Clothing

Clothing, or "clothes", is a set of materials, usually cloth, used to cover one's body.

History

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 Clothing was originally made out of fur, skins, pelts, and plant matter used as basic coverage, but was refined over a long period of time to be created out of farmed wool and synthetic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 and human progress are intertwined.

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 the sewing needle.

Primates are the only animals interested in clothing. Not just humans, apes were also observed to play with or use clothing in zoo parks. Thus, unless otherwise noted, any reference to clothing from now on will mean complex clothing.

Early humanity

No remnant of clothing has physically survived from the Paleolithic. The latest fossil

A method that has

Fossils show that humans inhabited Eurasia during the last ice age. When the safe outside exposure time was as short as two hours, they had to cover themselves to survive.

It is unclear when the

Archaeology has discovered clothed specimens of humans (Homo sapiens) from as early as [TIME].

Development of wool

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.

Sewing

The development of sewing came around in [TIME].

Europe

Pants because cold.

Indigenous Americas

Hides, beadwork, fashion.

China

Long history, many layers. Silk. Silk.

Egypt

We know abour egypt because papyrus. long history. Silk Road. Cloth as cultural importance.

Development of cotton

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 (just ignore slavery and racism!)

Fashion

Clothing was often used as a status symbol or a format of self-expression. As nudity was largely intolerable in many societies, clothing was often mandatory even after the development of temperature control.

Common Types of Clothing

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

• 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

• Gloves: General Handwear to protect against cold, UV rays, chafing, and cuts. Gloves can be made from materials like leather and synthetic fabrics.

• Fingerless Gloves: Gloves with open fingers, suitable for warm weather. They provide some protection while allowing for better dexterity.

Headwear

Hats

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.