

See also: History of Western fashion, Category:History of clothing, and Evolution of hair Early use A mode of dress fit to purpose, whether stylistic or functional, is known as an outfit or ensemble. This line will continue to blur as wearable technology embeds assistive devices directly into the fabric itself the enabling innovations are ultra low power consumption and flexible electronic substrates.Ĭlothing also hybridizes into a personal transportation system ( ice skates, roller skates, cargo pants, other outdoor survival gear, one-man band) or concealment system ( stage magicians, hidden linings or pockets in tradecraft, integrated holsters for concealed carry, merchandise-laden trench coats on the black market - where the purpose of the clothing often carries over into disguise). At the far extreme, self-enclosing diving suits or space suits are form-fitting body covers, and amount to a form of dress, without being clothing per se, while containing enough high technology to amount to more of a tool than a garment. More specialized forms of protective equipment, such as face shields are classified protective accessories.

Some forms of personal protective equipment amount to clothing, such as coveralls, chaps or a doctor's white coat, with similar requirements for maintenance and cleaning as other textiles ( boxing gloves function both as protective equipment and as a sparring weapon, so the equipment aspect rises above the glove aspect). Clothing also may be used to communicate social status, wealth, group identity, and individualism. Pubic area or genital coverage is the most frequently encountered minimum found cross-culturally and regardless of climate, implying social convention as the basis of customs. In many parts of the world, not wearing clothes in public so that genitals, breasts, or buttocks are visible could be considered indecent exposure. Being deprived of clothing in front of others may be embarrassing.

Wearing clothes is a variable social norm. Fashioned with pockets, belts, or loops, clothing may provide a means to carry things while freeing the hands.Ĭlothing has significant social factors as well. Clothing is used for protection against injury in specific tasks and occupations, sports, and warfare. It may be used to prevent glare or increase visual acuity in harsh environments, such as brimmed hats. Clothing also provides protection from ultraviolet radiation. It can protect feet from injury and discomfort or facilitate navigation in varied environments. Clothing can insulate against cold or hot conditions, and it can provide a hygienic barrier, keeping infectious and toxic materials away from the body.
#WOMAN SKETCH FASHION SKIN#
Garments cover the body, footwear covers the feet, gloves cover the hands, while hats and headgear cover the head, and underwear for private parts.Ĭlothing serves many purposes: it can serve as protection from the elements, rough surfaces, sharp stones, rash-causing plants, and insect bites, by providing a barrier between the skin and the environment. The amount and type of clothing worn depends on gender, body type, social factors, and geographic considerations. The wearing of clothing is mostly restricted to human beings and is a feature of all human societies. Typically, clothing is made of fabrics or textiles, but over time it has included garments made from animal skin and other thin sheets of materials and natural products found in the environment, put together. A kanga, worn throughout the African Great Lakes regionĬlothing (also known as clothes, garments, dress, apparel, or attire) is any item worn on the body.
