loincloth

A loincloth is a simple, one-piece garment worn around the hips to cover the genital area. It is usually held in place by a cord, belt, or knots and may be worn alone or under other clothing. As one of the oldest forms of clothing, loincloths appear across many cultures and historical periods, with considerable variation in coverage and fastening methods.

Construction and materials vary widely. They have been made from animal skins or leather, or from woven fabrics such as cotton, linen, bark fibers, or traditional plant fibers. In many traditions the fabric is cut into a rectangle or square and secured at the waist; some forms are wrapped or tied in specific ways. The Japanese fundoshi is a well-known traditional example of a loincloth design.

Cultural use is diverse. Loincloths have been worn as everyday attire, ceremonial dress, or athletic wear in numerous regions of Africa, the Pacific, the Americas, and parts of Asia and Europe. In some cultures women also use loincloth-like garments, though the term is most commonly associated with male attire. In archaeology and anthropology, loincloths are often noted as among the earliest types of clothing.

In modern times loincloths are largely ceremonial, cultural, or used in traditional performances. They also appear in fashion and media as symbols of antiquity or tribal aesthetics. The term remains a general descriptor for a simple wrap-around garment that covers the loins.