A Brief History of Fabrics and Garments
The first clothes were made from natural elements such as animal skin and furs, grasses and leaves and also bones and shells. Clothing was often draped or tied on. However, simple needles made out of animal bone provide evidence of sewn leather and fur garments from at least 30,000 years ago. It has not been determined how clothing was actually invented but there are two schools of thought as to its origins. The first school of thought is that it was birthed due to necessity such as weather conditions. The second had it coming about as a form of symbolism or an indication of a person’s status or influence in society.
As time passed, we evolved from the bones and shells and animal skins to garments and materials that are able to sustain a man in the weightlessness and vacuum of space. There are also garments and fabrics that can insulate and protect a man from the extreme temperatures and pressure of the highest peaks and the deepest depths of the earth.
Advent of High Technology
Performance fabrics or value-added textiles are materials that have been engineered for a wide variety of uses where the performance, not the style, of the fabric is the major parameter. The high performance and interactive textiles have enabled them to gain a foothold in the garment industry and they have now become a fast growing and increasingly important market. These fabrics can perform extraordinarily differently from their natural behaviour or what they were originally meant for in their natural state.
Combining proven concepts, methodology and technology in meridian healthcare, fibre technology, spectrum technology, precision engineering and fine materials, what started off as garments and fabrics that have been specially designed to be aesthetically pleasing and are meant to improve a person’s general health, metabolism and blood circulation has now been adapted to the needs and requirements of people with special needs, especially children. The most attractive aspects of these high-tech fabrics and garments are that they need very little care and maintenance. They are anti-bacterial and anti-odour. They are excellent in absorbing humidity, are soft yet not sticky to the skin and dry quickly after each wash.
Innovative Initiative
This innovative initiative, in the form of headgear (caps), eyeshades and vests have produced astonishingly encouraging results in that the special needs children have become calmer and are able to absorb and understand simple instructions more readily. Plus, their overall fine and gross motor skills have also improved. However, this in no way constitutes a miracle cure. Aroma therapy, specially formulated diets, special movement exercises, yoga and even simple meditation can contribute towards assisting a special needs child. A conducive environment, special programmes tailored specially to each child’s needs and development will also promote a more complete, functional and fulfilling life for those with special needs.
Hug a Child
We have all heard the catchphrase, “Hug a tree today”. However, let us “Hug a child today”, let us show them that we care and that we also love them as we do the trees and the environment. You will be amazed at how a child will respond to love and affection, especially a special needs child. All day, every day, all you hear is their groaning and whining. Have you ever stopped and for a moment listened to what these children are groaning and whining about? They do not crave your attention. All they really want is a little bit of love, understanding and acceptance. But………this is another story for another day.