
From ancient times the value of clothing has been an essential element in human culture. Over time textiles superseded animal skins as the primary means of clothing the body (notwithstanding certain dark corners of the Vegas Strip).
Early textile fibers commonly were flax – a fine linen – and felt, a textile produced by matting, pressing and condensing fibers. While most felt is currently manufactured out of synthetic materials such as acrylic, it initially made use of the wool produced by sheep.
Wool continued to be the dominant fiber from which European fabric was woven throughout the Greek and Roman ages. Both Greeks and Romans wore garments primarily made from the readily available source of wool. Additionally, linen and hemp were common fabric fibers. At the time silk and cotton were imported in available in small quantities to the elite that could afford them.
During the following medieval period European fabrics remained basic, with styles changing mildly with the arrival of new conquerors. Despite the distances and varying languages clothing across Europe remained generally uniform.
From late medieval times through the Renaissance