
Theories of Clothing Evolution
- Protection Theory People from the earliest civilization have been known to use natural elements to protect themselves.
- Modesty Theory Modesty Theory is also known by two other names, Shame theory & Fig Leaf Theory. The word "Modesty" comes...
- Immodesty Theory Immodesty Theory is also called Sexual Attraction Theory. According to this theory...
Full Answer
What are the four theories of clothing?
THEORIES OF CLOTHING Modesty theory Immodesty theory Adornment theory Projection theory 5.
What is clothes?
THEORIES OF CLOTHING M S . S . N A G A S U N D A R I - M . S C A S S I S T . P R O F . F T D E P T , B O N S E C O U R S C O L L E G E F O R W O M E N . 2. INTRODUCTION Clothing means a complete set of outer garments.
What is an example of Fashion Theory?
Therefore, fashion theories are used to explain how and why styles and fashions diffuse across time and across cultures. Trickle-down, or Upper Class Theory, is one example of a fashion theory (Simmel, 1904). This theory is based on ideas related to social class.
What is adornment theory in fashion?
Adornment Theory : This theory refers to the decorative nature of clothes and other forms of appearances; modifications for purposes of display, attraction or aesthetic expression. Projection Theory : This theory suggests that clothes protect humans from the elements, animals or even supernatural forces.
What is the theory of immodesty?
Immodesty Theory : Immodesty theory or sexual attraction explain that individuals may have first worn clothing in order to attract attention to, rather than to conceal, the sexual organs.
What is projection theory?
Projection Theory : This theory suggests that clothes protect humans from the elements, animals or even supernatural forces.
Why is clothing important?
Clothing is useful in protecting the body and providing comfort. Clothing itself is self-expression. Clothing indicates prestige. Clothing is ornamental or possesses aesthetic qualities. Clothing has qualities, which tend to attract the opposite sex.
Is modish permanent or fixed?
The fixed are substantially permanent and are not subject to fashion changes but vary with each locality. The modish type predominates in the western countries and changes rapidly in point of time over all parts of the world, which are subject to fashion changes.
What does clothing represent?
Clothing in some societies is as functional as language. It represents a person's age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, social status and occupation. Clothing reveals some information about an individual's personality, and economic standing. If a woman is dressed in blue jeans and is wearing a frilly flowered top, she is probably trying to state that she wants to look more traditional. On the other hand a person wearing a T-shirt which a rock band's name on the shirt, then its very probable that the person is a rock band fan.
What is the fig leaf theory?
One of the earliest theories which formed the hypotheses of wearing clothes was the modesty/shame theory. This theory is also known as the fig leaf theory which is based on the story in the Bible. Genesis states that Adam and Eve realize that their state of being naked when they consume a fruit from the knowledge tree. And in shame they both stitched clothes out of fig leaves, hence the name fig leaf theory.
Why are fashion theories used?
A theory is used to explain phenomena. Therefore, fashion theories are used to explain how and why styles and fashions diffuse across time and across cultures.
What is bell curve in fashion?
Of note is that the curve never represents 100% of consumers. In this bell curve, in the early innovation stage, the fashion innovators create new styles. Fashion leaders then pick up the styles after they are introduced and are often seen as influencers. Today, Instagram hosts a number of fashion influencers that make a tremendous impact on the industry promoting various styles. After the leaders begin wearing the style, typically the style is worn by what is referred to as early adopters, then late adopters. Late adopters do not necessarily feel comfortable wearing new or innovative styles until they are viewed as on trend. Finally, fashion followers adopt a style when it is near obsolescence or when it is phasing out or seen as an old trend (Reilly, 2012).
What is fashion theory?
Fashion theories: A theory is used to explain phenomena. Therefore, fashion theories are used to explain how and why styles and fashions diffuse across time and across cultures. Trickle-down is one example of a fashion theory (Simmel, 1904). This theory is based on ideas related to social class.
Why is fashion considered a fashion?
Because its definition hinges on popular use, fashion requires an aspect of consumer acceptance. In other words, there has to be an audience and consumer base for a style to be considered “fashion.” Two people wearing similar outfits is not fashion; there must be multiple people wearing a look, exhibiting a collective behavior, for a style to be “fashion.” The reasons why someone decides to buy into a fashion can differ widely, though. Both individuality and conformity are necessary in the process, with some consumers using fashion as a way of trying something new and “stepping out of their comfort zone,” while others might use fashion as a way to follow trends and fit in with others.
What is a mini skirt?
The mini skirt is an example of a fashion trend that is thought to have developed in one place and time, yet conflicting evidence is provided by various scholars as to some of the origin claims.
What is MLO 7.4?
MLO 7.4 Examine how dress and appearance of marginalized communities in the United States are represented in the fashion system (e.g. advertisements or retailers). [CLO 3]
Why is it impossible to know if a fashion trend came from a specific time and place?
Because multiple cultures and communities are co-existing across the world and even in regional locations , it can be almost impossible to be certain that a style came from a specific time and place or to define a fashion trend’s true origin.

Introduction
Clothing Is Classified Into Two Classes
- � The fixed � The modish The fixed are substantially permanent and are not subject to fashion changes but vary with each locality. The modish type predominates in the western countries and changes rapidly in point of time over all parts of the world, which are subject to fashion changes.
Functions of Clothing
- Clothing is useful in protecting the body and providing comfort. Clothing itself is self-expression. Clothing indicates prestige. Clothing is ornamental or possesses aesthetic qualities. Clothing has qualities, which tend to attract the opposite sex.
Theories of Clothing
- Four theories have been developed and they provide some 'food for thought' and the opportunity to think critically about clothing. Modesty Theory : It suggests that people first wore clothing to cover or conceal the 'private' partsof the human body. The modesty theory is based on the idea that morality is dependent upon modesty, as expressed throug...
Selection of Fabrics For Clothing
- Right clothes are necessary for health, poise and self-respect. An individual who lives within a planned budget is usually happier, more contented, than one who spends the money as one earns it. It is true, our desire or wants are unlimited. Our needs are comparatively few. While adjustment for needs are essential and important in family life, catering to mere wants is undesirable for dev…