TEXTILES: Playing with Fire

For better visibility during World War II, landing signal officers on U.S. aircraft carriers wore fluorescent-striped uniforms, wigwagged planes to landings with fluorescent "paddles." Most of the material was made under license from Cleveland's

Switzer Bros, (chemists), and the services bought about $12 million worth in two years. When peace came, Switzer tried out the brilliant dyes for caps, shirts and jackets. By last week, adolescents were fluorescent from coast to coast, as Switzer's "DayGlo" clothes became the newest fad. Items: shocking pink caps with kelly green brims, electric blue ties...