The Naked Truth About Clothing.

A historical and psychological dive into how clothing replaced our natural state—and why it might be time to rethink it.

Author: Nidhi suhag and Dr. Neeraj Rawat Sharma

Why Did We Start Wearing Clothes?
Understanding how culture, climate, control, and cosmetics shaped our perception of nudity

Centuries of conditioning taught us to cover up—but was it always necessary?

Clothing wasn’t always part of the human experience. For much of early human life, nudity was normal, practical, and natural. So how did we go from free bodies in harmony with nature… to complex clothing rules, taboos, and shame?

This question is essential to NaturismRE. To help you understand, we are sharing a powerful academic study that explores the theories behind why humans began wearing clothes. It covers the transition from nudity to garments through five major psychological and cultural theories:

Protection Theory – Clothing as defence against harsh climates and physical threats.

Modesty Theory – Clothing as a result of learned shame.

Immodesty Theory – Clothing as a sexual tool to enhance attraction.

Adornment Theory – Clothing and body modification as status, beauty, and symbolism.

Combined Needs – The interplay between self-esteem, identity, belonging, and society.

With examples from African, Asian, Aboriginal, Pacific Islander, and Western societies, this paper debunks the myth that modesty is a universal instinct. It shows how modesty is taught—not born—and varies radically across cultures and time.

At NaturismRE, we believe it’s time to relearn body acceptance and rethink shame. If clothing is a product of circumstance and social evolution, then perhaps a return to respectful nudity is not radical… but natural.

Download the article below to explore this topic in depth, and join us in promoting education, respect, and freedom of choice.

Click on the photo top download the full article:

“A Critical Study on Why Did People, ‘Accustomed to Nakedness’, Begin to Cover or Decorate their Bodies?” by Nidhi Suhag and Dr. Neeraj Rawat Sharma, International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research)

Click on the photo to access her full paper in pdf