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. |