I READ Helen Mead's article on the comeback of the humble 'cardi' with great amusement (February 4) and knew exactly what her friend meant when he compared her to a librarian.

I thought back to my younger days and remembered articles of clothing that I would rather die than admit to wearing.

Leg warmers sprang to mind - what were they all about?

We all knew some sad nerd who had a variety of stripey V-necked tank tops, and we all had an auntie who loved her (too short) lime green Crimplene frocks.

We knew instinctively that anyone wearing a tweed jacket with leather elbow patches was a history teacher and those wearing ponchos were over-zealous social workers. Baggy cords and 'Jesus' sandals proved the chap ate brown rice, aduki beans and rode a bike with a 'No Nukes' sticker on the seat, and a bloke wearing an Arran sweater coupled with a beard announced an aspiring folk singer!

Those of us who preferred black polo-necked jumpers and duffel coats were supporters of CND. Oh happy days!

Ella Hirst,

Coggan Close,

South Bank, York.

Updated: 10:39 Monday, February 11, 2002