Clothing

Clothing protects the vulnerable nude human body from the extremes of weather, other features of our situation, and for safety reasons. Every article of clothing also carries a enriching and social meaning. Human beings are the only creatures known to wear clothing, with the exemption of pets clothed by their owners. People also decorate their bodies with makeup or foundation, perfume, and other ornamentation; they also cut, dye, and organize the hair of their heads, faces, and bodies, and sometimes also mark their skin. All these streamers contribute to the overall effect and message of clothing, but do not constitute clothing per se.

Articles carried rather than worn are normally counted as fashion garnishing rather than as clothing. Jewelry and eyeglasses are usually counted as accessories as well, even though in general speech these items are described as being worn rather than carried. The practical function of clothing is to protect the human body from dangers in the surroundings: weather, insects, noxious chemicals, weapons, and get in touch with with abrasive substances, and other hazards. Clothing can protect against many things that might injure the naked human body. In some cases clothing protects the environment from the clothing wearer as fine.

Humans have shown intense inventiveness in devising clothing solutions to practical problems and the difference between clothing and other protective equipment is not always clear-cut. See, among others: air inured clothing, armor, diving suit, swimsuit, bee-keeper's uniform, motorcycle leathers, high-visibility garments, and protective clothing.