Clothing
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Clothing (also known as clothes, garments, apparel), is a set of materials, usually cloth, used to cover one's body. The wearing of clothing is a primarily human attribute. It is a feature of all societies and serves many purposes: protection from the elements, rough or sharp surfaces or vegetation, protection from insects or other small animals, insulation from hot or cold environments, and it can provide a hygienic barrier. It may also be used as protection against injury in some occupations and sports. The amount and type of clothing worn varies by function, gender, body type, social factors, and geographic considerations.
Garments cover the body, footwear cover feet, gloves cover the hands, hats and headgear cover the head, and underwear cover the private parts.
History[edit | edit source]
Clothing was worn by most humans. At its inception, clothing was used to protect from the elements, as human skin was soft and less furry or armored than their animal counterparts. Clothing was originally made out of fur, skins, pelts, and plant matter used as basic coverage, but was refined over a long period of time to be created out of farmed wool and synthetic plastic fibers in modern times. The history of clothing is connected to human progress.
In historical context, it is helpful to distinguish between simple and complex clothing. Simple clothes hang loose and offer less protection against the elements. Not that it can't be warm - think of a draped fur coat. Complex clothing fits snuggly around the body and is usually made with separate sleeves or pantlegs. It requires tools, like a sewing needle.
Primates is the only animal order interested in clothing. Besides humans, apes have also been observed to play with or use clothing.
Early humanity[edit | edit source]
Archeologists who study the Paleolithic, the period between roughly 2.6 millions and 12,000 years ago, often ignore clothing because not a single shred of it has survived from this ice age era.
When the safe outside exposure time was as short as two hours, the secret to survival was clothing. Archeologists have found blade tools in the Middle East dated to 380,000 old.[1] The oldest needle, and oldest proof of complex clothing ever found, is estimated to be 50,000 years old.[2] The human variation of lice cannot live outside clothing and it is estimated to have diverged from its sibling subspecies 40,000 to 170,000 years ago, most likely around 107,000 years ago.[3]
Development of wool[edit | edit source]
Animal husbandry and the domestication of animals like llamas, rams, and sheep led to a replenishing source of fabric through weaving shorn wool. This work, often relegated to women, led to much more easily accessible forms of fabric. (Note: Textile production overall was predominantly the work of women. Change the wording. This can appear misogynistic.)
Indigenous Americas[edit | edit source]
Hides, beadwork, fashion.
China[edit | edit source]
Long history, many layers. Silk. Silk.
(Note: Why so much specific history? Maybe focus on specific practical aspects. Just a copy of Wikipedia otherwise, and I can download that whole thing)
Egypt[edit | edit source]
We know about Egypt because of tomb inscriptions and papyrus scrolls. (Note: No, the invention and use of papyrus left us scrolls detailing daily life. There is history before papyrus...) (Note: True, modern Egypt had archeologists/historians studying ancient Egypt.) Silk Road. Cloth as cultural importance.
Common Materials[edit | edit source]
Development of cotton[edit | edit source]
Cotton was utilized for clothing as a wool-like, plant-based fabric, coming from the cotton plant. The picking of cotton was difficult due to the thorny and low-yield nature of the cotton plant, and it was difficult to weave without large amounts of processing work.
The cotton gin, developed by Eli Whitney, made cotton more accessible to industrial populations (Note: please* ignore slavery and racism!)
Materials[edit | edit source]
| Material Name | Source | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Fibers - Animals | ||
| Wool | Sheep | Warm, insulating, breathable |
| Cashmere | Cashmere goats | Softer and diner than wool, historically considered a luxury |
| Alpaca | Alpaca | Warmer, lighter, hypoallergenic wool alternative |
| Mohair | Angora goats | Shiny and silky |
| Silk | Silkworms | Lustrous and smooth, historically considered a luxury |
| Leather | Animal hide | Durable, flexible, long-lasting, fire-proof |
| Fur | Animal pelt | Insulating |
| Natural Fibers - Plant | ||
| Cotton | Cotton plant | Soft, breathable, universal use |
| Linen | Flax plant | Crisp, breathable, common in warm weather |
| Hemp | Hemp plant | Durable and sustainable |
| Ramie | Ramie plant | Silky and strong |
| Jute | Jute plant | Coarse, traditional clothing or accessories |
| Kapok | Kapok tree | Lightweight, insulating/filling |
| Semi-Synthetic Fibers | ||
| Rayon (Viscove) | Wood pulp | Mimics silk. Drapey, soft. |
| Modal | Beech tree pulp | Softer, more durable than viscose. |
| Lyocell (Tencel) | Eucalyptus pulp | Sustainable, soft, breathable. |
| Fully-Synthetic Fibers | ||
| Polyester | Petroleum | Strong, wrinkle-resistant |
| Nylon | Petroleum | Durable, stretchy |
| Acrylic | Petroleum | Wool substitute. Can pill. |
| Elastane (Spandex) | Petroleum | High elasticity |
| Polypropylene | Petroleum | Moisture-wicked |
| "Functional" / High-Tech | ||
| Gore-Tex | PTFE laminate | Waterproof and breathable. |
| Kevlar | Synthetic polymer | Cut-resistant, impact-resistant |
| Nomex | Meta-aramid | Fire-resistant |
| Reflective fabric | Embedded beads/film | Visibility, safety. |
(Note: Could add processing methods? Construction and bonding? Don't know them personally.)
