"Defence, Honour, and Dress" Topic

"In early modern Europe, one could argue that all types of dress and apparel offered protection. Clothing acted as a barrier between the physical body and the outside world, shielding it from over exposure and external threats. The link between protection and fashion was most pronounced, however, in the Renaissance male wardrobe. Men's dress often included literal objects of defence, such as swords, daggers, and protective garments. Notions of masculinity in this period stemmed from medieval chivalric ideals, thus, protecting oneself and one's household became traits associated with male honour. Violence on the street or in the market, workshop, or tavern were common occurrences in early modern Italian life. Thus, weapons became both fashionable and functional, and were understood as symbols of one's masculinity…"

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Armand

I always thought that my mode of dress was a defence against other people seeing me naked … an honourable service to society if there ever was one!

Ditto etotheipi's thoughts. I don't even wear shorts outside my house!

"Men's dress often included literal objects of defence, such as swords, daggers, and protective garments. "

I really don't see the protective value of codpieces and large puffy sleeves, or am I missing something…? ;-)

Ha!Ha!…

Armand

I always thought that my mode of dress was a defence against other people seeing me naked

Maybe I live farther from the Equator than you do, but I tend to think of clothes as first of all protection against the elements. Considerations of modesty are not unimportant but secondary, and really only apply to pants and shirts.

I agree with shagnasty, no shorts outside the house.

(smile)

Armand