Clothing is everyday objects worn around the human body. Typically, clothing is composed of synthetic textiles or man-made fabrics, but within time it has added clothing made from skin, animal skins, and various other natural resources found in nature, blended together. Clothes can be used to make protection from cold or heat, to make a fashion statement, to simply make a comfortable outfit, and for many other purposes.
The weaving of cloth dates back to ancient Egypt and the Romans. Early Chinese art showed people weaving and wearing cloth. Ancient used silk and jute (a type of grass fiber) to weave clothing. Woven fabrics were commonly seen in ancient Egyptian and Greek architecture. Wool was traded between Europe and Asia and was introduced to China. Silk fabric was woven by the Chinese and was a luxury item that was worn by the elite.
Ancient cultures viewed clothing differently than they do today. They did not consider cloth a substance, but rather a decorative object. Clothes were hung as decorations, rather than being used for practical function. As clothing became more complex, so too did cloth and its weaving.
Ancient cultures saw the weaving of cloth not only as clothing but also as an art form. In some cultures, children would be hired to weave cloth, earning a wage and helping to support the family. The skill of making clothing could be passed down through several generations, from father to son, ensuring that every member of a family had the skill to make clothing for their tribe.
In ancient times, clothing was meant to be utilitarian. It was designed to survive and protect the wearer, to keep them warm and dry. Women wore long skirts, long dresses, and heavy clothing, designed to protect them from the cold. Men, in contrast, wore clothing that was designed to look stylish and impressive. They wore breeches, caps, and neckties.
Today, clothing has become a statement about a person’s self-image and style. Fashion designers, jewelry designers, clothing manufacturers, and even parents all have a stake in influencing what we wear. High fashion shows and celebrities are fueling the trend to turn heads and create a new look, with everything from jeans and T-shirts to pants, sweaters, and jackets. But in the past, clothing has been for utilitarian reasons only, designed to keep humans warm, dry, and comfortable.
Throughout history, clothing has taken many forms and been made of many materials. Throughout the ages, textiles provided people with clothing that was durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. Animal hair was woven into cloth for protective coverings on armor and skirts. Wool was gathered from sheep and goat huts to create sails and blankets. Flax fibers were woven into cloth that was used to make bedspreads, rugs, and textiles that made fine linens.
Today, textiles and garments are woven together to create a variety of different clothing items. The main article of clothing is the garment itself, which can be made of different fabrics and styles. The garments themselves can be functional or stylish, depending on their function. Pieces of clothing such as pants, shirts, dresses, and even underwear are made from a variety of fabrics. The main article of clothing is made from a variety of natural fibers like wool, cotton, silk, jute, nylon, and hemp.
Some of the most common types of materials in clothing are apparel, dresses, nightwear, loungewear, outerwear, and casual clothing. Apparel is clothing intended for casual or professional use. Dresses and nightwear dresses are intended for casual wear. Outerwear is clothing intended for protection from the weather. Formal clothing is designed to be worn in high-profile events.
Clothing can be found in many local stores, department stores, and online. A quick search on Google will list local stores near you. Many specialty stores exist for clothing, both men’s and women’s. Most clothing is machine-made; however, some clothing is handcrafted. A good source for purchasing high-quality clothing is thrift stores. A simple citation needed to purchase clothing is a full-price receipt.
Fabricated clothing may be washed in a machine or hand washed. A fabric swab will help if you wish to wash the clothing yourself. The clothing should be pre-ironed so that they are shiny and wrinkle-free. Clothing that is not pre-ironed, should be ironed at home. Some types of basic subcontinent clothing are only used during festivals such as Onam.