Clothing/Legends: Difference between revisions
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|purpose=*Protect from damage<ref name="TPMV">''[[Star Wars: Episode I The Visual Dictionary]]''</ref> | |purpose=*Protect from damage<ref name="TPMV">''[[Star Wars: Episode I The Visual Dictionary]]''</ref> | ||
*Cover one's nakedness<ref name="The Official Star Wars Fact File 90">{{FFCite|90|GAR1-2, ''Garments and Couture''}}</ref> | *Cover one's nakedness<ref name="The Official Star Wars Fact File 90">{{FFCite|90|GAR1-2, ''Garments and Couture''}}</ref> | ||
*Indicate one's social status | *Indicate one's social status{{Fact}} | ||
|heritage= | |heritage= | ||
|affiliation=}} | |affiliation=}} | ||
'''Clothing''' referred to garments made from various types of materials and taking several forms used by [[Sentience/Legends|sentient]] beings to cover their body. In addition to their protective functions, clothes were also worn for the socialization: on worlds such as [[Coruscant/Legends|Coruscant]] or [[Alderaan/Legends|Alderaan]], styles of clothes reflected all the strata of society. Beings would also wear such coverings out of modesty, hiding parts of their bodies that were considered private. From very early [[Time/Legends|times]], many sentient and semi-sentient [[Species/Legends|species]] used to wear clothes. Conversely, other species like the [[Tchuukthai]] or the [[Oswaft]] usually did not, either for natural or cultural reasons. | |||
'''Clothing''' referred to garments made from various types of materials and taking several forms used by [[Sentience/Legends|sentient]] beings to cover their body. In addition to their protective functions, clothes were also worn for the socialization: on worlds such as | |||
==Practical functions== | ==Practical functions== | ||
{{Quote|Let's get you some clean clothes and something to eat. You'll feel better then, I promise.|[[Ulu Ulix]] to [[Boba Fett/Legends|Boba Fett]]|Boba Fett: Crossfire}} | {{Quote|Let's get you some clean clothes and something to eat. You'll feel better then, I promise.|[[Ulu Ulix]] to [[Boba Fett/Legends|Boba Fett]]|Boba Fett: Crossfire}} | ||
[[File:HanParka-Hasbro.jpg|thumb|left|160px|Clothes could shield from cold and other severe weather conditions.]] | [[File:HanParka-Hasbro.jpg|thumb|left|160px|Clothes could shield from cold and other severe weather conditions.]] | ||
Pragmatically, clothes would protect from various kind of damage—including heat, cold, wind or dirt. On [[Star/Legends|sun]]-scorched and arid planets such as [[Tatooine/Legends|Tatooine]], the inhabitants wore rough-spun tunics that could withstand the hostile weather, and often added leg and wrist bindings that kept out sand and dust.<ref name="TPMV" /> Such garments would protect them from sunburns and wind scars.<ref name="TLH">[[Star Wars Annual (1977) 1|''Star Wars Annual'' (1977) 1]]</ref | Pragmatically, clothes would protect from various kind of damage—including heat, cold, wind or dirt. On [[Star/Legends|sun]]-scorched and arid planets such as [[Tatooine/Legends|Tatooine]], the inhabitants wore rough-spun tunics that could withstand the hostile weather, and often added leg and wrist bindings that kept out sand and dust.<ref name="TPMV" /> Such garments would protect them from sunburns and wind scars.<ref name="TLH">[[Star Wars Annual (1977) 1|''Star Wars Annual'' (1977) 1]]</ref> Those who needed to protect themselves against the cold would simply put on heavy clothes and animal skins, or rely on technological garments such as insulated jumpsuits, self-warming headgears and heated [[parka]]s. During the [[Galactic Civil War/Legends|Galactic Civil War]] that pitted the [[Galactic Empire/Legends|Galactic Empire]] against the [[Alliance to Restore the Republic/Legends|Rebel Alliance]], both belligerents used garments adapted to intense cold, with those garments coming in handy during the events surrounding the [[Battle of Hoth/Legends|Battle of Hoth]].<ref name="SWV">''[[Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary]]''</ref> Certain types of clothes were specifically designed to protect the wearer from traumatic injuries. Heavy cloth woven with energy-absorbing fibers could serve as a shield against [[Blaster/Legends|blaster]] fire, and various parts of a suit—notably the collar—could contain blast-absorbing paddings.<ref name="TPMV" /> | ||
