Clothing
is defined, in its broadest sense, as coverings
for the torso and limbs as well as coverings
for the hands (gloves), feet (socks, shoes,
sandals, boots) and head (hats, caps). People
almost universally wear clothing, which is 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. Every article of clothing
also carries a cultural and social meaning.
Human beings are the only mammals known to wear
clothing, with the exception of human pets clothed
by their owners. |