Question

Question 1 Explain the reasons for the changes in clothing patterns and materials in the eighteenth century.

Class 9 - Social science - Clothing: A Social History Page 178

Answer 1

The reasons for the change in the clothing patterns and material in the 18th century are :

a) Revolution: 

Before the revolutions took place and trade expanded in the 18th century the people of Europe generally dressed according to their regional Customs or dress codes. These were  known as sumptuary laws. There were limitations in the variety of clothes and materials that for locally available. Clothing styles were also determined by class and gender differences prevalent in the society. But after the French revolution of 1789 many restrictions imposed on clothes were lifted.

 

b) Spread of democratic ideas:

During the 18th century democratic ideas were also spreading in different parts of the world. Democracy lay stress on equality as a result of which all citizens were given the choice to wear whatever they like.

 

c)Trade:

Trade brought change in the clothing pattern. Now people had more choices in variety of clothes.

d)Culture:

People could draw clothing ideas from other culture and adopt those in their old style. As such a western dress for men was widely embraced throughout  the world.

 =========================================================

Hope this will help you...

Answer 2

Explanation:

Changes in clothing patterns and materials in the 18th century took place due to events like the French Revolution, which ended the restrictions imposed by the sumptuary laws. Due to colonialism, different cultures came into contact with each other and were in turn influenced by each other's cultures dress styles.