Throughout history, women have worn clothing for four main reasons: protection from the weather, maintenance of modesty, furnishing adornment, and fixing status. In the twenty-first century, women obtain clothes made in modern factories through a global system of trade, but their basic goals have not changed.

Is it activewear or active wear?

Choosing woman clothes that are comfortable, flattering and appropriate for different occasions is an essential skill for any woman. The ability to dress well, however, is more than just an aesthetic choice: it also enhances a woman’s mood and boosts self-esteem.

A nightie-like linen garment that served both as a nightgown and a slip, called a shift, was the most basic of woman’s clothes. It was often worn for weeks at a time without laundering, and a woman might only own two or three.

Petticoats were a skirt over top of a dress, and were made of changeable silk or woolen cloth, which was woven with one color in the warp and another in the weft. Petticoats were also quilted for warmth.

In the 18th century, many women wore a frame made of whalebone or wood under their dresses to help them stand up straight and support their weight. Others wore padded rolls around their waists, which are called stays.

Today, a woman’s wardrobe is as much about style and taste as it is about functionality. The right choice of clothes can be an expression of her personal identity, a means to express her values and a way to liberate herself from stereotypes. Building a personal style is an ongoing process of discovery, testing, and learning what looks best on you.