Human beings are the only animals known to wear clothes. The use of textile material for apparel by primitive humans originated in prehistoric times, probably in the Palaeolithic era. It has evolved from mere protection from climatic conditions, providing comfort, and maintaining decency to modern-day fashions.
Primitive humans initially used materials available in nature - animal hides and plant leaves for clothing. They used these materials to cover and drape their bodies, gradually developing textile garments made from natural resources like plant fibers (cotton, jute, flax, etc.) and animal hair (wool and silk). With the industrial revolution of the 20th century, various man-made fibers, including synthetic substrates, evolved. However, even then, almost half of the textile clothing material used worldwide comes from natural fibers.
Primitive humans initially used materials available in nature - animal hides and plant leaves for clothing. They used these materials to cover and drape their bodies, gradually developing textile garments made from natural resources like plant fibers (cotton, jute, flax, etc.) and animal hair (wool and silk). With the industrial revolution of the 20th century, various man-made fibers, including synthetic substrates, evolved. However, even then, almost half of the textile clothing material used worldwide comes from natural fibers.
Ashok Athalye is the General Manager, Technical Service Division at Atul Ltd.
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