Glossary

Deutsch: Kleidung / Español: Ropa / Português: Roupa / Français: Vêtement / Italiano: Abbigliamento

Clothing is fiber and textile material worn on the body. The wearing of clothing is mostly restricted to human beings and is a feature of nearly all human societies. The amount and type of clothing worn depends on physical, social and geographic considerations, including sex (some clothing-types can be gender-specific: since about the First World War in Anglo-American societies blue has been associated with boys and pink with girls).

Clothes in the fashion context refer to garments or pieces of fabric that are worn on the body. Typically, clothes are used to protect the wearer from environmental elements, for aesthetic or adornment purposes, and to express personal style or cultural identity.

Description

Clothes are an essential part of daily life and cultural expression, encompassing a wide range of items such as shirts, pants, dresses, coats, and more. In the fashion industry, clothing is not only about utility but also about style, trend-setting, and personal expression. Designers and fashion houses create various garments to meet diverse needs and preferences, often anticipating or influencing fashion trends.

The materials used for clothing vary widely and include cotton, wool, silk, leather, and modern synthetic fabrics. Each material brings different qualities like warmth, durability, or ease of care, making the choice of fabric as significant as the design in fashion.

Application Areas

Clothes are used in numerous contexts in the fashion industry:

• Everyday Wear: Casual and formal clothes designed for daily use.
• High Fashion: Designer garments that are often trendsetting and worn by celebrities.
• Workwear: Clothes designed for specific professional environments, providing safety or suiting an office aesthetic.
• Sportswear: Garments specifically made for sports and physical activities.
• Ethnic and Cultural Wear: Clothes that signify a particular cultural or ethnic identity.

Well-Known Examples

Examples of clothing types that have become icons in fashion include:

• The Little Black Dress (LBD): Popularized by Coco Chanel, it is considered essential to a complete wardrobe by many women.
• Levi’s Jeans: A staple of casual wear, originally designed as durable clothing for miners.
• Burberry Trench Coat: Known for its style and durability, originally designed for soldiers in World War I.

Treatment and Risks

Clothing care varies significantly depending on the materials and construction:

• Washing and Care: Proper care can extend the life of garments and includes knowing whether to machine wash, dry clean, or hand wash.
• Sustainability: The fashion industry is criticized for its environmental impact, leading to a growing interest in sustainable and ethically made clothes.
• Quality and Durability: High-quality materials and construction result in longer-lasting clothes, whereas poor quality can lead to quick deterioration.

Similar Terms

• Apparel
• Garments
• Attire
• Wearables
• Outfits

Articles with 'Clothes' in the title

• Victorian (Dress/Clothes): Victorian (Dress/Clothes) : Victorian refers to a style of dress and accessories associated with Queen Victoria who reigned from 1837 to 1901. She was responsible for many fashion trends mainly in the United Kingdom

Summary

In fashion, clothes are fundamental elements that serve multiple purposes, from functional protection to the expression of personal style and cultural identity. They vary widely in terms of style, material, and intended use, and are central to discussions about trends, fashion design, and industry standards. As such, clothing reflects much more than just practical needs; it is a vibrant part of human culture and social expression.

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