Nonclothing

Nonclothing is a term used in fashion studies, museology, and related fields to refer to objects and concepts that exist in close relation to dress but are not garments themselves. Because it is not standardized, its meaning varies by discipline and project. In scholarly contexts, nonclothing may denote items used to contextualize or present clothing, such as display props, mannequins, and archival or curatorial materials, as well as textiles and components used for demonstration rather than wear. In retail and marketing contexts, nonclothing can describe branding elements, packaging, signage, and other artifacts associated with fashion products but not worn on the body.

In museums and archives, nonclothing helps distinguish the broader material culture of dress from the actual garments. Some scholars use nonclothing to include accessories that are not technically garments, while others reserve those terms for items that are not worn at all. Because usage is inconsistent, researchers typically define their scope explicitly when using the term.

The concept relates to, but remains distinct from, garment, apparel, fashion accessory, textile, and costume. The term emphasizes the social and cultural context of dress beyond the body-surface of clothing, highlighting how objects interact with representation, presentation, and identity in fashion history and display. See also garment, fashion accessory, textile, costume, and museology.