Clothes

Clothes are items worn on the body to cover, protect, and adorn. They range from everyday garments such as shirts, trousers, and dresses to specialized items like uniforms, outerwear, underwear, and footwear. Clothing serves practical functions—protection from weather, abrasion, and injury—and social functions, signaling age, gender, occupation, status, and personal identity. Cultural norms and climate influence style, fabric choice, and dress codes.

Most clothing is made from fibers that are spun into yarns and woven, knitted, or tufted into fabrics. Natural fibers include cotton, wool, silk, and linen, while synthetic fibers include polyester, nylon, and elastane. Garments are constructed from these fabrics using cutting and sewing, with finishing steps such as washing, pressing, and dyeing. Innovations include performance fabrics, blends, and sustainable finishes.

Historically, textile production evolved from hand-woven fabrics to mechanized loom weaving and mass-produced garments during the Industrial Revolution, enabling ready-to-wear clothing. Today, the global apparel industry operates complex supply chains with fast-fashion models and growing attention to ethical labor practices and environmental impact.

Clothing is deeply embedded in culture and etiquette. Dress codes vary by context—workplaces, schools, ceremonies—and can reflect religious or cultural traditions. Fashion cycles and trends influence choices, but many people also prioritize fit, comfort, and durability.

Care and sizing information appears on care labels and guides consumer handling of fabrics. Sustainability concerns include resource use, water and chemical pollution, labor rights, and end-of-life disposal. Brands and consumers pursue alternatives such as durable designs, repair, recycling, and circular production.