Buzz
Clothing, a basic human necessity, plays a fascinating role in both survival and self-expression. It serves as protection from the elements, keeping us warm, shielding us from the sun, or helping us blend in with our surroundings. At the same time, clothing is a powerful tool for shaping one's identity. Whether it's the uniform of a profession, cultural attire, or a personal expression of meaning, clothes help us define ourselves. Thus, while vital for survival, they also allow us to communicate who we are through fashion and style.
Although there are vast cultural differences in how people dress around the world, certain articles of clothing have become ubiquitous across the globe. This list will delve into the most widespread modern garments and trace the journey of how they evolved into the iconic items we know today.
10. Trousers
After a tiring day at work, nothing feels more satisfying than shedding the restrictive wear of trousers, which prompts a fascinating question: Why are pants so widespread? The quick answer lies in their military utility. Riding horses in pants was far easier than doing so in flowing robes or togas (sorry, Greeks and Romans). The first historical mention of pants dates back to the 6th century BC, recorded by Greek explorers who observed the legwear of Central Asian and Persian riders. These early pants were mocked by the Greeks, who deemed them barbaric. However, like the Greeks, the Romans initially rejected them, only to later recognize their practicality and superiority. Over time, pants became the garment of choice for knights and the aristocracy across Europe.
During the 15th century, pants in Europe became increasingly elaborate, with large, puffed sections that were tightly gathered at the knees and attached to socks. Fortunately, this style eventually faded as the working class began to favor more practical trousers. By the 19th century, pants as we know them today took shape, largely influenced by Edward VII, the eldest son of Queen Victoria. In modern times, pants have come to represent a working individual, ready for any challenge at a moment’s notice. While horseback marauding may not be part of everyday life, the ability to move freely and with ease, especially when nature calls, remains invaluable.
9. Hosiery
Socks have a long history, believed to have originated from animal skins during the Stone Age to protect the feet. Evidence suggests that socks made from animal fur were also used as early as the 8th century BC. By the 2nd century AD, the Romans wrapped leather around their feet and legs, but soon developed the udones, which were tailored to fit a person’s foot. The oldest known socks, discovered in ancient Egypt, date from between the 3rd and 6th centuries AD. Interestingly, these socks were worn with sandals, a time when practicality far outweighed style.
In the 5th century AD, European clergy used socks as symbols of purity, but it wasn’t until 500 years later that they became a symbol of wealth and status. As pants evolved, socks also grew in length, connecting at the knee where pants had once billowed, a fashion reserved for nobility. The mass production of socks took off with the invention of the stocking frame knitting machine by William Lee in 1589. According to legend, Lee created the machine because he was in love with a woman who was too absorbed in knitting to notice him. This innovation made socks widely available, and the addition of stretchier fabrics has since allowed them to be worn by everyone.
8. Protective Eyewear
Sunglasses have long been a symbol of both status and style, serving as a protective shield from harsh sunlight and glaring lights. It is thought that the Inuit people in prehistoric times used flattened ivory lenses to guard their eyes from the Sun's rays. The earliest recorded use of sunglasses dates back to Roman times, when Emperor Nero watched gladiator fights through emerald green gems. By the 12th century, Chinese judges began using smoky quartz glasses not to enhance vision but to conceal their expressions and prevent their judgments from being read. Sunglasses continued to spread across the globe in the 12th century, with their first known appearance in a painting by Tommasso de Modena in 1352.
Until the early 20th century, the focus of sunglasses innovation was primarily on prescription lenses to address vision issues. However, in 1929, Sam Foster began mass-producing sunglasses for the American market in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Around the same time, Hollywood stars adopted sunglasses to protect themselves from the glaring lights of cameras and the spotlight. During the 1930s, the military developed specialized sunglasses for pilots, and they became essential during World War II. Ray-Ban pioneered the use of polarized lenses, made from the new Polaroid camera technology, to create anti-glare lenses for pilots. Since then, sunglasses have mainly evolved to block out not only the sun but also the judgment of others.
7. The Baseball Cap
The baseball cap has become one of the most ubiquitous headgear items around the globe. Initially popularized in America, its appeal has now spread to people of all classes and nationalities. Whether worn as a fashion accessory, to show allegiance to a sports team, or simply to protect the eyes from the Sun, the baseball cap has earned the nickname 'The Common Man’s Crown.' Its widespread popularity is a testament to its practicality and versatility.
