Evolution of Clothing: Changing a Society

The Evolution of Clothing

The impact clothing has had on society has not gone without notice. The evolution of clothing directly parallels the evolution of man. So what techniques do scientists use to solve the biggest mystery, when did we start wearing clothes. Well to answer that question you can't just carbon date a pair of knickers. Many scientists have studied the art of caves in Europe and Africa to see when our ancestors started drawing clothes, however, a more favored technique is to study the animals that are associated with clothing; namely the louse. Scientists have studied two species lice, Head lice and body lice. By analyzing the number of mutations between these species they can determine when the body louse diverged from the head louse. This divergence is presumed to have happened because he head louse lives only on the scalp while the body louse lives on clothing. By determining the number of mutations and having prior knowledge on the rate of DNA mutation in lice, a team of German scientists determined that humans started wearing clothing 72,000 years ago, give or take 40,000 years. This gives us a basis for where to begin or journey through the clothing of human kind.






The earliest documented crafting of clothing took place around 10,000 BCE with the invention of the Needle and Loom. Before that the clothing had been animal hides used to cover the pubic region of these humans, the reduction of heat loss from this region is most likely what drove the creation of clothing at least from an evolutionary standpoint. Using the loom allowed for the meshing of hides to form a sort of felt which was used most often in these hunter gather groups. These inventions allowed for the creation of full vests of fur and greater protection from the cold as these groups migrated to the north and east. As people began to settle down during the neolithic period (6000 BCE), they began to build larger looms for the creation of clothing. This spurred the onset of dying clothing colors and marked the creation of jewelry and weapons on a larger scale.






The earliest sighting of clothing as a status symbol came in 3000 BCE with the Mesopotamians. Many people of high rank began to where tunics and chest covers as well as simplistic overcoats. With the discovery of indigo, it would fast become the most popular color among the rich and high ranking. At this same time Egyptians began to wear elaborate wigs and dresses showing of their status. These were made out of elaborate fabrics, many with golden colorations. These early civilizations adorned themselves with simpler fabrics and clothing but embellished all of this with color.









The next biggest leap would be the Ancient Greek civilizations. These people set a standard of living, including covered breast, dental hygiene, and linens within the household. They used fabrics to not only cloth themselves but to adorn their household. The Romans had similar fashions as the Greek, the main article of clothing being the tunic. The benefits of clothing that were both light weight and afforded protection from the elements were plenty. These styles would be kept for over a thousand years.

Clothing continued to change, however, as the world entered the dark ages. This was a time of duller colored clothing. Hooded cloaks and other garments were very popular as well. Women had become fully conservative, adorned with long skirts and dresses. There was less cultural growth during this time as well. This would lead into the medieval times, a time of long flowing dresses, cloaks, and the black plague. At this time their became a rift between what clothing was worn. It was not only the color but the clothing as well that showed the difference between the classes of these times. The poor living conditions as well as the minimal protective clothing the peasants had would lead to massive numbers of the poor dying of the plague. During this time the impacts of clothing were seen in the survival of these people.

The Renaissance would follow and bring change to the entire world of fashion. Clothing would become baggier to fit the more robust figures of the people. Clothing was built less for mobility and more for comfort. Clothing became less of an evolutionary device and more a device for the society. This time would see the dawn of lace within clothing. From then the Elizabethan era would bring heavier more luxurious fabrics which were less practical then they were visually pleasing.

The next few shifts in fashion would favor the softer French looks. Many men would dress with frilly hats and three-quarter breeches. This look allowed for more movement then the Elizabethan times and was utilized by many of the militaries of the time. Women dresses were also on the incline as they had been deemed an art form and dress makers were treated with the utmost respect and reverence. The age of revolution saw growth in dresses and robes as well as cosmetics and accessories. During the mid 19th Century designers became household names and many people began to flock towards clothing lines and designer labels. Coco Chanel became the most influential designer of her time and influenced an entire age revolutionizing men's wear forever.

The focus of this blog is to help us understand that clothing while aesthetically pleasing, has helped us adapt to any climate we are put in with relative ease. Rather than evolving thicker skin and getting more hair on our bodies over millions of years we can just through on a coat and be perfectly fine in bitter climates. Next time you pick up a jacket or some shorts think about how helpful they really are.

Check out:

Spinning




The Science



The Timeline