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. |