Why We Wear Clothes

Gr 7 Up—Clothing plays many roles in our lives, from protecting us from the weather to improving our self-image. The program is divided into four chapters that could each be presented as distinct units of the curriculum. "The Meaning of Clothing" defines our attire as a tool of society and individuals. Clothing is used for function, such as providing warmth, as well as social and psychological purposes. "The Why of Clothing Choice" explains that dress codes, the desire to make a statement, or the need to fit in with a desired group determine our choice of apparel. The history of clothing is summarized from when animal skins were donned in prehistoric times through the Industrial Revolution when mass production of clothing provided overwhelming choices. In "The Impact of Clothing," fashion designers explain the conscious and intuitive impact of clothing choices. "The Fashion Industry and How We Dress" covers designs created for functionality and those made to express trends in fashion. The teachers' resources include pre- and post-viewing tests, key words, and a rubric for assessing learning. This program may be useful for psychology, popular culture, and fashion design classes.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA