"In 1884 Dr. Gustav Jaeger, a German professor of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Stuttgart developed 'scientific' theories about the use of hygienic dress and of wearing wool, next to the body. He published his essays on health culture as Dr. Jaeger's Sanitary Woollen System. He wanted everyone to use wool fibres throughout the house right down to the bed sheets. He thought pure animal fibres would prevent the retention of noxious exhalations of the body.

Dr. Jaeger left and right his Jaeger advertisement for sanitary woollen underclothing.

The ideas were promoted as scientific even though they were far from being scientific. Science was equated with being modern and therefore a rational argument hence the name we associate with dress reformers. Surprisingly his ideas were accepted by enough people to be swayed by the inaccurate scientific argument to wear undergarments made of wool. Soon after other manufacturers produced ranges of similar undergarments, but made them more colourful.

The name Jaeger was sold to an Englishman Lewis Tomalin. His shops bearing the name survived and flourished to become respected retail outlets of both men and ladies clothing made from fine fabrics. "

http://www.fashion-era.com/rational_dress.htm#Dr Jaeger