Abstract

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Clothing from pre-historic time till date has served the same basic human needs. These needs are protection, adornment, identification, modesty and status. But adolescents only see clothing as a way to be accepted, respected and a way to attract favorable attention. This paper looked into adolescents developmental needs as they affect their clothing selection. Some of their major identified needs are physical, social, cognitive and emotional, while some basic factors that affected their clothing selections are technology, media, wealth, peer group pressure, fashion, identity, personality, among others. The paper also discussed clothing in relation to adolescents’ urge to dressing, and ways to help them develop morally. Conclusion was made and recommendations stated. It was recommended among others that adolescents should be listened to and helped in their clothing selection. Parents should also support them morally and financially where necessary so as not to deviate into immoral acts.

Keywords: Adolescents, developmental needs, clothing, fashion.