Physically, clothing serves many purposes: it can serve as protection from the elements, and can enhance safety during hazardous activities such as hiking and cooking. It protects the wearer from rough surfaces, rash-causing plants, insect bites, splinters, thorns and prickles by providing a barrier between the skin and the environment. Clothes can insulate against cold or hot conditions. Further, they can provide a hygienic barrier, keeping infectious and toxic materials away from the body. Clothing also provides protection from harmful UV radiation.
What can clothing provide during hazardous activities? What type of surfaces can clothing protect from? What does clothing keep toxic materials away from? What can insulate against cold or hot conditions? What type of radiation can clothing provide some protection from?