Chapter 1 The Why of Clothes
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As industry and technology have developed,
special protective garments have evolved. Hard
hats, steel-toed shoes, and safety goggles have
been standard equipment at many job sites for
years. More recently, special garments to guard
against acids, static, lint, fumes, and other potential
dangers have been developed. Some specialized
clothing can protect against contamination,
chemicals, radiation, and fi re. These clothes
were devised for fi refi ghters, factory workers,
miners, and others as in 1-2.
Athletes often wear protective clothing. The
helmets, gloves, and pads pictured in 1-3 provide
protection while skateboarding. The special shoes
worn by tennis players and basketball players
are designed to protect them from slipping.
Refl ective vests enable workers in roadways to
be seen.
Some garments were originally designed for
protection while working. Later, they became
fashion items. Examples include blue jeans and
tall leather boots that were fi rst worn by
ranchers and outdoor workers.
Protection from Enemies
Throughout history, clothing has protected
people from attackers. Physical protection against
human enemies centuries ago was provided by
body shields or suits of armor. Current army
helmets protect soldiers’ heads. Pockets and belts
can hold military weapons. Camoufl age fabric
helps the wearer hide by blending in with the
environment.
Police offi cers often wear bulletproof vests, as
shown in 1-4, to protect their bodies from gunfi re.
Other clothing that protects against enemies may
be less obvious. The helmets and pads worn by
football players protect against opposing players.
The refl ective vests and jackets worn by joggers
and bikers after dark offer protection from the
drivers of motor vehicles.
Some cultures believe items of clothing can
give them protection from such enemies as evil
spirits, illness, or a bad harvest. Items such as
good luck charms and medallions are sometimes
used to make people feel luckier, healthier, safer,
or braver.
Adornment
Clothing can affect a person’s mental attitude
or morale in a good way. This is done through
adornment or decoration. Adornment provides
a psychological feeling of well-being through
beauty. It differs between cultures and it changes
over time.
1-2
Occupational clothing is able to provide protection
against possible unsafe conditions of certain jobs.
Tultex Corporation, Swann-Neimann Photography
1-3
Sports and recreational activities can be more fun if the
proper physical protection is used to prevent injury.