The clothing of the puritans and royalists factions differed vastly as could be expected because they stood for completely different sides during the English Civil War. The English Civil War was about removing the monarchy and replacing it with the Commonwealth. The style difference between these two group was based on their values and what they stood for. The royalists for example were supporting the monarchy and the lavish lifestyle that it stood for inturn there clothing was more refined and bold both in colors and style. They looked like royality with their decorated and colorful clothing. There clothing had ruffs, furs, patterns, and was highly decorated.

The puritans however dressed much differently than the royalist because they were supporting the common people and opposing the royalty. They were a Calvinist sect and believed that simple clothing showed that you had a pure heart. These beliefs guided and highly influenced their clothing style. The puritans wore simple clothing that was bland or dark in color. The shapes and cuts of their clothing were much more simple and reserved than the royalists. None of their clothing had ruffs, feathers, bold colors, and furs.

Through the history of Ancient Greece the time period influences changes in the clothing whether they be small changes or big changes. The earlier Greek style included clothing that was stiff, decorative, and elaborate, but later Greek style changed too much more basic, simple, draped, and wrapped clothing. The Minoans were highly decorative people and that reflected on their culture is focused on trade and bureaucracy. The Mycenaean costume was similar to the Minoans however there were so differences like skirts, loincloths, and shin guards were worn by men for protection because the Mycenaeans were more focused on wars.

Not much is know about the Greeks clothing styles during the Dark Ages since most records were lost, the Greeks’ clothing was thought to be more simple. The Archaic Period focuses more on tunics and shawls and the women’s clothing eventually develops into more pleats and layers. During the Classical Period which is considered the peak of the Greeks clothing changed into more simple styles focusing on draping clothes over the body and looking more sophisticated. The Hellenistic Period ushered in influence from the Romans in Greek clothing and we begin to see the introduction of sleeves, cutting and sewing the fabric, and making hybrids of clothing. Each era reflects how the Greek were either facing influence or were at their peak in society.

There are many differences between Egyptian and Mesopotamian style a major one being the material the clothes were made out of. The Egyptians used linen and the Mesopotamians used wool. The decoration of the material was very different as well the Mesopotamians decorated their fabrics with feathers, petals or tufts of fabric, while the Egyptians decorated their fabrics with pleats and beads.

The Egyptians jewelry was much more detailed with different gods and symbols on their jewelry and the Mesopotamians used more natural designs like leaves, grapes, and spirals. The styles of clothing were very different like the Mesopotamians’ clothes tufted out and included layers or shawls or skirts. Whereas the Egyptians wore clothes that were more simple like skirts that were more tightly wrapped. The differences could be just from the culture and geographical region the Egyptians were very clean and that’s why they favored linen over wool whereas the Mesopotamians mainly wore wool and liked layers of clothes.

I think most people who do make fiber and fabrics by hand fall into two general categories they either work in couture fashion where everything is made by hand or they want to preserve traditions. I would love to learn the skill of actually turning fiber into a fabric. I was always taught by my mother how important it is to actually learn certain skills like sewing, but I don’t know it well enough to actually create clothes of my own. I only can make small repairs to clothing or like making a small pillow.

There are clear benefits of making think by hand like knowing exactly where your fabric was sourced and that you made it. But nowadays it’s clear that fast fashion makes clothes cheaper and more affordable because it’s made with machines or cheap labor. I think to make your own clothes also is more work and expensive.

Many different styles of clothings are taboo in the “Midwest.” In my opinion there is a very large gap between the “younger generation” and “older people” on what is acceptable to wear. There are many different types of clothing that could convey the wrong message in the social groups I am a part of. Like certain types of clothes are only acceptable in certain situations. For example what you wear when you are going to a party versus what you would wear to a family dinner are two very different things for me. I wouldn’t wear any tight, short dresses that are very revealing around the campus or to graduation because to me showing a lot of skin just doesn’t convey the right message in those types of settings.

I do not believe that I have complete clothing autonomy especially as a young women during this time. In my family dynamic there are clothes that my parents hate me wearing. My mom’s biggest pet peeve is when I wear ripped jeans because she doesn’t see the point. Her biggest argument is that I’m showing too much skin or what is the point of buying something that is “damaged.” Some things that I was also always taught when dressing for Church when growing up was that my clothes should cover my shoulders and that any dress or skirt must be to my fingertips.