ORIGIN OF COSTUMES

• PROTECTION THEORY
• MODESTY THEORY
• SELF ADORNMENT
 PROTECTION THEORY
• PHYSICAL PROTECTION – Human beings adopted
fashion to get protection from the environment. E.g.
Animal skins & Body coverings
• PSCHOLOGICAL PROTECTION – When people believe
or think that items of clothing have special or magical
properties and bring good luck. E.g. gift from loved
ones, wearing elephant teeth.
• PROTECTION AGAINST SUPERNATURAL POWERS – E.g
Sword given or particular color dress worn by Bride
and Bridegroom.
 MODESTY THEORY
• Primary purpose to cover naked body
• Sense of shame or embarrassment when
naked
• Observance of decorum or custom
• Socially accepted standards
MODESTY IS A HABIT AND NOT AN INSTINCT

• Lack of sense of modesty in young children

• Do not develop sense of modesty until taught
that the exposure of certain body parts is not
acceptable in the society
MODESTY CHANGES WITH TIME, TRADITION,
CULTURE & OCCASION
• TIME: People especially girls are more comfortable to walk out
in the crowd nowadays clad in a dress/Shorts compared to 10-
15 years back.
• CULTURE: What parts of the body must be hidden to avoid a
feeling of embarrassment and shame. Whereas members of
one culture may be shamed to show their naked bodies in
public, those in another culture may see nothing indecent in it.
• TRADITION: E.g.Arab Women , “Burqa” in exterme hot
weather
• OCCASION: Swim suits acceptable sea-side but not near
residential colony
 ADORNMENT
• Self- Adornment Theory –people were first
interested in clothing or body ornamentation as
their way to enhance their attractiveness
• Children indulge in narcissism
• People adorn themselves to express their
individuality/ creative sense.
• Body decoration – peircing, tattooeing, corset
wearing for long time.
• Cosmetic surgeries of nose, lips , breasts, etc