The words “wash and wear” exploded in the 1950s, thanks to the introduction of treated cotton and synthetics that meant clothing could be worn straight from the washing machine. Ironing board sales plummeted, and housewives singing “Wash Day Blues” gave way to “Happy Days are Here Again.” Never in our dreams--up to and including wildest--did it occur that “wash and wear” would be used around the world today, or near thereto. We hear it endlessly: “Wash your hands.