Man-made fibres and clothing

Clothing is a covering that protects the body from climate and shows a person’s taste. Clothes have three functions: utilitarian (practical, protective, hygienic), social (a sign of region, profession or ceremony) and aesthetic (artistic image). Clothing is divided into everyday and work clothing. Everyday clothing includes underwear, light clothes (dress, blouse, skirt, trousers), outerwear (coat, jacket, raincoat), and headwear, gloves and shoes. Work clothing is special (overalls, protective), sanitary (cook, doctor) and formal (uniform). By season it is summer, winter or spring-autumn; by purpose daily, home, festive or sports. Ready-to-wear clothes are made in sizes; heights differ by 6 cm and fullness is of three kinds: slim, medium, full. A dress’s style depends on its cut, sleeve shape and belt. Everyday dresses are sewn from cheap, easily washed fabric. A festive outfit should suit the wearer and show their best features; it may use pleats, embroidery, appliqué, beads, lace and other decorations. A school pupil’s festive outfit should suit the age, be neat and comfortable. In choosing clothes consider weather, occasion, fabric quality and the care symbols on the label. Technical conditions for hand sewing: sit properly with feet on the floor, keep the work 25–30 cm from the eyes, let light fall from the left, use thread of a contrasting colour for tacking, and fasten the thread end with a knot and stitches. Needles are numbered 1–12; choose a fine needle and thread for thin fabric. Safety: needles, pins and scissors are kept in a box and counted at the end; a thimble protects the finger; never hold a needle in the mouth.