[[File:Selonian_AA.jpg|thumb|160px|Members of the [[Selonian/Legends|Selonian]] species usually went naked.]] | [[File:Selonian_AA.jpg|thumb|160px|Members of the [[Selonian/Legends|Selonian]] species usually went naked.]] | ||
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==Cultural significance== | ==Cultural significance== | ||
===Social indicator=== | ===Social indicator=== | ||
[[File:Draped_Senator.png|thumb|left|180px|A Human [[Senator/Legends|senator]] of the [[Galactic Republic/Legends|Galactic Republic]] draped in a large sheet of mauve fabric.]] | [[File:Draped_Senator.png|thumb|left|180px|A Human [[Senator/Legends|senator]] of the [[Galactic Republic/Legends|Galactic Republic]] draped in a large sheet of mauve fabric.]] | ||
Clothing was also used as an indicator of social status, [[Gender/Legends|gender]] or individual preferences. | Clothing was also used as an indicator of social status, [[Gender/Legends|gender]] or individual preferences. {{Fact}} | ||
On [[Coruscant/Legends|Coruscant]], a world that remained the galactic [[Capital/Legends|capital]] throughout many successive regimes, numerous extravagant fashion styles were displayed. Among the [[Ambassador/Legends|ambassadors]] and [[Senator/Legends|senators]], luxurious versions of the traditional costumes of hundreds of planets could be seen, as well as many styles particular to Coruscant.<ref name="TPMV" /> Patrons of the [[Galaxies Opera House/Legends|Galaxies Opera House]] often wore excessive dresses that had nothing to envy to the actors' stage costumes.<ref name="ROSV" /> Expensive outfit displayed a wide array of high-priced materials such as [[Tomuon|Tomuon wool]],<ref name="NEGAS">''[[The New Essential Guide to Alien Species]]''</ref> [[Shimmersilk/Legends|shimmersilk]],<ref name="ROSV" /> and [[crosh-hide]].<ref name="VotF">''[[Vision of the Future]]''</ref> | On [[Coruscant/Legends|Coruscant]], a world that remained the galactic [[Capital/Legends|capital]] throughout many successive regimes, numerous extravagant fashion styles were displayed. Among the [[Ambassador/Legends|ambassadors]] and [[Senator/Legends|senators]], luxurious versions of the traditional costumes of hundreds of planets could be seen, as well as many styles particular to Coruscant.<ref name="TPMV" /> Patrons of the [[Galaxies Opera House/Legends|Galaxies Opera House]] often wore excessive dresses that had nothing to envy to the actors' stage costumes.<ref name="ROSV" /> Expensive outfit displayed a wide array of high-priced materials such as [[Tomuon|Tomuon wool]],<ref name="NEGAS">''[[The New Essential Guide to Alien Species]]''</ref> [[Shimmersilk/Legends|shimmersilk]],<ref name="ROSV" /> and [[crosh-hide]].<ref name="VotF">''[[Vision of the Future]]''</ref> | ||
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===Clothing and modesty issues=== | ===Clothing and modesty issues=== | ||
In many species, wearing clothes was also a question of modesty, and appearing in the nude was considered indecent. In the majority of the [[galactic community]], it was customary to cover at least certain intimate body parts.<ref name="The Official Star Wars Fact File 90" /> Once, when [[Prince/Legends|Princess]] [[Leia Organa Solo|Leia Organa]] was forced to wear a dress that left the right side of her body exposed, the people attending the ceremony in which she took part stared at her in embarrassment.<ref name="SW95">[[Star Wars (1977) 95|''Star Wars'' (1977) 95]]</ref> Among the [[Miraluka/Legends|Miraluka]], a people of [[Near-Human]]s who lacked physical [[Eye/Legends|eyes]], it was customary to hide their vestigial, empty sockets by wearing some kind of concealing headwear.<ref name="Miraluka">{{TORcite|type=codex|Miraluka}}</ref> Those headgears often took the form of a mask or a simple [[Leather/Legends|leather]] band.<ref name="Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II">''[[Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II]]''</ref> An extreme case of modesty, the [[Tusken Raider/Legends|Sand People]] of Tatooine were wrapped in strips of cloth and robe from head to foot, and the removal of clothing was strictly forbidden outside of intimacy with one's mate or certain rituals.<ref name="The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia">''[[The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia]]''</ref> Because they had developed a strong exoskeleton, the [[Givin/Legends|Givin]] of [[Yag'Dhul/Legends|Yag'Dhul]] had a phobia of exposed skin, and would avoid seeing it in others whenever possible.<ref name="FF16">{{FFCite|16|PLA11, ''Planets of the Inner Rim''}}</ref> | |||
