it is done for practical purpose in Europe during the 1700's cities started to become crowded this leads to lot of filth in the streets and lots of smoke in the air. Pollution in the air and the practice of using snuff make for a runny nose. When the industrial revolution came along things got worse and the practice was continued.


Society does not have those problems any further so wearing one( not for use) is noting more than adding to a costume of a period.