Difference Between Clothing And Social Identity

Clothing is directly in contact with the human body and seen as a fundamental element of the self, an "extension of the body" (charlotte Suthwell, 2004). Clothing influences the appearance of the body, with shape and form, which has an impact on the structure of 'social identity '. This could be a number of social identities that create the 'self ' such as occupation, nationality, class, and gender. Clothing and how one is dressed is the initial impression on a person, and garments can affect how we are perceived. Through dress, we are then defined as the man or women. Not only is dress determined by gender, but also other factors such as social status, role, and age, which is then determined by the designs, style, and colour. Furthermore,

Clothing is functional, such as protection of the body, but also can convey meaning, make statements about class, status, and representation of certain groups. They create a form of nonverbal communication. fashion and clothing are the form of nonverbal communication in that they do not use spoken or written words. they are consistent in that culture having been established as, or defined in terms of , communication." (Malcolm Barnard, 1996). Clothing is used unconsciously. An outfit is formed together without the realisation of forming gender, social status and produces an identity. In conclusion "Clothing allows us to play with our identities" (Charoltte Suthwell, 2004). Personal choices are then supported by clothing, an "extension of the body". How we are perceived and address ourselves to the world and able to identify cultural and social societies. However, "Men and women will never be the same, but their differences need not give them unequal status" (Kidwell & Paoletti, 1991). At present, differences made between female and male dress are still apparent and fashion is determined by the change in society, and a question as to whether men and women will be "valued equally, for all their differences." (Kidwell & Paoletti,