In many species, wearing clothes was also a question of modesty, and appearing in the nude was considered indecent. In the majority of the [[galactic community]], it was customary to cover at least certain intimate body parts.<ref name="The Official Star Wars Fact File 90" /> Once, when [[Prince/Legends|Princess]] [[Leia Organa Solo|Leia Organa]] was forced to wear a dress that left the right side of her body exposed, the people attending the ceremony in which she took part stared at her in embarrassment.<ref name="SW95">[[Star Wars (1977) 95|''Star Wars'' (1977) 95]]</ref> Among the [[Miraluka/Legends|Miraluka]], a people of [[Near-Human]]s who lacked physical [[Eye/Legends|eyes]], it was customary to hide their vestigial, empty sockets by wearing some kind of concealing headwear.<ref name="Miraluka">{{TORcite|type=codex|Miraluka}}</ref> Those headgears often took the form of | |||
[[File:Selestrine1.jpg|thumb|left|170px|Depending on a culture's definition of modesty, certain types of clothing hid very little.]] | [[File:Selestrine1.jpg|thumb|left|170px|Depending on a culture's definition of modesty, certain types of clothing hid very little.]] | ||
By contrast, some indigenous cultures were more relaxed on issues of modesty and clothing. The [[Icarii]] [[Queen/Legends|Queen]] [[Selestrine]] was virtually nude, which would have been unthinkable on worlds like Naboo or [[Alderaan/Legends|Alderaan]].<ref name="The Official Star Wars Fact File 90" /> Similarly, [[Aron Peacebringer]] and his wife [[Alisande]], the planetary leaders of [[Shiva IV]], wore clothes that covered little more than their private parts.<ref name="LGA">[[Star Wars (1977) 53|''Star Wars'' (1977) 53]]</ref> Among the [[Fallanassi/Legends|Fallanassi]], adepts of the [[White Current]], it was uncontroversial for a woman to wear only a sarong, leaving her [[Breast/Legends|chest]] exposed.<ref name="Tyrants Test">''[[Tyrant's Test]]'' | By contrast, some indigenous cultures were more relaxed on issues of modesty and clothing. The [[Icarii]] [[Queen/Legends|Queen]] [[Selestrine]] was virtually nude, which would have been unthinkable on worlds like Naboo or [[Alderaan/Legends|Alderaan]].<ref name="The Official Star Wars Fact File 90" /> Similarly, [[Aron Peacebringer]] and his wife [[Alisande]], the planetary leaders of [[Shiva IV]], wore clothes that covered little more than their private parts.<ref name="LGA">[[Star Wars (1977) 53|''Star Wars'' (1977) 53]]</ref> Among the [[Fallanassi/Legends|Fallanassi]], adepts of the [[White Current]], it was uncontroversial for a woman to wear only a sarong, leaving her [[Breast/Legends|chest]] exposed.<ref name="Tyrants Test">''[[Tyrant's Test]]''</ref> The [[Witches of Dathomir|Witches]] of [[Dathomir/Legends|Dathomir]] would strip and bathe in front of strangers in a detached, businesslike way, without the slightest intent to entice.<ref name="CoPL" /> | ||
For many furry species, nudity was no issue. The [[Yuzzem]]s of [[Ragna III]], the [[Drall/Legends|Dralls]] of [[Drall (planet)|Drall]],<ref name="EGAS">[[The Essential Guide to Alien Species (real-world book)|''The Essential Guide to Alien Species'']]</ref> the [[Sneevel/Legends|Sneevels]]<ref name="PT">''[[Podracing Tales]]''</ref> from [[Sneeve/Legends|Sneeve]]<ref name="DBBR">{{DB|character|bolesroor|Roor, Boles|archivedate=20101126072119}}</ref> and the [[Yuzzum/Legends|Yuzzums]] of [[Endor/Legends|Endor]],<ref name="BtM">''Star Wars: Behind the Magic''</ref> to name only a few, usually remained naked. | For many furry species, nudity was no issue. The [[Yuzzem]]s of [[Ragna III]], the [[Drall/Legends|Dralls]] of [[Drall (planet)|Drall]],<ref name="EGAS">[[The Essential Guide to Alien Species (real-world book)|''The Essential Guide to Alien Species'']]</ref> the [[Sneevel/Legends|Sneevels]]<ref name="PT">''[[Podracing Tales]]''</ref> from [[Sneeve/Legends|Sneeve]]<ref name="DBBR">{{DB|character|bolesroor|Roor, Boles|archivedate=20101126072119}}</ref> and the [[Yuzzum/Legends|Yuzzums]] of [[Endor/Legends|Endor]],<ref name="BtM">''Star Wars: Behind the Magic''</ref> to name only a few, usually remained naked. | ||
