The Actual Origins Of Clothing

Summary

This video script delves into the surprising origins of everyday clothing items. It starts by highlighting the inventive nature of clothing, from the first shirts to keep shoulders warm to the evolution of pants, which date back to 3,000 years ago and were crucial for horseback riding. The script explores the development of modern pants, including blue jeans and cargo pants, and their impact on fashion. It also traces the history of t-shirts, men's suits, bras, underpants, leggings, neckties, hats, sunglasses, Hawaiian aloha shirts, high heels, and swimsuits. Each section reveals the historical context and cultural significance of these garments, challenging common perceptions and offering a fascinating insight into how our wardrobe has been shaped over time.

Takeaways

• 👕 The concept of shirts and shoulder pads originated from the need to keep shoulders warm and cozy.
• 👖 Pants have been around since 3,000 to 3,300 years ago, with the oldest known pair found in Western China.
• 📚 Ancient Greeks and Romans viewed pants as a sign of barbarism, favoring tunics, robes, and togas instead.
• 👖🔩 Blue jeans, a modern innovation, were developed in the 1870s by Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss, featuring rivets for reinforcement.
• 👖📦 Cargo pants were introduced in the 1930s as part of British army uniforms, designed for storing military gear.
• 👕🎭 The modern t-shirt descends from the 19th-century union suit, with the standalone top part popularized as 'bachelor undershirts'.
• 🤵 The evolution of men's suits has shifted from flamboyant French court styles to the tailored suits popularized by George 'Beau' Brummell.
• 👙 Early bras were simple strips of fabric, but the modern bra with separate cups was developed by Mary Phelps Jacob in the early 20th century.
• 🩲 Briefs or panties were designed in the 1600s for women to provide modesty, particularly when horse riding.
• 👖🧔 Leggings were initially worn by men in medieval Scotland, made from materials like leather or chainmail for protection.
• 👔 Neckties gained popularity in Europe in the 17th century, inspired by the cravats worn by Croatian mercenaries in the French military.
• 🎩 Hats have a long history, possibly dating back to the Stone Age, with the earliest known hat belonging to Otzi the Iceman.
• 🕶️ Sunglasses, while a recent invention due to understanding of UV light, have precursors in the smoky quartz glasses used by 13th-century Chinese judges.
• 👕🌴 The Hawaiian aloha shirt was likely designed in the 1920s by a Japanese woman in Hawaii, using kimono fabric for menswear.
• 👠 High heels were originally designed for practical use in horse riding and later became a status symbol in Europe, with women adopting them in the 17th century.
• 🩱 Swimsuits became more standardized and less cumbersome in the 19th century, evolving into more form-fitting designs by the early 20th century.

Q & A

What was the original purpose of wearing something on the shoulders?

The original purpose of wearing something on the shoulders was to keep them cozy and protected from the cold.

How old are the oldest known pair of trousers?

The oldest known pair of trousers date from between 3,000 and 3,300 years ago.

Why did ancient Greeks and Romans view pants-wearing as a sign of barbarism?

Ancient Greeks and Romans favored looser tunics, robes, and togas, and they saw pants-wearing as a sign of barbarism, often writing about other cultures that favored pants in a condescending and mocking tone.

How old are blue jeans and what was their initial purpose?

Blue jeans are about 150 years old and were initially designed for miners in Nevada who needed pants that were tougher than traditional trousers for their work.

What was the original purpose of cargo pants?

Cargo pants were first introduced as part of British army uniforms in the 1930s, with the additional pockets intended for storing weapons, ammo, and rations.

What ancient garment does the modern t-shirt descend from?

The modern t-shirt descends from what was known in the 19th century as a union suit, which was a button-down onesie designed to be worn by both men and women.

Who is credited with popularizing the tailored suit in the 19th century?

George 'Beau' Brummell, an Englishman, is credited with popularizing a less showy style of dress, which included tailored suits that emphasized the natural form.

What was the first design of the modern bra like?

The first design of the modern bra by Mary Phelps Jacob was similar to two handkerchiefs joined by a ribbon, and it included cups that separated and supported the breasts.

When did the style of underpants with a separate hole for each leg first exist?

This style of underpants first existed in the 1600s and was initially designed just for ladies.

What was the original purpose of high heels?

High heels were originally envisioned as menswear to help men's feet fit more securely into stirrups when riding on horseback.

How did the Hawaiian aloha shirt originate?

The Hawaiian aloha shirt was almost certainly designed by a Japanese woman living in Hawaii in the 1920s who repurposed kimono fabric for use in menswear.

What was the initial reason for the development of swimsuits in the 19th century?

The development of swimsuits in the 19th century was due to the dawn of railroads, which allowed more people to travel to bodies of water and go swimming.