those who merely conform themselves to an already received custom are more easily excused from grave sin. St. Alphonsus 1 admits that this is valid even concerning a bared breast. He himself, however, wisely adds: "Nevertheless, I do not doubt that the opinion, as related above, must be used with great discretion by a prudent confessor, lest he indulge the excessive license of women, which involves lust, since those living piously do not so proceed.... I do not doubt that an indecorous custom of this kind is strenuously to be restrained and extirpated by preachers and confessors, insofar as it can be done."
2. Indeed, in our days, that the desire of St. Alphonsus may be satisfied, that excessive servitude by which Christian women are attendants of tailors and prostitutes in the garments to be worn seems worthy of being shaken off; and, with the aid of an association, it is to be procured that those who devise new manners of clothing be impelled by the very hope of profit to devise and propagate garments which are at once beautiful and modest.