Sometimes, clothes were even specifically conceived to accentuate certain body parts, in order to seduce and to appeal to carnal desire. [[Slavery/Legends|Slave]] girls, masseuses, dancers and [[Prostitute/Legends|prostitutes]] were often dressed in such provocative clothes, which included [[Sensua binding/Legends|sensua bindings]], form-fitting [[Body glove/Legends|szona body gloves]]<ref name="SWV" /> and [[Tromin unigarment]]s.<ref name="TPMV | Sometimes, clothes were even specifically conceived to accentuate certain body parts, in order to seduce and to appeal to carnal desire. [[Slavery/Legends|Slave]] girls, masseuses, dancers and [[Prostitute/Legends|prostitutes]] were often dressed in such provocative clothes, which included [[Sensua binding/Legends|sensua bindings]], form-fitting [[Body glove/Legends|szona body gloves]]<ref name="SWV" /> and [[Tromin unigarment]]s.<ref name="TPMV" /> | ||
===For fashion's sake=== | ===For fashion's sake=== | ||
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All species and conditions considered, certain individuals attached a great deal of importance to the ever-changing concept of "fashion," a popular way of dressing restricted to a particular time or area. The [[Zeltron/Legends|Zeltrons]], who were often stereotyped as frivolous pleasure-seekers, were highly fashion-sensitive. They would not only dress in revealing apparel and bright shades,<ref name="FF134GAR17-18">{{FFCite|134|GAR17–18, ''Garments and Couture''}}</ref> but they were also willing to share their gusto with strangers. The Princess Leia Organa learned that lesson the hard way when a foursome of enthusiastic male Zeltrons transformed one of her sober Alderaanian white gown into a much more gaudy attire, much to her dismay.<ref name="SW95" /> | All species and conditions considered, certain individuals attached a great deal of importance to the ever-changing concept of "fashion," a popular way of dressing restricted to a particular time or area. The [[Zeltron/Legends|Zeltrons]], who were often stereotyped as frivolous pleasure-seekers, were highly fashion-sensitive. They would not only dress in revealing apparel and bright shades,<ref name="FF134GAR17-18">{{FFCite|134|GAR17–18, ''Garments and Couture''}}</ref> but they were also willing to share their gusto with strangers. The Princess Leia Organa learned that lesson the hard way when a foursome of enthusiastic male Zeltrons transformed one of her sober Alderaanian white gown into a much more gaudy attire, much to her dismay.<ref name="SW95" /> | ||
Even among the species who normally wore no clothes at all, some individuals did it for mere fashion | Even among the species who normally wore no clothes at all, some individuals did it for mere fashion or to distinguish themselves. For instance [[Aarrba]], a [[Hutt/Legends|Hutt]], wore a cylinder-shaped hats with a hanging tassel.<ref name="FOSE3">[[Tales of the Jedi – The Fall of the Sith Empire 3|''Tales of the Jedi – The Fall of the Sith Empire'' 3]]</ref> | ||
At the other end of the spectrum, some individuals had a complete lack of fashion acumen. The famous Corellian [[Smuggler/Legends|smuggler]] [[Han Solo/Legends|Han Solo]], although a legendary womanizer, never stood out as a stylish dresser. He rarely wore anything other than his trademark white shirt, black waistcoat, and brown pants,<ref name="FF134GAR17-18" /> and he considered dressing up a chore.<ref name="Union">''[[Star Wars: Union]]''</ref> | At the other end of the spectrum, some individuals had a complete lack of fashion acumen. The famous Corellian [[Smuggler/Legends|smuggler]] [[Han Solo/Legends|Han Solo]], although a legendary womanizer, never stood out as a stylish dresser. He rarely wore anything other than his trademark white shirt, black waistcoat, and brown pants,<ref name="FF134GAR17-18" /> and he considered dressing up a chore.<ref name="Union">''[[Star Wars: Union]]''</ref> | ||
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==Droids and clothing== | ==Droids and clothing== | ||
