The oldest finds in history open a unique window into the past of human life. Here are the oldest clothes and accessories.
Throughout human history, dressing and adornment have been not only a necessity but also a form of cultural expression. With the development of technology and aesthetic understanding over time, many objects from clothes to accessories have turned into historical documents reflecting the lifestyle and artistic accumulation of that period. Clothes, shoes and jewellery from ancient times are not only functional products, but also clues that reveal the creativity, craft skills and social structures of the people of the period. In this article, we will examine the oldest examples of clothing and accessories unearthed from the dusty pages of history and discover the unique connection of humans with dressing and design. Here are the oldest clothes and accessories in human history.
Oldest condom (370 years old)
We start our article on the oldest clothes and accessories in human history with a very interesting item. Used in 1640 in Lund, Sweden, this condom was made of pig intestines and designed to be reusable. At that time, users were advised to clean this product with warm milk to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases. The Latin instructions on it reveal how important hygiene was considered even at that time.
The oldest bra (500 years old)
Used in Austria between 1390 and 1485, this bra, completely decorated with lace, was found under the floorboards of Lemberg Castle in 2008. Previous findings dated the bra to the 1800s; this discovery proves that women’s underwear was popularised much earlier than we thought.
The oldest socks (1,500 years old)
These woollen socks from the Roman-Egyptian period were knitted between 300-499 AD and designed to be worn with sandals. Discovered in the 19th century in a cemetery in Central Egypt, the socks reflect the understanding of functional clothing despite the hot climate of the period.
The oldest sweater (1,700 years old)
This sweater, found in a glacier in Norway in 2013, draws attention with its twill weaving patterns. Made of lamb and sheep wool, this garment shows that ancient people did not compromise on aesthetics against harsh weather conditions.
The oldest sunglasses (2,000 years old)
The oldest sunglasses ever found were made of bone leather or wood and date back 2000 years to a culture living on the west coast of Alaska, the ancestors of the modern Inuit. Discovered about 800 years ago on Baffin Island in Canada, they are the perfect combination of functionality and simple design.
Oldest trousers (3,300 years old)
These 3,300-year-old ancient trousers were found in 2014 in the Yanghai tombs in western China.
Egyptian dress (4,500 years old)
In an undisturbed tomb in Giza, Egypt, a 4,500-year-old Egyptian dress, carefully assembled from about 7,000 beads, was found. It is believed to belong to a woman who lived in the same period as King Khufu (2589-2566 BC). Although it is thought that the dress was initially used for dance rituals, it is also thought that it may have been worn during funeral ceremonies. The blue and turquoise colours of the beads reflect the splendour of the dress.
Oldest leather shoe (5,500 years old)
The 5,500-year-old moccasin made of cowhide was found in 2010 during an excavation in the Areni-1 cave in south-eastern Armenia. Preserved in an environment filled with grass and dry sheep dung, it has survived almost intact to the present day.
The oldest shoe (9,300 years old)
The oldest pair of shoes was found in 1938 in the Fort Rock Basin in Oregon. The shoes were made of twisted sage bark with a flat sole and toe wrap.
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