Outerwear: What's In A Name?

Outerwear is clothing worn outside or over other garments, as opposed to underwear or innerwear. It is designed to protect the wearer from inclement weather or adverse environmental conditions, and can be worn for formal or casual occasions. While outerwear includes coats and overcoats, it also encompasses a wider range of clothing, such as jackets, parkas, vests, capes, and ponchos.

Outerwear includes clothing worn outdoors, like hats, scarves and gloves

Outerwear is clothing and accessories designed to be worn outdoors or outside other garments. It can be worn for formal or casual occasions or as warm clothing during winter.

The word "outerwear" has been in use since the early 20th century as a general term for clothing worn over other garments. Any garment worn over the day, evening, or work attire of a given period is technically an outerwear garment. While protective work garments are not considered fashionable outerwear, outerwear styles can range from simple shawl-like drapes to jumpsuits that cover the entire body.

Outerwear includes clothing worn outdoors, like hats, scarves, and gloves. These items are considered fashion accessories that can be paired with outerwear garments. For example, a hat can be worn as a stylish addition to a coat or jacket, providing warmth and completing an outfit. Similarly, scarves and gloves can be functional and fashionable choices to complement one's outerwear.

Throughout history, outerwear has evolved to include various styles and types of garments. In the late Paleolithic period, humans created sewn outer garments, likely fur capes designed to fit over the shoulders. Over time, different cultures developed unique outerwear styles, such as the himation in Greece and the paenula in Rome, which were variations of capes or cloaks.

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, sleeved coats and jackets became popular outerwear choices for both men and women, replacing capes as the primary form of outerwear. The development of new materials and technologies in the nineteenth century also contributed to advancements in outerwear, leading to more effective waterproof and heat-retention properties.

It can also be clothing worn over other garments, like coats and jackets

The term "outerwear" refers to clothing worn over other garments, as opposed to underwear or innerwear. It is designed to provide protection from the elements, such as cold, wind, rain, or snow, while also serving aesthetic and style purposes. The word "outerwear" has been in use since the early 20th century as a general term for this type of clothing.

Outerwear can include a range of garments such as coats, jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, and more. Coats are typically long, heavy garments that extend below the hips and include variations like trench coats, pea coats, and overcoats. Jackets, on the other hand, are generally shorter than coats and can range from casual denim or leather jackets to formal blazers.

When it comes to warmth and protection during outdoor activities and harsh weather conditions, parkas and outdoor jackets are a popular choice. These garments are designed to provide insulation and protect against the elements. Additionally, vests, whether puffer vests or fleece vests, can be layered over shirts or sweaters for added warmth while allowing more freedom of movement for the arms.

Capes, which date back to prehistory, have also been a significant type of outerwear. In the past, they were often made of fur and provided protection from the cold. Over time, capes evolved into various styles, including cloaks and mantles, and were worn by both men and women across different social classes.

Some outerwear is worn for protection from the elements, like raincoats and overcoats

Outerwear is clothing designed to be worn outside or over other garments. Some outerwear is worn for protection from the elements, like raincoats and overcoats.

Raincoats are a type of outerwear designed to protect the wearer from the rain. They are usually made from waterproof or water-resistant materials, such as vinyl or rubberised fabric. The trench coat, for example, was introduced by the military to protect against the rain and has since become a staple in civilian wardrobes. Today, many outerwear designs feature showerproof or waterproof exteriors, providing protection from the rain.

Overcoats are another type of outerwear designed to provide extra warmth and protection. They are typically elongated, falling to knee-length, and made from wool or other materials. Overcoats have been used for centuries, originally as protective gear for the military, providing extreme warmth when sewn close to the body. In the 1900s, overcoats were adopted by civilians and evolved into a looser style. Today, they are worn over jackets or blazers for additional warmth and protection during chilly winters.

In addition to raincoats and overcoats, other types of outerwear also offer protection from the elements. For instance, capes have been a primary form of outerwear for centuries, providing coverage for the shoulders and varying in length. Shawls, too, have been used as decorative and protective accessories, especially during inclement weather.

Outerwear serves the practical purpose of shielding us from unfavourable weather conditions, be it rain or cold. Whether it's a raincoat keeping us dry or an overcoat providing extra warmth, these garments play a vital role in helping us navigate the challenges posed by nature.

Other outerwear is worn for warmth, like puffer jackets and vests

Outerwear is clothing designed to be worn outside, over other garments. It can be worn for warmth or protection from adverse weather conditions, or for ceremonial purposes. The word "outerwear" has been in use since the early 20th century, but humans have worn outer garments since prehistoric times, with fur skins believed to be the first outerwear.

Over time, outerwear styles have evolved, ranging from simple shawl-like drapes to jumpsuits and more structured garments. While the primary function of outerwear is protection from the elements, it has also become an important aspect of fashion and personal style.

Today, outerwear includes a variety of garments such as coats, jackets, vests, and more. Puffer jackets and vests are a popular type of outerwear designed to provide warmth. They are typically made with insulated, quilted fabric and often feature a stand-up collar for added warmth. Puffer vests, in particular, are a versatile option that can be layered over sweaters or under coats, providing both warmth and style. They are usually lightweight and easy to pack, making them ideal for outdoor activities and travel.

Puffer vests come in a range of styles, including cropped and utility designs, and can be found in various colours, such as black, brown, or patterned. They often feature zipper closures and pockets, making them both functional and fashionable. The versatility of puffer vests means they can be dressed up or down, providing warmth and style for a variety of occasions, from casual dog walks to streetwear-worthy looks.

Some outerwear is primarily ceremonial, like robes of state and chivalric orders

Outerwear is clothing worn outdoors or over other garments. While outerwear often serves a practical purpose, such as protection from the elements, some outerwear is primarily ceremonial.

Ceremonial outerwear includes robes of state and robes for chivalric orders. These robes are made from luxurious fabrics and furs and are often reserved for special occasions. For example, coronation robes feature precious materials and intricate needlework.

In Great Britain, there are six Orders of Chivalry, which are bestowed by the monarch to reward loyal supporters, recognise outstanding service to the country, or honour acts of distinction. These orders are commonly known as the 'Queen's Birthday Honours'. The six Orders of Chivalry, in order of seniority, are:

• The Most Noble Order of the Garter
• The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle
• The Most Honourable Order of The Bath
• The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George
• The Royal Victorian Order
• The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

Companies such as Ede & Ravenscroft and Humphries Weaving have supplied fabrics and created robes for the British monarchy and other royal families worldwide. For example, Ede & Ravenscroft has made mantles for the Nation's Orders of Chivalry since 1689, while Humphries Weaving provides high-quality fabric for Royal Chivalry robes and ceremonial dress.

The history of outerwear extends back to prehistoric times, with fur skins likely being the first outerwear garments. Over time, outerwear styles have evolved, influenced by various civilisations and societal changes. While capes were once the most common type of outerwear, they have been superseded by sleeved coats and jackets in more recent centuries.

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