[[File:3PO_in_drags.png|thumb|left|160px|[[C-3PO/Legends|C-3PO]] wearing [[Meg Pitareeze]]'s dress]]As [[Droid/Legends|droids]] were made to be resistant to higher or lower temperatures, they didn't need to wear clothes. However, some of them adopted clothing, either because of a personality quirk in their programming, or because it was ordered by their masters. | [[File:3PO_in_drags.png|thumb|left|160px|[[C-3PO/Legends|C-3PO]] wearing [[Meg Pitareeze]]'s dress]]As [[Droid/Legends|droids]] were made to be resistant to higher or lower temperatures, they didn't need to wear clothes. However, some of them adopted clothing, either because of a personality quirk in their programming, or because it was ordered by their masters. | ||
[[F8GN]], a droid owned by [[Garris Shrike]], would don Corellian street clothes in order to train Shrike's "rescued" children how to pickpocket. [[Han Solo/Legends|Han Solo]], who was once one of Shrike's orphans, used to think the spindly robot looked funny in clothes.<ref name="TPS" /> | [[F8GN]], a droid owned by [[Garris Shrike]], would don Corellian street clothes in order to train Shrike's "rescued" children how to pickpocket. [[Han Solo/Legends|Han Solo]], who was once one of Shrike's orphans, used to think the spindly robot looked funny in clothes.<ref name="TPS" /> | ||
During his service on [[Kalarba/Legends|Kalarba]], [[C-3PO/Legends|C-3PO]] once served as a clothes horse for his mistress [[Meg Pitareeze]], while [[R2-D2/Legends|R2-D2]] was tending to her party dress. Unbeknownst to him, the golden droid was in fact striking a blow for droid rights: his donning Human clothes was interpreted as a voluntary fashion statement and became a pivotal moment in droid history. Later on, he was regarded as something of a hero in some droid circles, as he proved that machines too had an identity that could be expressed by clothing.<ref name="FF134GAR17-18" /> | During his service on [[Kalarba/Legends|Kalarba]], [[C-3PO/Legends|C-3PO]] once served as a clothes horse for his mistress [[Meg Pitareeze]], while [[R2-D2/Legends|R2-D2]] was tending to her party dress. Unbeknownst to him, the golden droid was in fact striking a blow for droid rights: his donning Human clothes was interpreted as a voluntary fashion statement and became a pivotal moment in droid history. Later on, he was regarded as something of a hero in some droid circles, as he proved that machines too had an identity that could be expressed by clothing.<ref name="FF134GAR17-18" /> | ||
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{{More sources}} | {{More sources}} | ||
{{Scroll_box|content= | {{Scroll_box|content= | ||
*{{Journal|6|To Fight Another Day}} | *{{Journal|6|To Fight Another Day}} | ||
*{{Journal|15|The Great Herdship Heist}} | *{{Journal|15|The Great Herdship Heist}} | ||
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*{{WEGCite|book=Instant Adventures|story=Family Problems}} | *{{WEGCite|book=Instant Adventures|story=Family Problems}} | ||
*''[[Imperial Double-Cross]]'' | *''[[Imperial Double-Cross]]'' | ||
*{{Journal|15|Laughter After Dark (short story)|Laughter After Dark}} | *{{Journal|15|Laughter After Dark (short story)|Laughter After Dark}} | ||
*{{Film|V}} | *{{Film|V}} | ||
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*{{Journal|14|No Disintegrations, Please}} | *{{Journal|14|No Disintegrations, Please}} | ||
*{{Journal|15|Firestorm (short story)|Firepower}} | *{{Journal|15|Firestorm (short story)|Firepower}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
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*''[[Alien Encounters]]'' | *''[[Alien Encounters]]'' | ||
*''[[Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary]]'' | *''[[Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary]]'' | ||
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 04:47, 14 February 2023
Clothing referred to garments made from various types of materials and taking several forms used by sentient beings to cover their body. In addition to their protective functions, clothes were also worn for the socialization: on worlds such as Coruscant or Alderaan, styles of clothes reflected all the strata of society. Beings would also wear such coverings out of modesty, hiding parts of their bodies that were considered private. From very early times, many sentient and semi-sentient species used to wear clothes. Conversely, other species like the Tchuukthai or the Oswaft usually did not, either for natural or cultural reasons.
