This writing is in response to the episode “Kids Clothes” from the podcast Articles of Interest, created and narrated by Avery Trufelman. This episode begins with a preface explaining the significance of clothing and how it has evolved throughout history. It follows by diving into the main focus, kids clothing and how it has evolved throughout American history. Trufelman makes sure to convey the point that clothing has a direct influence on the evolution of humankind and its creations.
An immediate realization that came to me while listening was how great of an effect that clothing has on other facets of technology. When explaining the history of clothing, Chris Garcia mentions jacquard looms, which had cards that ran through them with holes that essentially told the loom when and where to weave the cloth. This type of system led to new inventions such as quicker censuses and I.B.M. It was eye-opening that tools as advanced as computer programming “in some ways, owes its existence to the loom” (“Kids’ Clothes” 00:07:08 – 00:07:11). This episode made me understand the true scope and influence that clothing has on lifestyles, decisions, and advancements.
The next half of the episode, I was able to gauge how clothing can express time. Learning the strictness of kids’ clothing in earlier periods was interesting. Notably, the idea that clothing for children in most cases, used to be a statement of wealth. Children who were not wealthy enough would often wear work clothes, as that was what they needed to do in order to provide for their families. Fast forward to current days where children are “dressed up for the occasion of their youth” (“Kids’ Clothes” 00:16:14 – 00:16:17). I was able to quickly connect this to how the United States has evolved socially and economically. 80 years ago, it would not be surprising to see a child working a full-time job to provide for its family. Now with modern legal restrictions and an evolved concept of childhood, that would look incredibly unethical. Thus, children are now dressed to be care-free and playful, which clearly explains the bright colors and unorthodox styles we see on their clothing.
After listening to this podcast, I am interested now to see how specific types of clothing can be associated with one’s personality. I would also like to observe how that has changed over time. For example, were adults who dressed in bright suits and ties perceived differently than they are today? How has the flexibility of what is considered accepted clothing by society changed in the United States?
Works Cited
Trufelman, Avery, narrator. “Kids’ Clothes.” Articles of Interest, season 1, episode 1, 99% invisible, 99percentinvisible.org/episode/kids-clothes-articles-of-interest-1/