Why did ancient people in hot climates start wearing clothes?

by ZuanshiGamer
ethanjf99

I suggest you post in /r/AskAnthropology as this is a question better suited to there, but it’s worth noting that clothing serves many functions besides keeping one warm:

  • sun protection: clothing protects from sunburn
  • comfort: clothing can increase comfort. e.g., a band around the chest for women can make running more comfortable for a large-breasted woman
  • general skin protection: insect bites, scratches and scrapes, nettles, etc. They can keep dirt and sand out of body openings or existing cuts.
  • modesty: many cultures developed some kind of taboo around public exposure of genitalia
  • cold protection even in hot climates: have you ever been in the desert? it csn be quite hot in the day and cold at night.
  • swaddling for infants
  • indicators of status and wealth, or one’s role in society.