Practical functions
Pragmatically, clothes would protect from various kind of damage—including heat, cold, wind or dirt. On sun-scorched and arid planets such as Tatooine, the inhabitants wore rough-spun tunics that could withstand the hostile weather, and often added leg and wrist bindings that kept out sand and dust.[1] Such garments would protect them from sunburns and wind scars.[3] Those who needed to protect themselves against the cold would simply put on heavy clothes and animal skins, or rely on technological garments such as insulated jumpsuits, self-warming headgears and heated parkas. During the Galactic Civil War that pitted the Galactic Empire against the Rebel Alliance, both belligerents used garments adapted to intense cold, with those garments coming in handy during the events surrounding the Battle of Hoth.[4] Certain types of clothes were specifically designed to protect the wearer from traumatic injuries. Heavy cloth woven with energy-absorbing fibers could serve as a shield against blaster fire, and various parts of a suit—notably the collar—could contain blast-absorbing paddings.[1]
While some species generally covered all or most of their body parts, others only wore what was functionally required. Crystalline or gas-based sentients had no need for clothes,[5] and most furry species like the Trianii never wore anything more than armor or utility belts.[6] On their native world, Togorians seldom wore clothing, as the weather was mostly clement.[7] The Wookiees from Kashyyyk, who were known for their thick uniform coat of water-shedding hair,[8] only wore clothes on special occasions, including the Life Day celebration, which required the use of a ritual red robe.[9] The S'kytri, a race of winged Near-Humans from Skye, usually had few clothes due to their world's permanently warm temperature. Additionally, too much material could generate wind resistance and hinder their flight, which is why S'kryti of all genders wore little else than slight coverings to protect their genitalia.[10]
Cultural significance
Social indicator
Clothing was also used as an indicator of social status, gender or individual preferences. [source?]
On Coruscant, a world that remained the galactic capital throughout many successive regimes, numerous extravagant fashion styles were displayed. Among the ambassadors and senators, luxurious versions of the traditional costumes of hundreds of planets could be seen, as well as many styles particular to Coruscant.[1] Patrons of the Galaxies Opera House often wore excessive dresses that had nothing to envy to the actors' stage costumes.[8] Expensive outfit displayed a wide array of high-priced materials such as Tomuon wool,[11] shimmersilk,[8] and crosh-hide.[12]
Despite the numerous cultural differences, many species throughout the galaxy shared a basic design of simple, loose-fitting robes, which inspired the humble Jedi apparel.[1][5] However, although the Jedi Order rejected materialist preoccupations, their clothes were not considered uniforms, and the wearers were left some freedom to personalize them.[13] As such, the Jedi Lord Valenthyne Farfalla donned elaborate attires with gold and precious gems.[14] In the three-year time span of the Clone Wars, the notorious Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi had used only six robes.[8] By adopting the traditional trappings of the Order, Jedi Master Tyvokka was one of the few Wookiees who would wear clothes on a regular basis.[15] The Sith Order used similar robes, but in shades of black rather than brown.[14]
On highly cultured planets such as Naboo, clothing was often used a form of social communication. For example, during the Trade Federation invasion, the citizens of Theed made subtle use of Naboo color and fashion symbolism to express their support or opposition to the Queen Padmé Amidala's policies.[1] The Education Regent of Naboo Lufta Shif wore gentle and flowing teaching robes, reflecting the belief that learning was best encouraged by inspiration rather brute force or threat.[16] The Queen herself wore clothes that made her look taller and larger through the use of wide shoulders and massive headpieces.[1] In fact, the use of Naboo royal costume was highly codified and one of the most intricate in the galaxy.[17] On Alderaan, one of the oldest colonies of Humans,[18] the design and style of the clothes were much simpler, with a predominance of white in the ambassadorial milieu.[19] Among many humanoid species,[20] including the Humans of Serenno,[21] wearing a cape was associated with power and nobility.[20]
Clothing and modesty issues
