Pages

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Clothing

Clothing is defined, in its broadest logic, as coverings for the torso and limbs as well as coverings for the hands, feet and head. Humans almost universally wear clothes, which are also known as dress, garments, attire, or apparel. People wear clothing for functional as well as for social reasons. Clothing protects the vulnerable nude human body from the extremes of weather, other features of our environment, and for safety reasons. But every article of clothing also carries a civilizing and social meaning.
People also decorate their bodies with structure or foundation, perfume, and other decoration they also cut, dye, and arrange the hair of their heads, faces, and bodies, and sometimes also mark their skin. All these decorations add to the overall effect and message of clothing, but do not constitute clothing per se.
Articles approved rather than damaged are normally counted as fashion garnishes rather than as clothing. Jewelry and spectacles are usually counted as accessories as well, even though in ordinary speech these items are described as being worn rather than carried.

No comments: