Attire

Attire refers to the clothing, footwear, and accessories that people wear. It encompasses garments designed for protection, modesty, comfort, and social signaling, as well as items worn for ritual, ceremonial, or professional reasons. Attire is influenced by climate, labor, culture, and personal preference, and it often carries symbolic meaning related to status, group affiliation, or role within a society. The term is commonly distinguished from fashion by focus on everyday or functional wear rather than trend-driven ensembles, though in practice they overlap.

Attire is categorized by context and code: casual wear for everyday activities; business and business casual for professional settings; formal and semi-formal attire for events; workwear designed for safety and practicality in specific industries; and athletic or performance clothing for sport and activity. Many cultures maintain traditional or ceremonial attire that reflects historical heritage, religious beliefs, or regional identity, such as ceremonial robes, national dress, or ethnic costumes. Dress codes may be explicit, such as in schools and workplaces, or implicit and evolving within social groups.

The study of attire intersects with fashion, anthropology, sociology, and history. Developments in textile technology, manufacturing, and global trade have expanded material options and accessibility, while concerns about sustainability and ethics influence contemporary choices, including issues of labor practices, environmental impact, and inclusive sizing. Attire thus functions as a practical necessity, a cultural artifact, and a medium of personal expression.