In many species, wearing clothes was also a question of modesty, and appearing in the nude was considered indecent. In the majority of the galactic community, it was customary to cover at least certain intimate body parts.[2] Once, when Princess Leia Organa was forced to wear a dress that left the right side of her body exposed, the people attending the ceremony in which she took part stared at her in embarrassment.[22] Among the Miraluka, a people of Near-Humans who lacked physical eyes, it was customary to hide their vestigial, empty sockets by wearing some kind of concealing headwear.[23] Those headgears often took the form of a mask or a simple leather band.[24] An extreme case of modesty, the Sand People of Tatooine were wrapped in strips of cloth and robe from head to foot, and the removal of clothing was strictly forbidden outside of intimacy with one's mate or certain rituals.[25] Because they had developed a strong exoskeleton, the Givin of Yag'Dhul had a phobia of exposed skin, and would avoid seeing it in others whenever possible.[26]
By contrast, some indigenous cultures were more relaxed on issues of modesty and clothing. The Icarii Queen Selestrine was virtually nude, which would have been unthinkable on worlds like Naboo or Alderaan.[2] Similarly, Aron Peacebringer and his wife Alisande, the planetary leaders of Shiva IV, wore clothes that covered little more than their private parts.[27] Among the Fallanassi, adepts of the White Current, it was uncontroversial for a woman to wear only a sarong, leaving her chest exposed.[28] The Witches of Dathomir would strip and bathe in front of strangers in a detached, businesslike way, without the slightest intent to entice.[19]
For many furry species, nudity was no issue. The Yuzzems of Ragna III, the Dralls of Drall,[29] the Sneevels[30] from Sneeve[31] and the Yuzzums of Endor,[32] to name only a few, usually remained naked.
Sometimes, clothes were even specifically conceived to accentuate certain body parts, in order to seduce and to appeal to carnal desire. Slave girls, masseuses, dancers and prostitutes were often dressed in such provocative clothes, which included sensua bindings, form-fitting szona body gloves[4] and Tromin unigarments.[1]
For fashion's sake
- "Keep your chin up, Leia. Maybe no one will notice."
"They'll notice."
"I'll bet." - ―Han Solo and Leia Organa, when the Princess was forced to wear a revealing robe
All species and conditions considered, certain individuals attached a great deal of importance to the ever-changing concept of "fashion," a popular way of dressing restricted to a particular time or area. The Zeltrons, who were often stereotyped as frivolous pleasure-seekers, were highly fashion-sensitive. They would not only dress in revealing apparel and bright shades,[33] but they were also willing to share their gusto with strangers. The Princess Leia Organa learned that lesson the hard way when a foursome of enthusiastic male Zeltrons transformed one of her sober Alderaanian white gown into a much more gaudy attire, much to her dismay.[22]
Even among the species who normally wore no clothes at all, some individuals did it for mere fashion or to distinguish themselves. For instance Aarrba, a Hutt, wore a cylinder-shaped hats with a hanging tassel.[34]
At the other end of the spectrum, some individuals had a complete lack of fashion acumen. The famous Corellian smuggler Han Solo, although a legendary womanizer, never stood out as a stylish dresser. He rarely wore anything other than his trademark white shirt, black waistcoat, and brown pants,[33] and he considered dressing up a chore.[35]
Droids and clothing
As droids were made to be resistant to higher or lower temperatures, they didn't need to wear clothes. However, some of them adopted clothing, either because of a personality quirk in their programming, or because it was ordered by their masters.
F8GN, a droid owned by Garris Shrike, would don Corellian street clothes in order to train Shrike's "rescued" children how to pickpocket. Han Solo, who was once one of Shrike's orphans, used to think the spindly robot looked funny in clothes.[7]
During his service on Kalarba, C-3PO once served as a clothes horse for his mistress Meg Pitareeze, while R2-D2 was tending to her party dress. Unbeknownst to him, the golden droid was in fact striking a blow for droid rights: his donning Human clothes was interpreted as a voluntary fashion statement and became a pivotal moment in droid history. Later on, he was regarded as something of a hero in some droid circles, as he proved that machines too had an identity that could be expressed by clothing.[33]
