The Six Functions of Dress

The Six Prominent Social Functions of Dress are:

1. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Sir Edmund Hillary (the New Zealand explorer) and Tenzing Norgay (his Sherpa guide) won worldwide acclaim in 1953 by becoming the first to scale the 29,035-foot summit of Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak.

1953, Unknown clothing brands

These protective hoods, coats, and goggles are essential during dangerous outdoor endeavors - especially the most extreme climbing of Mount Everest. Over fifty years later, Everest climbers wear surprisingly similar gear.

2. DECORATION

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac
JC in the Sky with Diamonds, 2009 runway collection

Many of Castelbajac's creations exist only on the runway and would seldom be worn in everyday life, and are therefore intended for decoration. Although these outfits favor form over function, they are still noteworthy because they contribute to the art world and make a statement about the present times.

3. GENDER DIFFERENTIATION

Seoul, South Korea, 2006
Unknown clothing brands

The colors of their shirts show that they chose to follow the modern-day guidelines for gender-specific color selection. The man wears blue (a color associated with masculinity) while the woman wears pink (the color associated with femininity). Their color choices stand out as they sit among people dressed in gender-neutral colors of tan, gray, and black.

4. GROUP MEMBERSHIP

Boy Scouts distribute goods to patients during the influenza epidemic.
1918
Clothing designers unknown

Scouting is a widely popular youth movement based on organizational structure, and therefore their militaristic uniforms hold significance. Much professionalism goes behind uniforms; Oscar de la Renta even redesigned the Cub and Boy Scout uniforms in the 1980s.

5. CEREMONIALISM

"Sex and the City: The Movie", 2008
Carrie's wedding gown by Vivienne Westwood, Fall 2007
Bridesmaids gowns by Zac Posen, Spring 2008

Women place much importance on finding the perfect wedding dress. Since "Sex and the City" is a fashion trend-setting TV series/film, Westwood's bridal gown was a sell-out hit after Carrie wore it in her epic wedding.

6. SEXUAL ENHANCEMENT

Arnold Schwarzenegger
Photographed by Robert Mapplethorpe
1976
Unknown clothing brand

In this photo, it is not clothing that makes Schwarzenegger sexually enhanced - it is the lack of clothing. His small swimsuit shows off his appealing physique.