History of Clothes

 

Before clothing became a socially regulated institution, clothing was worn mainly for utilitarian reasons like protection from the cold or from the heat of the sun. There are descriptions in Egyptian texts of the process of making clothes and the items that were used for it, which give us an insight of how clothes are worn. Details of clothing styles in Egyptian art and texts written during the pharaohs' reign suggest that clothing had become more than just protection from the elements or used for utilitarian reasons. They also show that Egyptian women wore elaborate dresses and makeup, indicating the lavishness of their lifestyle. It can therefore be concluded that although clothing had been important for the ancient Egyptian society, it did not become as important as it is today.

One of the earliest descriptions of clothing that can be found in Egyptian texts is the mention of 'ka' which meant garment or dress. In the course of time, clothing gradually took on different forms and became more complex. In earlier times, people would wear simple clothes made of animal skins as they were the cheapest things available. The clothes were not very stylish or comfortable, but they were functional and necessary. As time progressed, cloths and fabrics took over the role of being cheaper and more comfortable, which explains why modern Egyptians nowadays hardly wear clothes.

As mentioned above, clothing in Egypt was originally a utilitarian matter, given that textiles and simple woven garments were the only items that people could afford. However, as time passed, changes in priorities occurred and the importance of clothing gradually increased. Egyptian textiles weren't highly fashionable until the period of the New Kingdom, when the pharaohs abandoned the traditional attire and adopted new styles of dress. This period is known as the New Kingdom, because this is the period when fashion started to take over from functionality. Although the pharaohs weren't the only Egyptian rulers who changed the way people dressed, the changes that took place during the New Kingdom are the most significant period in history when clothing became an important cultural symbol.

Throughout Egyptian history, different groups of people wore various kinds of clothing depending on their social status and the availability of resources. During the New Kingdom period, the pharaohs were the first people to start wearing garments that were exclusive for their class. Although ordinary citizens in the general population wore similar clothes as the pharaohs, they were more elaborately designed. The most prominent feature of these garments were the frills and embellishments that were sewn into them.

During the Old Kingdom period, ordinary citizens also wore clothing that bore the symbols of their rank and function. These garments, which were referred to as "kurtis" were mostly worn by men. The Kurtis consisted of a loose fitting garment, made out of either coarse or fine-grade linen, and was tied at the waist with a string. These kurtis were then accompanied by headdresses, which were decorated with feathers, stones and metals. A common practice during the Old Kingdom was for a man to be adorned with the hair of a cow in order to wear the same symbol of royalty that the pharaohs were wearing.

As time passed, clothing from the New Kingdom period onward began to incorporate more complex textile designs. Although these garments were designed primarily for utility, they also included elements such as gender differentiation, which allowed members of the elite to differentiate themselves from members of the lower classes. For example, garments meant for women were designed to look like female clothing while those meant for men had aspects of the male physique added into the design. Clothes meant for both sexes varied in material and style and color.

Archaeological evidence has also found clothing for other periods in human history aside from the Old Kingdom, proving that clothing has been worn by all cultures and civilizations in the past. Clothing of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean styles have been discovered, as have documents from other nomadic tribes, as have costumes that were used by the ancient Egyptians. Clothing has played a major role in social relations among various groups of people throughout the ages, providing warmth, protection and clothing. As a result, clothing design and the materials from which it is made to continue to evolve in many ways, bearing little resemblance to what people wore during earlier times. Today, clothing is seen not only as a functional necessity but as an art form as well.