Difference between revisions of "Clothing"
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=== Classical Clothing in the Mediterranean=== | === Classical Clothing in the Mediterranean=== | ||
| + | [[Image:Tiberius.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Emperor Tiberius in his draped toga.]] | ||
| + | Clothing in ancient Rome generally consisted of the toga, the tunic, the stola, brooches for these, and breeches. | ||
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=== Clothing in Middle Age Europe === | === Clothing in Middle Age Europe === | ||
[[Image:Men1000.jpg|thumb|150px|Man from 1000 to 1100 AD.]] | [[Image:Men1000.jpg|thumb|150px|Man from 1000 to 1100 AD.]] | ||
Revision as of 20:27, February 26, 2010
- This page is currently undergoing a massive revision.
Clothing, in the broadest sense, refers to materials that cover the body which provide warmth, shelter, hygiene, and/or modesty. Clothing can be made of any number of materials, including plant fibers (such as cotton), animal hides or fibers (such as wool or fur), and artificial textiles (such as polyester or spandex). The vast variety of clothing speaks to the diversity of human cultures and behavior, with different modes of clothing being reserved for work, certain socioeconomic classes, and children.
Contents
Role of Clothing
History of Clothing
- Main Article: History of Clothing
Earliest Clothing
The very earliest clothes were made of fig leaves[1]. By the time the Babylonian and Egyptian empires had arisen, elaborate garments existed which demonstrated the wealth and power of the individual wearing them. These garments only existed for kings and other nobles; it is likely that the clothing worn by the everyday man in the street remained unchanged for thousands of years.
Classical Clothing in the Mediterranean
Clothing in ancient Rome generally consisted of the toga, the tunic, the stola, brooches for these, and breeches.
Clothing in Middle Age Europe
The Clothing of the European Medieval period is a fascinating development from simple garments which were universal to all classes into complex, and often restrictive fashions, which varied for each class.
Shoes for men and women were fairly simple. They were really no more than slippers, with soft soles that offered minimal protection or support. Many of the poor simply went barefoot. Shoes were little more than ornaments for the rich. Boots were also available, but again they were flimsy by modern standards.
The Norman Conquest brought many changes in the clothing of the English people. Embroidered and appliqued borders became popular for men and women as did the wearing of belts. Square necklines gained popularity and became as common as the old round style. The Normans also transmitted their attention to cleanliness and personal appearance to the English. Soon most English combed their hair and bathed quite frequently and owned several sets of clothing. The Normans also started a trend of fine fabrics and clothes decorated to an absurd degree.
Women's clothes went through two notable changes during this period. First, the sleeves of the super-tunic were no longer flared, but fit tight to the wrist. Second, the super tunic was no longer hitched up but hung long. Women continued to keep their heads covered.
Clothing in the Renaissance
Industrial-Age Clothing
Modern Fashion
References
- ↑ Genesis 3:7
