INTRODUCTION:

The textile industry was introduced toAmerica in the 19^th century from England. But the apparel industryis an American creation at the turn of the 20^th century in theGreater Boston area by Jewish tailors. Prior to their efforts garments weremade individually for each person by dressmakers. In ancient times, peopleexercised in their street clothes. Professional athletes, such as those in theancient Olympics, competed in the nude, presumably because clothing restrictedmovement.

It was not until the late 19^thand early 20^th centuries that a leisure class evolved that couldtake part in sports for sport's sake. The first modern Olympics in 1896involved mainly upper class athletes who wore very rudimentary clothing,similar to a union suit or a T-shirt and shorts for track and field events.

In 1940s and 1950s after 2^ndworld war, developments in science made new fibres/ fabrics available. Forexample, nylon, first used by the military, began to be used in running shortsand wind-suits. These synthetic fibers made it easy to mass produce activewearitems, and also to create clothing to meet the needs of the particularactivity, such as concealed hoods and pockets, removable linings and water- andwind-resistant gear.

To read more,

DownloadFull Article

About the Authors:

P.Karthik is an M.Tech from the Govt. Sri KrishnarajendraSilver Jubilee Technological Institute, Bangalore.

H.R.Arunkumar is an Assistant Professor at the Govt. SriKrishnarajendra Silver Jubilee Technological Institute, Bangalore.