ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

History of Western fashion

Okay, so let's imagine that you and I live in a very special world where we wear different clothes based on where we live, what time of year it is, and how we want to express ourselves. This is called fashion, and it has changed a lot over time.

A long time ago, people used to wear clothes made out of animal skins and furs to keep them warm. They didn't really think about fashion, they just needed practical clothes to survive. But as people started living in bigger groups and in different parts of the world, they began to create their own styles of clothing.

In ancient Greece and Rome, people wore long, flowing robes and tunics made from lightweight fabrics like linen and silk. These clothes were often decorated with intricate patterns and bright colors, and rich people sometimes wore crowns and jewelry to show off their wealth.

During the Middle Ages, people wore more formal, heavy clothes made out of wool and silk. Men wore long tunics and pants, while women wore dresses and long cloaks. The clothes were often decorated with embroidery and lace, and people also wore hats and stockings to complete their outfits.

As time went on, fashion started to change more frequently. In the 1600s and 1700s, people in Europe began to wear clothes with puffy sleeves, corsets, and giant wigs. These styles were very dramatic and were meant to show off how rich and important people were.

In the 1800s, women's fashion changed a lot. They started wearing dresses with big skirts and tight waists, and they also added accessories like gloves and hats. Men's fashion also changed, with the introduction of suits and ties that we still wear today.

In the 1900s, fashion continued to evolve. Women started wearing shorter skirts and looser clothing, and men's suits became more casual. There were also new styles of clothing like denim jeans and t-shirts that were made for working-class people.

Today, there are many different styles of fashion all over the world. Some people prefer to wear traditional clothes that have been worn for centuries, while others like to wear clothes that are trendy and fashionable right now. The most important thing is to wear clothes that make you feel good and express who you are.