"Well, but, brother, positively I can't introduce you in these clothes; why, your coat looks as if it were calculated for the vulgar purpose of keeping yourself comfortable."
Let me repeat that for you: "The vulgar purpose of keeping yourself comfortable." This is what Charlotte tells her brother upon seeing his 'un-stylish' outfit.
This is America, the land of blue jeans. Comfort and utility are a very important aspect in our choice of clothing. This is the land of casual Fridays and this woman is telling me I can't wear my jacket because it's not fashionable which according to Charlotte is synonymous with respectable.
Manly defends his coat saying it was from his time in the war, but Charlotte and Letitia are not satisfied. They, Charlotte especially, have a specific dress code and wear whatever is in fashion simply because it is in fashion. The pocket-hoop is not good enough for flirting, they must have the bell-hoop. Similarly, Dimple will not downsize his wardrobe even though he is in debt. These characters are very vain and shallow; they do not exemplify the qualities that Taylor hopes to persuade are those of a good American. They are not desirable and therefore the characters that practice them do not end the play happily. Rather it is Maria and Manly who are wed and in love.
By giving a happy ending the Maria and Manly, Taylor is saying that to dress for comfort or for yourself and not solely for style is acceptable behaviour. I have to say as an American I agree wholeheartedly. Long live blue jeans.
