Clothing: a History
Since the dawn of humankind, clothing has been a necessity for mankind’s survival in the wild. People have always found ways to keep warm, protect their body from the elements, and express themselves through fashion. Although modern clothing might look drastically different from our ancestors, the pieces we wear today are rooted in our species’ deep-seated history.
Beginnings of Clothing
It is difficult to pinpoint when clothing was invented, as evidence suggests that primitive man may have used animal skin and vegetation for protection as far back as between 100,000 to 500,000 years ago. Historians have found evidence of pre-historic man’s use of clothing in artifacts such as cave paintings and other primitive tools.
The oldest discovered article of clothing was a shawl found in the Ach Valley in Germany. The piece of clothing, estimated to be from between 6500 and 6600 B.C., is considered to be the oldest surviving example of woven fabric. Before this discovery, it was believed that clothing was invented after humans mastered weaving and spinning.
The Evolution of Clothing
As time progressed, fabrics and weaving techniques that had been developed by our ancestors evolved, leading to the creation of more complex garments such as robes, dresses, tunics, and breeches. The development of dyes also allowed ancient civilizations to create vibrant pieces of clothing, ranging from brightly coloured garments to armour.
During the Middle Ages, bags, jewelry and headgear worn by the wealthy and influential continued to advance clothing development and the industry began to boom. By the 1500s, clothing had become a sign of wealth and power, with individuals wearing heavy and extravagant clothing as a display of their status.
Clothing Today
Today, clothing is an essential part of our lives and has become a billion-dollar industry. There are many different types of clothing that range from casual everyday wear to more formal wear. The fabrics used are also often diverse and include:
- Cotton
- Linen
- Silk
- Leather
- Velvet
- Fleece
Today’s fashion is also ever-changing, with trends continually evolving in line with popular culture. Clothes have become a powerful tool used to express individuality, with the use of colours, patterns, and symbols to make a statement.
The true origins of clothing may have been lost to time, but its importance in our lives is unwavering. From the primitive tools used for protection developed by our ancestors to modern-day fashion, clothes have helped to shape who we are today.