In 1849, the New York Knickerbockers introduced the world to their baseball uniforms, which included brimmed straw hats. Other teams soon adopted similar headgear. However, the modern baseball cap as we know it today didn't take shape until 1954 when New Era released their iconic 59Fifty model. This design remains the standard for Major League Baseball players to this day.
Although once considered crude and out of place off the baseball field, the baseball cap's popularity soared in the 1970s. Celebrities played a significant role in normalizing this accessory, with Tom Selleck wearing a Detroit Tigers cap on the TV show Magnum P.I.. Spike Lee and other stars further introduced the baseball cap to a broader audience, making it a universal symbol of community and functionality. The cap's straightforward design has endured, with deviations from the classic look often falling into the realm of the eccentric (yes, I'm talking to you, propeller caps).
6. The Business Suit (Lounge Suit)
What is now a symbol of corporate conformity and professionalism originally began as a form of rebellion. In the 1600s, during Charles II's reign, British courtiers were first seen wearing early versions of the business suit. Following the plague, Charles II mandated that nobles wear more practical and standardized tunics and breeches in neutral, dark colors. Over time, this evolved into the morning suit and tuxedo, the latter being considered the least formal yet still formal enough. The business suit itself emerged in the mid-19th century, allowing the elite to dress down while providing the working class with a more stylish alternative to their everyday attire. The business suit's comfort and sophistication made it popular among everyone from celebrities to cab drivers.
Interestingly, suits also became a form of rebellion in the 1930s. The Zoot Suit Riots of 1943, which saw clashes between black and Latino men and returning servicemen, were named after the oversized suits worn by these groups. These suits featured exaggerated shoulder pads and baggy pants, making the wearers stand out in a bold defiance of conventional fashion. Much like today, seeing a group of men in suits back then sparked concern, though likely for very different reasons.
5. Hoodies
Although suits have evolved from a symbol of rebellion to a representation of corporate uniformity, the hoodie has maintained its status as an emblem of underground rebellion. While hoods have existed for centuries, Champion Products is credited with creating the modern hoodie in the 1930s. Initially designed for laborers and athletes working in harsh environments, the hoodie made its way into casual fashion when high school athletes began giving them to their girlfriends. By the 1970s, the hoodie had become a symbol of anonymity on the streets, particularly among muggers and graffiti artists trying to avoid recognition. Its cultural influence was solidified in the film *Rocky*, where it embodied the working-class 'us vs. the world' mentality.
Since then, the hoodie has been embraced by various groups, including skaters, punks, rappers, and street artists. What unites these communities is their use of the hoodie as a tool for self-expression, particularly in their complicated relationship with law enforcement. The tragic shooting of Trayvon Martin sparked widespread discussions about the hoodie, as his alleged 'sinister' appearance while wearing one became a central point in the controversy. In response, many individuals wore hoodies to show solidarity with Martin's cause, even if it meant violating dress codes. Despite the controversies, the hoodie continues to be a practical choice for warmth and daily wear. Denis Wilson of *The New York Times* captured its essence with a comparison to Rocky Balboa: 'Rocky Balboa is beloved as much for his average-Joe, big-lug appeal as for his bone-crushing and face-pounding. And sometimes a hoodie is just soft and warm.'
4. Bras
Women's freedom has greatly expanded in modern times, a shift that can be seen in the rise of the bra. The first prototypes of bras appeared in ancient Greece, where women would wear chest wraps. By the 1500s, corsets became the fashion staple for upper- and middle-class women, catering to beauty standards of the time. Despite the health risks associated with corsets, it took a world war to diminish their popularity. In 1917, the US War Industries Board requested that women stop buying corsets to conserve metal for military supplies, creating an opening for the bra to become more widespread. This also freed up enough metal to build two battleships!
The modern bra was patented in 1914 by Caresse Crosby, who was frustrated to find that her corset was poking through her gown before a debutante ball. With the help of her maid, Crosby created the first modern bra by sewing two handkerchiefs together with pink ribbon. Women were amazed by how freely Crosby was able to move and dance, and they soon requested to buy their own bras. She started a business for her backless bras, but it was short-lived. Eventually, she sold her patent to the Warner Bros. Corset Company for $1,500.
In the early days, bras were made from stretchable materials and were designed to be one-size-fits-all. However, in the 1930s, significant advancements, including the introduction of elastic bands, cup sizes, and padded cups, made bras more comfortable and functional. Over the years, there have been various innovations in bra design, but the basic structure has remained largely the same. Today, approximately 95 percent of women in Western countries wear bras, but with movements like #FreeTheNipple gaining momentum, the future of the bra’s popularity is uncertain.
