Cherrybim: i understood your point. Please note that the different yeshivos in Pre-war Europe had different emphasis. Slobadka had that emphasis, Novarodik had a different (some would say almost opposite) emphasis. Be that as it may, I agree that a yeshiva bochur should dress in a self-respecting fashion,ie clothing should fit properly, no stains or wrinkles,etc. for they are representing Torah. As far as styles go, the black and white outfit of the typical yeshiva bochur actually looks very classy (just need a tie to go with it.)Similar to a businessman. They certainly look more bachovodik than your average teenage guy in his ripped jeans and oversized t-shirt. Is that the style you are advocating? (I know your not, just trying to point out that style today means nothing if we are comparing ourselves to the goyish concept of style. In europe, a stylish guy dressed in a nice suit and tie. Not here, not anymore.)
Jent: Yes I meant the fringes out was reportedly initiated by R’ Lopian. I don’t know why it wasn’t “in style” until then, and i can’t answer what the purpose of “ure’isem ” would be then. But he obviously felt that this was a better way to fulfill ure’isem.
As a side note, I remember reading a tribute to one of the great Sefardi leaders/Roshei Yeshiva who passed away in recent years. It said that some of the Sefardi Bochurim began to wear their tzitzis tucked out like the Ashkenazim and he dissuaded them, saying that it was never their minhag over the years, and the Sefardi heritage is rich enough without having to take from the Ashkenazim. So, based on this story, there obviously is a “purpose” to wearing tzitzis even if the fringes cannot be seen,( as they did before R’Lopian).