Around 30,000 years ago: First textile finds such as braided plant fibers and animal hair.
Egypt, Mesopotamia, China: Early advanced civilizations developed techniques such as weaving, spinning and dyeing.
Silk Road: From around 100 BC, silk was exported from China to Europe - a valuable luxury fabric.
Middle Ages
Textile production was mainly organized by hand - often in cottage industries or small workshops.
Wool production dominated in Europe, especially in England and Flanders.
Guilds regulated the quality and organization of craftsmanship.
Industrial Revolution
England as the center of the revolution.
Important inventions
Spinning Jenny (1764) - Spinning several threads at the same time.
Water Frame (1769) - Mechanical spinning machine, water-powered.
Power Loom (1785) - Mechanical loom.
Textile industry became the first industrialized sector.
Emergence of factories, urbanization, child labour - social challenges.
19th & Early 20th Century
Further development of chemical dyeing methods.
Use of synthetic fibers such as rayon (viscose).
Globalization begins: raw materials such as cotton come from colonies.
After The Second World War
Synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon dominate.
Production increasingly shifts to countries with low wages (e.g. Asia).
Emergence of fast fashion: fast, cheap production - but often at the expense of the environment and working conditions.
Today & Future
Trends: Sustainability, recycling, fair working conditions, techno-textiles.
Digital production, 3D printing, smart clothing (e.g. with sensors).
Criticism of overproduction and labor exploitation - slow fashion movement.