WHY WE WEAR CLOTHES

Clothes are worn for many reasons, mainly for protection and decoration. Protection is the main function of clothing, but the concept of decorating the body is an ancient behaviour. It goes back to Neanderthals who disappeared 30,000 years ago. Garments have been worn for thousands of years to identify women and men, to be attractive, to show status, age, occupation, religion, group and political membership, to attend ceremonies, and to show personal style. Primitive cultures of the modern world cover themselves with scarring, tattoos, body paint, amulets, and headgear. Throughout history, clothing choices were limited by available materials. When people began to design garments, their environment, technology, and geographical place in the world limited clothing. Having lots of sheep meant wool. When the trade routes grew, people were able to use various materials.

Functionality also played an important role in the wearing of clothing. Hard working peasants needed garments that are comfortable to move in. The rich showed their status and power by wearing chic costumes, and they were not that comfortable in them. So, why do we wear what we wear? We express ourselves by clothing choices. We show the world who we are by our garments. We look at strangers and have an immediate idea of them by their clothes. We place them in roles of authority or see them as a threat. We look at people and decide that we like them or don’t like them before we even speak. We are protected by garments from weather and they give us a sense of self-identity. We are what we wear.