HISTORY AND

EVALUTION OF TEXTILE
AND CLOTHING
Stone Age Clothing
One of the defining periods of early humans and their development is the Stone Age. This long
era of our earliest history lasted for roughly 3.4 million years, and gradually ended between
8500 BC to 2000 BC, as metalworking began appearing more and more. 3.4 million years is a
long, long time, and humans developed gradually, always changing and eventually evolving into
the form that we have today.
It was such a long period of time that it is divided into three eras:
The Palaeolithic era started when humans began using
stone tools and ended when the ice age started.
The Mesolithic era began at the end of the ice
age and ended when humans started to farm.
The Neolithic era began when people started to
farm and ended when tools began to be made
from metal (the start of the bronze age).
Humans started living in Britain in around 800,000 BC; however, the climate was so harsh that
archaeologists believe that humans left Britain at least seven times during this era. It was not
until the end of the ice age in 10,000 BC that humans began to live in Britain permanently.
• Early species of humans first started to wear clothes to keep warm.
Clothing was essential for species of human to live in places with
colder climates.
• Animals were hunted for their meat using stone spears. The animal
would be skinned and the meat would be eaten. People would use
stone tools to scrape the dirt off the animal’s skin. They would then
wash the dirt off.
• During the Neolithic era, the needle and thread were invented. This
meant people could wear fitted clothes and it meant they could keep
warm in colder weather. Some clothing was also made by weaving
grasses and plant stems.
• A bone needle was found in Siberia, which is believed to be from
around 50,000 years ago. This needle has a hole for thread to go
through and is believed to have been used by another species of
human beings that is now extinct
• Those people who flourished in warm climates were almost certainly
naked in their times of leisure. Several important discoveries tell us
that early humans painted their bodies with mud, charcoal, and
ocher. Once dried, these coatings would protect from winds,
scratches, thorns, and sun.
• At the Neolithic settlement in Skara Brae, Orkney, archaeologists have
found beads, pendants and pins made from animal bones. This
jewellery was carefully carved into shapes. This suggests that towards
the end of the stone age, people were beginning to think about how
their clothing looked.
• the Middle East and the arid fringes of China have providedmany very
early samples in good condition, but the early development of textiles
in theIndiansubcontinent, sub-Saharan Africa and other moist parts of
the world remains unclear.
Bronze age
• During the Bronze Age, which lasted from around 3300 BCE to 1200
BCE, clothing underwent significant developments driven by
advancements in textile production, trade, and societal changes. Here's an
overview of clothing during the Bronze Age:
1.Textiles and Materials:
1. The Bronze Age marked a significant advancement in textile production. People
began weaving fibers obtained from plants like flax, hemp, and nettles into fabric.
2. Wool from sheep became another important material for clothing, especially in
regions where pastoralism was prevalent.
3. Linen, made from the fibers of the flax plant, was widely used in ancient Egypt
and other regions with access to the Nile River.
5.Weaving Techniques: The Bronze Age witnessed improvements in
weaving techniques, with the development of horizontal looms. This
allowed for the creation of larger and more intricate textile pieces.
2.Styles and Garments:
• Clothing styles varied across different cultures and regions during the Bronze Age.
• In Mesopotamia, Sumerians and Akkadians wore draped garments made of wool or linen. These garments typically consisted of rectangular
pieces of fabric that were wrapped around the body and secured with belts or sashes.
• In ancient Egypt, clothing styles were influenced by the hot climate. Both men and women wore draped garments made of linen, with men
often wearing kilts or loincloths and women wearing ankle-length dresses.
• Bronze Age Europeans also wore simple garments made of wool or linen, consisting of tunics, cloaks, and skirts.
3.Adornments and Accessories:
1. Bronze Age clothing was often accessorized with items made of metal, such as pins, brooches, and buckles.
2. These metal adornments served both functional and decorative purposes, helping to fasten garments and adding
embellishments to clothing.
3. Jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, was also worn as a form of personal adornment and status
symbol.
4.Social Significance:
4. Clothing during the Bronze Age reflected social status, with finer fabrics and elaborate adornments typically
reserved for the elite and ruling classes.
5. The availability of certain materials and the complexity of clothing construction also varied based on
socioeconomic factors.
• Class Distinctions: Clothing styles and materials often indicated social status. Wealthier individuals
could afford more elaborate and finely crafted garments, while commoners wore simpler attire.
• Metal Adornments: Metal accessories, such as pins and brooches made from bronze or other metals,
were used not only for practical purposes but also as symbols of status and wealth.
• Dyes and Decoration:
• Natural Dyes: People used natural substances like plants and minerals
to create dyes for coloring textiles. Earth tones such as browns, greens,
and yellows were common.
• Embroidery and Embellishments: Clothing was often embellished
with embroidery or decorative elements made from shells, bone, or
metal.
• Skirts and Dresses: In some cultures, women wore skirts or dresses
made from woven fabric or animal skins. These garments could be
straight or pleated and were often paired with tunics or shawls.
• Head Coverings: Head coverings, such as caps, hats, or veils, were
worn for protection from the sun or as cultural or religious symbols.
These varied in style and material depending on the region and
cultural practices
Ancient Egypt during the Bronze Age (circa 3300 BCE to 1200 BCE)

• Clothing Styles:

• Tunics: The most common garment for both men and women was the tunic. Men typically wore
knee-length tunics with short or no sleeves, while women's tunics could vary in length and style.
• Kilts (Schenti): Men often wore a type of wrap-around kilt called a schenti. This garment was
made from a rectangular piece of linen cloth that was wrapped around the waist and tied at the
front or back.
• Kalasiris: Women wore a long, straight garment called a kalasiris. It was a sleeveless dress with
shoulder straps and was typically worn with a belt at the waist. The length of the kalasiris could
vary from ankle-length to mid-calf.
• Sheath Dresses: In addition to the kalasiris, women sometimes wore sheath dresses that were
form-fitting and made from fine linen. These dresses accentuated the female figure and were
often worn for special occasions.
• Accessories:

• Jewelry: Egyptians adorned themselves with a wide variety of jewelry, including

necklaces, bracelets, anklets, earrings, and rings. Jewelry was worn by both men
and women and was often made from gold, silver, precious stones, and faience.
• Headdresses: Headwear was common, especially for women. They wore various
types of headdresses, such as headbands, wigs, and crowns, often adorned with
beads, feathers, and other decorations.
• Sashes and Scarves: Both men and women wore sashes or scarves around their
waists as decorative accessories. These could be plain or embellished with
embroidery or fringe.
Greek and Rome
• During the Bronze Age, which spanned from around 3300 BCE to 1200 BCE, ancient Greece
and Rome were still in their formative stages, and their clothing styles were quite different
from what we typically associate with classical Greek and Roman attire.
• Ancient Greece:
• Minoan Civilization:
• During the Bronze Age, the Minoan civilization flourished on the island of Crete. Minoan clothing was
characterized by flowing garments made from fine textiles.
• Women often wore layered skirts with flounced layers, fitted bodices, and exposed breasts, as depicted in
frescoes from the period.
• Men typically wore loincloths or short skirts, sometimes with belts or sashes. They might also have worn
sleeveless vests or tunics.
• Mycenaean Civilization:
• The Mycenaean civilization, which emerged on the Greek mainland during the Bronze Age, also had distinctive
clothing styles.
• Mycenaean men wore loincloths or short kilts made from wool or linen. They might have also worn tunics with
short or no sleeves.
• Mycenaean women wore simple draped garments, possibly similar to the chiton worn in later periods. These
garments were often made from wool or linen.
Minoan
• Ancient Rome:
• Early Rome:
• During the Bronze Age, Rome was in its early stages of development. Clothing
styles would have been influenced by nearby cultures such as the Etruscans.
• Both men and women likely wore simple draped garments, possibly similar to
the tunics and draped robes worn in later periods.
• Etruscan Influence:
• The Etruscans, who inhabited the region of modern-day Italy before the rise of
Rome, had their own distinct clothing styles during the Bronze Age.
• Etruscan men typically wore short tunics or draped garments, often cinched at
the waist with a belt. They might also have worn cloaks or mantles for warmth.
• Etruscan women wore layered garments, including tunics or dresses with
overgarments like shawls or cloaks. They adorned themselves with jewelry,
including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Ancient India During Bronze Age
• During the Bronze Age in India, which spans roughly from around 3300 BCE to 1200 BCE, the
subcontinent witnessed the emergence of early urban civilizations such as the Indus Valley
Civilization (also known as the Harappan Civilization). While direct evidence of clothing from this
period is limited, archaeological discoveries, artistic representations, and later textual sources
provide some insights into clothing practices during ancient India's Bronze Age:

• Fabrics and Materials:

• Cotton: India has a long history of cotton cultivation, and cotton fabric was likely one of the
primary materials used for clothing during the Bronze Age. Cotton cultivation and weaving were
well-developed in the Indus Valley Civilization, as evidenced by archaeological finds of cotton
textiles.
• Wool and Silk: Wool may have been used for clothing in regions where sheep rearing was
prevalent, while silk, although less common, might have been imported from other regions or
traded through ancient trade routes.
.
• Clothing Styles:
• Draperies and Wraps: Draped garments were likely common during
the Bronze Age in India. Both men and women may have worn simple
draped garments, such as rectangular pieces of fabric wrapped
around the body or draped over one shoulder.
• Upper Garments: Upper garments, such as tunics or robes, may have
been worn by both men and women. These garments could vary in
style and decoration depending on the wearer's social status and
cultural practices.
• Jewelry and Accessories: Jewelry played a significant role in ancient
Indian attire. Both men and women adorned themselves with various
ornaments, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and anklets.
These ornaments were often made from gold, silver, precious stones,
and beads.
• Regional Variation:
• Clothing styles and traditions varied across different regions of ancient
India, influenced by local customs, climate, and cultural practices.
• For example, in the Harappan Civilization, archaeological evidence suggests
that people wore simple draped garments made from cotton or other
textiles. The discovery of terracotta figurines depicting individuals wearing
headdresses, bangles, and other ornaments provides some clues about
clothing and adornment practices during this period.
• Cultural Influences:
• The Bronze Age in India saw the emergence of early urban civilizations
characterized by complex social structures, trade networks, and cultural
interactions.
• Clothing likely played a role in expressing social status, identity, and cultural
affiliation. Ornaments and jewelry may have served as symbols of wealth,
status, and cultural identity
Ancient China
• During the Bronze Age in China, which spanned from around 2000 BCE to 771 BCE,
several major civilizations emerged, including the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties.
Clothing during this period was influenced by factors such as social status, climate,
cultural practices, and technological advancements. Here's an overview of clothing in
ancient China during the Bronze Age:

• Fabrics and Materials:

• Silk: Ancient China is renowned for its cultivation of silk, which began during the
Neolithic period and became a major industry during the Bronze Age. Silk fabric was
highly prized for its luxurious texture, sheen, and comfort.
• Wool and Hemp: In addition to silk, wool and hemp were also commonly used for
clothing, especially among commoners and in regions where silk was less accessible.
• Dyes: Fabrics were dyed using natural pigments derived from plants and minerals,
resulting in a range of colors from earth tones to vibrant hues.
• Clothing Styles:

• Robes and Tunics: Robes and tunics were staple garments worn by both men and women
during the Bronze Age. These garments varied in style, length, and decoration depending
on the wearer's social status, gender, and occasion.
• Hanfu: The Hanfu, a traditional Chinese garment, evolved during the Bronze Age and
became the standard attire for both men and women. It typically consisted of a cross-
collar robe (yi) worn over a pleated skirt (chang) or trousers (ku).
• Belts and Accessories: Belts or sashes were commonly worn around the waist to secure
garments and define the silhouette. These could be simple or elaborately decorated
depending on the wearer's status. Accessories such as jade ornaments, hairpins, and
jewelry were also popular.
• Footwear:

• Traditional Shoes: Traditional Chinese shoes, such as the ox-hide shoe (guanxie) and the
straw sandal (luoguan), were commonly worn during the Bronze Age. These shoes varied
in style and material depending on the wearer's gender, social status, and occupation.
• Cultural Influences:

• Clothing during the Bronze Age in China reflected Confucian ideals of

propriety, modesty, and social hierarchy. Dress codes were established to
maintain social order and reinforce moral values.
• The development of silk production and trade during the Bronze Age played a
significant role in shaping Chinese culture and identity, with silk garments
becoming symbols of wealth, status, and cultural sophistication.
• Archaeological Evidence:

• Archaeological discoveries, such as tomb artifacts and oracle bone

inscriptions, provide valuable insights into clothing styles and material
culture during the Bronze Age in China. These findings help researchers
reconstruct ancient clothing practices and understand their cultural
significance
Iron Age (1,200 BCE - 500 BCE):
• During the Iron Age, which lasted from around 1200 BCE to 500 BCE
in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Africa,
clothing continued to evolve, reflecting advancements in technology,
social organization, and cultural exchanges. Here's an overview of
clothing during the Iron Age:
• Materials and Textiles:
• Wool: Wool remained a primary material for clothing during the Iron Age, especially in regions
where pastoralism was prevalent. Sheep were bred for their wool, which was spun and woven into
various textiles.
• Linen: Linen, made from the fibers of the flax plant, continued to be used for clothing, especially
in regions where flax cultivation was common.
• Silk: In regions such as ancient China, silk production began during the later part of the Iron Age,
although it was initially reserved for royalty and the elite.
• Introduction of Iron Tools: The increased use of iron tools allowed for more efficient
processing of fibers and the production of finer textiles .
• Clothing Styles and Construction:
• Tunics and Robes: Similar to the Bronze Age, tunics and robes remained staple garments for both men and
women. These were typically simple, loose-fitting garments made from rectangular pieces of fabric.
• Belts and Fastenings: Belts became more prevalent during the Iron Age, serving both practical and
decorative purposes. Various types of fastenings, including fibulae (brooches), were used to secure garments.
• Acient Rome and Greek during iron age
• Ancient Rome:
1. Toga: The toga was the most iconic garment of ancient Roman clothing. It was a large, draped outer garment
worn by men, particularly Roman citizens, for formal occasions and public events. The toga was made from
a single piece of woolen cloth and required skill to drape properly.
2. Tunic: The tunic was a basic garment worn by both men and women in ancient Rome. It was a simple, knee-
length garment made from wool or linen. Tunics for men were usually sleeveless or short-sleeved, while
women's tunics could have longer sleeves and often had decorative embellishments.
3. Stola: The stola was a long, sleeveless dress worn by Roman women, typically over a tunic. It was often
made from wool or linen and could be plain or decorated with embroidery or trim. Married women wore the
stola as a symbol of their marital status.
4. Palla: Similar to the Greek himation, the palla was a rectangular shawl or cloak worn by both men and
women in ancient Rome. It was draped over the shoulder and often used for warmth or modesty.
5. Accessories: Roman clothing was often accessorized with belts, jewelry, and footwear. Belts were
commonly worn with tunics to define the waist, and sandals or shoes made from leather were worn on the
feet.
• Ancient Greece:
1. Chiton: The chiton was a basic garment worn by both men and women in ancient Greece. It was a simple,
rectangular piece of fabric draped around the body and fastened at the shoulders or belted at the waist. The
style of the chiton varied depending on factors such as gender, social status, and occasion.
2. Himation: The himation was a large, rectangular cloak worn by both men and women in ancient Greece. It
was often worn over the chiton and could be draped in various ways for warmth or modesty. The himation
was typically made from wool and was especially popular in cooler weather.
3. Chlamys: The chlamys was a shorter, military-style cloak worn by men in ancient Greece, particularly by
soldiers and young men. It was made from wool or linen and was often fastened at the shoulder with a fibula
or brooch.
4. Peplos: The peplos was a specific style of garment worn by women in ancient Greece. It was a sleeveless,
rectangular garment that was draped and pinned at the shoulders, leaving the arms free. The peplos was often
worn with a belt at the waist.
5. Sandals and Jewelry: Like the Romans, ancient Greeks wore sandals or shoes made from leather, as well as
a variety of jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
• Beards, knots and braids - Iron Age hairdos
• In Germany some male bodies with longer hair were found who wore
their hair in a fashionable ‘Swabian knot’ on the side of the head.
Elling Woman, found in the same Man, wore her long hair in a very
elaborate braid. Another interesting find is Iron Age bog body from
Ireland, who seems to have used a ‘hair gel’ made of plant oil and pine
resin to create a raised hairstyle. It seems that fashion and personal
taste and preferences were as important to Iron Age people as they are
today.
During the Iron Age in China
• Fabrics and Materials:

• Silk: Ancient China is renowned for its cultivation of silk, which became a symbol of wealth, luxury, and
cultural identity. Silk was used extensively for clothing, especially among the aristocracy and elite classes.
• Wool and Linen: While silk was highly prized, wool and linen were also used for clothing, particularly among
commoners and in regions where silk was less accessible.
• Dyes: Fabrics were dyed using natural pigments derived from plants and minerals, resulting in a range of
colors from earth tones to vibrant hues.
• Clothing Styles:

• Hanfu: The Hanfu, a traditional Chinese garment, evolved during the Iron Age. It consisted of a cross-collar
robe (yi) worn over a pleated skirt (chang) or trousers (ku). The style and design of Hanfu varied depending on
factors such as social status, gender, and occasion.
• Belted Waist: Belts or sashes were commonly worn around the waist to secure garments and define the
silhouette. These could be simple or elaborately decorated depending on the wearer's status.
• Layering: Layering of garments was common, especially during colder seasons. This included wearing
additional robes or jackets over the primary outfit for warmth and protection.
• .
• Accessories:

• Hair Ornaments: Hair accessories, such as hairpins, combs, and hairpieces, were worn by both men and women
to adorn hairstyles and signify social status.
• Jewelry: Jade, gold, and other precious metals and gemstones were used to create jewelry, including necklaces,
bracelets, earrings, and rings. Jewelry often served as symbols of wealth, status, and cultural identity.
• Fans and Umbrellas: Accessories like fans and umbrellas were not only practical for shading from the sun but
also served as fashion statements, especially among the elite classes.
• Footwear:

• Traditional Shoes: Traditional Chinese shoes, such as the ox-hide shoe (guanxie) and the straw sandal (luoguan),
were commonly worn during the Iron Age. These shoes varied in style and material depending on the wearer's
gender, social status, and occupation.
• Cultural Influences:

• Confucian Ideals: Clothing during the Iron Age often reflected Confucian ideals of propriety, modesty, and social
hierarchy. Dress codes were established to maintain social order and reinforce moral values.
• Regional Variation: Clothing styles and traditions varied across different regions of ancient China, influenced by
local customs, climate, and cultural practices