3. T-Shirts
Undoubtedly one of the most popular clothing items today, T-shirts come in a wide range of styles, cuts, and designs, transcending cultural and socioeconomic barriers. The T-shirt has humble origins, born from workers who altered their long johns to create a more suitable garment for warmer weather. In 1904, the Cooper Underwear Company modified the top half of long johns to create the 'bachelor undershirt.' This simple pullover shirt had no buttons or fasteners, making it easy to wear and maintain. The US Navy soon adopted it as part of the uniform, catering to young bachelors with little sewing knowledge. Following the Navy's success, the Army also adopted the undershirt.
The first recorded mention of the T-shirt appeared in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel *This Side of Paradise*, where it was described as something the protagonist took with him to school. Just as with other garments, sports played a role in refining the T-shirt's design. In 1932, the University of South Carolina requested Jockey International Inc. to create a T-shirt for their football players to wear under their padding, which led to the creation of the crew-neck design.
While T-shirts were initially popular as undergarments, their status as casual outerwear only began to take off after soldiers returned from World War II and wore them as everyday clothing. *Marlon Brando's* portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in *A Streetcar Named Desire* further cemented the T-shirt’s cultural significance. Businesses quickly saw the potential in printing logos and designs on T-shirts for commercial purposes. Today, T-shirts are a staple of modern fashion, offering versatility and an array of designs that make each one unique to the person wearing it.
2. Tank Top
With its sleeveless cut and light fabric, the tank top is the perfect clothing choice for hot climates. Whether you're in a tropical or summer location, you'll often spot both men and women sporting this piece. Despite what the name might suggest, the tank top didn’t originate in the military, but rather from the changing role of women in the early 1900s. In 1912, the Stockholm Olympics included women’s swimming, and the 27 female competitors wore swimsuits that featured a top resembling the modern tank top, giving them the flexibility needed for competitive swimming. This moment sparked a wave of rebellion among women who started embracing less modest styles, and this particular swimsuit became a symbol of that. It was called a tank suit because swimming pools at the time were referred to as 'swimming tanks.'
Tank tops gained mainstream attention when they began appearing in films, worn by men, particularly the villains, often depicted as abusive figures. This led to the garment being colloquially dubbed the 'wife-beater' in the U.S. It wasn’t until the 1970s, however, that tank tops became a staple item of clothing. Their global popularity surged in the 1980s when the German army began selling surplus versions, known as the Bundeswehr Tank Top. Today, tank tops remain a wardrobe essential, commonly worn in warm climates around the world.
1. Boxers And Briefs
You've probably heard the classic question, 'Boxers or briefs?' But you might be surprised to learn that this question is a product of the early 20th century, when these two undergarments were first introduced. Prior to the 1920s, undergarments like loincloths, braies, codpieces, and knee-length drawers were the norm. The innovations that led to the creation of boxers and briefs did not come about until the 20th century, marking a shift in undergarment design.
Surprisingly, boxers were first introduced in 1925 by Jacob Golomb, the founder of Everlast. He replaced the traditional leather-belted shorts worn by boxers with a more innovative design that featured an elastic waistband. Then in 1934, Arthur Kneibler created tighty whities after he saw a postcard of a man wearing a bikini-style swimsuit. Inspired by the snug fit of the bathing suit, he designed a legless undergarment with a Y-shaped fly. This new garment, called the Jockey, quickly became more popular than its boxing counterpart, which was often criticized for providing inadequate support for men’s goods.
The popularity of boxers and briefs really surged in the 1970s and 1980s, when designers like Calvin Klein made underwear a visible fashion statement instead of something to hide. Joe Boxer took advantage of this trend, showcasing boxers featuring US $100 bills printed on them. The Secret Service seized these boxers, citing counterfeit laws. However, in true Joe Boxer fashion, the company turned the controversy into a playful marketing strategy, solidifying boxers as a fun, rebellious alternative to the more conservative briefs.
Underwear serves more than just the purpose of protecting a man's valuables; it can also be a reflection of a nation's economic health. In 2008, Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan suggested that the state of the men's underwear industry could be a good indicator of economic conditions. His reasoning was that men tend to wear old, worn-out underwear until it is no longer usable, so buying new underwear is more of a luxury than a necessity. Therefore, when the economy falters, one of the first things to be cut from a man's budget is new underwear. This theory was demonstrated during the 2008 recession, when men's underwear sales plummeted by 12 percent.
