I have a couple of articles online that might be of interest regarding
this question.

The first from an interview in the New York Times where Twain advocates
dress reform and answers reporters' questions related to his
white suit at:

http://www.tarleton.edu/~schmidt/19061208.html

The second from an interview with Clara Clemens where she is
a bit catty regarding those white suits:

http://www.tarleton.edu/~schmidt/19080614.html


Barb