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. |