The word clothing is used to indicate all those articles of clothing or clothing that human beings use to cover their bodies and thus be able to shelter or protect themselves from different types of weather.
Clothing is not, however, a purely functional element, but since the development of more complex societies it has been related to the need to mark differences, fashions, trends, hierarchies, status or even simple personal tastes of each individual in the group. of the society.
The clothing in its origins and the evolution it reached
Since prehistoric times, man has used different natural materials to cover and protect his body. While the first forms of clothing were leather and animal skins, as well as later basic and primitive fabrics, throughout history human beings have managed to develop pieces of diverse complexity, luxury, and richness that could fulfill different objectives and functions such as protection, covering modesty areas, establishing hierarchies, etc.
Normally, the pieces of clothing or clothing made by man have been made with natural products (skins, leather, wool, natural dyes, etc.), but with the passing of time and the development of the textile industry, many new fabrics and Artificial fabrics have made it possible to obtain much more comfortable, protective and durable garments.
The clothing has undoubtedly varied greatly over time, having to do this not only with the change of climatic conditions but also with the development of new design styles, new materials as well as the change of the social, political and economic context. Clothing has always been related to political, social, cultural and economic events and this has meant that throughout history some garments have been altered for being considered very outdated or conservative, for representing certain ideologies, for reasons of economic conditions. , etc.
At the same time, clothing has always found differentiation in terms of men’s and women’s clothing. This has always been related to the need for clothing to be adapted to different body types, to the requirement to cover or show different parts or to follow different styles.
The size problem, a social and health issue
The question of clothing sizes is undoubtedly one of the issues that is most discussed today around this topic, especially due to the direct relationship they have with the development of some diseases associated with food such as bulimia and anorexy.
Unfortunately, and despite the regulations that are sanctioned and that are not applied too much, the various clothes are available in commercial clothing stores in sizes considered current and normal: small, medium and long.
But of course, not all people can use them and then they are completely marginalized from these fashionable garments having to resort to other options, besides of course it generates absolute discomfort for not being able to use them.
Many young women who feel out of these proposals, because the sizes do not fit, begin to show dissatisfaction with their body, which in some situations can lead to serious eating problems, as we have already pointed out, and which in the most extreme cases can lead to in death.
The commercial decision by the companies that design and market fashion not to extend their sizes beyond the common ones is based on the high costs that larger sizes would imply. Of course, this is a petty decision and this is where the state must be present to ensure that the regulations that establish that there must be sizes for all are complied with. In this way, not only is the law complied with, but a contribution is being made to the health of the community.
A separate paragraph deserves the differentiation in regards to men’s and women’s clothing
There are clothes that are absolutely associated with men, such is the case of suits and ties, while the skirt and the dress are totally feminine and unthinkable garments on a man.
Meanwhile, with respect to pants, we must say that although a few centuries ago they were a purely masculine garment, today, women are also their great cultists.
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