But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids Why do we wear clothes?
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Jul 12, 2024 Fashion historian and writer, Amber Butchart, discusses the evolution of clothing, cultural influences, historical transitions from dresses to pants for boys, the history and purpose of underwear, and the intersection of clothing with culture and self-expression. Kids are encouraged to submit questions for future episodes.
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Clothing's Dual Purpose
- Clothes provide warmth and protection, crucial for human survival in colder climates.
- Clothing also reflects cultural and societal values, including modesty.
Breeches and Breaching
- Historically, young boys in European cultures wore dresses until around age seven.
- "Breaching" marked a rite of passage when boys transitioned to wearing breeches (short pants).
Shirts: From Underwear to Outerwear
- Originally, shirts were considered underwear, primarily for hygiene, absorbing sweat.
- Early shirts were long, often knee-length, and sometimes functioned as underpants.