Chapter 1 The Why of Clothes
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body from weather, environmental dangers,
occupational hazards, and enemies. Another
reason for wearing clothes is for adornment or
decoration that gives a sense of beauty. Clothing
is also worn for identifi cation through uniforms,
emblems and badges, ceremonial garments,
and according to dress codes. Modesty, which
follows society’s code of decency, is another
reason people wear clothes. Finally, clothing is
often worn to raise status or to bring a person
recognition, prestige, and social acceptance.
People select certain clothes to wear because
of their values and attitudes, their tendencies
toward conformity or individuality, and their
personalities. Values are the basis of people’s
decisions, lifestyles, and codes of ethics.
Attitudes affect people’s feelings or reactions to
other people, things, or ideas. Conformity and
individuality are usually balanced in people’s
clothing choices. Clothing choices can also give
clues about personality traits.
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These smiles confi rm the results of studies concluding that people who choose comfortable clothes tend to be confi dent
and outgoing.