Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Clothing and Culture Handout
Clothing and Culture Handout
Style: A type of garment that has specific characteristics that makes it unique.
Protection: Clothes protect the body from direct exposure to sunshine, heat, cold and wind. E.g
Fireman wears clothes to protect from heat and smoke; lab assistants wear coats and aprons to
protect clothing from soiling.
Self-Expression: People wear clothing to express themselves and their personality. Trendy
and stylish image you want people to have of you. Disciplinary and psychological problems.
Decoration: Clothing improves physical appearance. Adoring the body. E.g., Wedding
ceremony
Ceremonies: Cultural heritage, e.g., Jamaica Day, Independence Day, Baby’s Christening,
Graduation
Status: Clothing may be worn to indicate rank or status. E.g., Lawyer, Police Officer, Judge,
Pilot, Nurses, Immigration Officer.
Group Identity: Clothing may be used to identify people from different groups. E.g., Immaculate
Students, Boy Scouts, Girl Guide, Nurses.
Climate: Choose fabric and style features suited to the climate. E.g. Jamaica- cotton, linen,
cotton blends etc.
Figure Type: Purchase clothes that will compliment (suit) your figure type. E.g., Heavy- choose
V-neck, vertical lines and plain colour; Slender- Choose bold prints and plaids. Wear two-piece
(2) clothing.
African
Dashiki-This is a colorful and unique garment that covers the upper part of the body. It is often
paired with drawstring pants. Dashiki garments are worn in formal and informal occasions and
for a variety of ceremonies.
Other types of African clothing- Boubou (type of dashiki),Kente, Kaba and Yoruba
Chinese
The Hanfu- Hanfu is the traditional style of clothing worn by the Han Chinese.
Cheongsam (qipao)- The cheongsam, also known as the qipao, is a type of Chinese form-
fitting garment of Manchu origin. It is a high-necked, closely fitted and often short-sleeved dress
with the skirt portion slit partway up the side.
Indian
- Skirt (lengha)
- Cropped blouse (choli)
- Scarf (dupatta)
Spanish
Women’s clothing from the southern provinces of Spain was bright, bold and very
feminine. Vibrant colored dresses, or trajes de faraleas, with layers of ruffles are
characteristic of dresses and skirts in this region. Floral patterns and polka dots
were favorite patterns for Spanish women. Bodices were tight and sleeves
usually consisted of layers of ruffles.
The flamenco dress, also known as sevillana dress or gypsy dress, is also the
clothing that flamenco dancers wear is their performances and is one of the most
characteristic and colorful elements of this universal art.
Mantilla -- a long lace or silk veil that women wear over their heads and
shoulders. The mantilla is the Spanish equivalent of the veil worn by Moorish
women. The mantilla was made popular because women could not enter a
Catholic church without covering their heads.
Peineta -- a tortoise-shell comb used to hold the mantilla. Although popular in the
19th century, Spanish and Latin women still wear the peineta during special
occasions such as weddings and religious ceremonies.
Traje corto -- short jackets with high waistbands worn with a white shirt by males.
Many times the waistband is colored. Men often wear the traje corto with the
sombrero de alanche, a wide-brimmed hat.
European/British
Jackets and Coats
The traditional dress of Japan is the kimono. Kimonos, which are generally made
of silk, have large sleeves and reach from the shoulders all the way down to the
heels. They are tied with a wide belt called an obi.