Fashion[edit | edit source]
Clothing has often been used as a status symbol or a format of self-expression. As nudity was largely intolerable in many societies (Note: is socially not acceptable in modern Western Abrahamic-influenced cultures*), clothing was often mandatory even after the development of temperature control. (Note: In hot climates it will still shield you from the heat and UV rays. I bet you won't visit Russia in a bikini either. Nobody is forcing you to be clothed inside, only public nudity is forbidden. This sentence makes no sense.)
Common Types of Clothing[edit | edit source]
(Note: Sort by gender)
Common types of complex modern clothing and their characteristics include:
- T-shirts: These are usually comfortable garments made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or cotton blends. They are versatile and can be worn for various activities, from lounging to exercising.
- Dresses: Dresses are one-piece garments that cover the body from the shoulders to the legs. Dresses can be made from a variety of fabrics, including cotton, silk, and chiffon.
- Blouses: Blouses are upper-body garments typically worn by women. They are often made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or silk.
- Blazers: Blazers are structured jackets that are often part of a suit or can be worn as a standalone piece. They are typically made from wool, cotton, or synthetic blends.
- Pants (Trousers): Pants are lower-body garments that cover the legs. Pants are made from a variety of fabrics, including cotton, wool, and synthetic blends.
- Skirts: Skirts are lower-body garments that cover the legs from the waist to various lengths. Skirts are made from a variety of fabrics, including cotton, wool, and silk.
- Shirts: Shirts are upper-body garments. They typically have a front button placket and can be made from a variety of fabrics, including cotton, silk, and synthetic blends.
- Sweaters: Sweaters are knitted or crocheted garments that cover the upper body. Sweaters are popular for their warmth and comfort, making them ideal for colder weather. They are often made from wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers.
- Jackets: Jackets are outer garments that provide protection from the elements. Jackets are made from a variety of materials, including leather, denim, and synthetic fabrics.
- Ethnic or National Dress: These are traditional garments specific to a particular culture or region. Examples include the Korean hanbok, the Indian saree, and the Japanese kimono. These garments are often worn on special occasions and can be made from a variety of fabrics, including silk, cotton, and wool.
Footwear[edit | edit source]
- Shoes: General term for footwear that covers the foot and provides protection. They typically have a sole, an upper part, and may include a heel.
- Socks: Footwear worn inside shoes to absorb moisture, reduce friction, and provide additional warmth and comfort. Socks can be made from various materials such as cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers.
- Sandals: Open-toe footwear that consists of a sole held to the foot by straps. Sandals are often worn in warm weather and for casual occasions. They can be made from materials like rubber, leather, or fabric.
- Boat Shoes: Also known as deck shoes or top-siders, these are typically made of canvas or leather with non-marking rubber soles designed for use on a boat.
Handwear[edit | edit source]
- Gloves: General Handwear to protect against cold, UV rays, chafing, and cuts. Gloves can be made from materials like leather and synthetic fabrics. Possible iterations with finger openings.
Headwear[edit | edit source]
(Note: Why so many? Wool, silk, cotton... Simplify them by general function, not design)
Hats[edit | edit source]
- Beanies: Beanies known as knit caps or ski caps. They are worn for warmth and are popular in cold weather, these are close-fitting hats made of wool, cotton, or synthetic materials.
- Sun Hats: Sun Hats are wide-brimmed hats designed to provide shade and protect the face and neck from the sun. They are often made of lightweight materials like straw or cotton.
- Beach Hats: Beach hats to sun hats, They are designed to provide shade and protection from the sun during beach activities. These are lightweight and often made of straw or other breathable materials.
Face Masks[edit | edit source]
- Cloth Masks: Cloth Masks are effective in reducing the spread of respiratory droplets and can be washed and reused. These are made from various fabrics, such as cotton, silk, or a blend.
Scarves[edit | edit source]
- Wool Scarves: Wool Scarves Made from natural wool, these scarves are warm and cozy, ideal for cold weather. They can be worn around the neck for warmth or pulled up to cover the nose and mouth for additional protection.
- Silk Scarves: Silk Scarves are lightweight and smooth, silk scarves are versatile and can be worn for warmth.
- Cotton Scarves: Cotton Scarves are lightweight and breathable, making them suitable for all seasons. They can be used for protection against the sun, wind, or light rain.
Balaclavas[edit | edit source]
- Wool Balaclavas: Wool Balaclavas cover the head, neck, and most of the face, leaving only the eyes exposed. They are ideal for cold weather.
- Fleece Balaclavas: Fleece Balaclavas Made are lightweight and provide excellent insulation. They are comfortable and can be worn under other Headwear.
Bandanas[edit | edit source]
- Cotton Bandanas: Cotton Bandanas are small, square pieces of fabric that can be folded and tied around the neck or face. They are versatile and can be used for protection against dust, wind, and sun.
- Silk Bandanas: Silk Bandanas to cotton bandanas, but made from silk, these are lightweight and smooth.