earliest materials used in these climates. In Southern countries, where the climate was moderate
and there was little necessity for protection, clothes were first used as decorations. Grass, feathers,
pieces of bright colored stones, were used in addition to flowers and leaves. Later on, both
the utilitarian and the decorative were combined in costume as may be noted in people of wealth and
nobility down to the present time. Leaders of religious orders also adapted this combination in or-
der to distinguish them and their office.

The types of garments for all periods from the most remote down to the present time may be divided
into four classifications: The tunic, the loin cloth, the cloak, and fitted garments.

The tunic was the first and simplest form of body covering. It was made of a straight piece of
material with an opening cut in the middle, large enough for the garment to pass over the head, and
the selvedge sewed together at the sides, leaving a space for the arms to pass through the top. From
this simple garment was developed the different types of tunics worn by the Egyptians, the Greeks,
the Assyrians, the Romans and many other early nations. Also the waist, shirt, blouse, bodice, smock
and all other similar garments which hang from the shoulders.

From the loin cloth, which consisted of a piece of material wrapped around the waist and falling
down over the hips and thighs, developed the skirt, apron, trousers, tights, breeches, bloomers and all
other garments which hang from the waist.

The cloak, which was an outer garment and used chiefly for protection, developed many different
forms; the peplum of the Greeks, the toga and stola of the Romans, the surplice of the church,
the cape, shawl, poncho, and other developments of this kind used as outer garments.

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