Phenotype and Fashion
(A) Fashion in Nestor is an intricate interplay of historical reverence and modern practicality, deeply influenced by the island's temperate climate and the cultural philosophies of its people. Nestorian attire reflects a harmonious balance between masculinity and femininity, celebrating both as complementary facets of human expression. With its oceanic climate and societal emphasis on aesthetics and functionality, fashion in Nestor provides both utility and a medium for identity.
2. Men's Fashion
(B) Nestorian men's clothing is characterized by a rugged, utilitarian elegance that draws inspiration from the resilience and preparedness of medieval knights. Key elements include tailored tactical garments, such as cargo pants and woolen sweaters, designed to withstand the challenges of daily life while maintaining a refined appearance. Black and other dark hues dominate the color palette, symbolizing strength and stoicism. Clothing is often made from durable materials like wool, combining warmth with breathability, making it suitable for Nestor’s climate. Accessories such as headbands and simple necklaces with soulstones, metallic pendants or polished stones are common, reflecting a sense of understated sophistication and personal strength. Barefoot culture is prominent in some areas, with shoes reserved for formal or hazardous environments.
3. Women's Fashion
(C) Nestorian women's fashion embodies a graceful, ethereal charm, drawing inspiration from the elegance of maidens and princesses of bygone eras. Long skirts and dresses dominate, often crafted from wool or soft cotton blends, offering both warmth and fluidity of movement. High necklines and layered designs are common, reflecting modesty without sacrificing individuality or style. Accessories like headbands, scarves, and delicate necklaces add a subtle yet distinct touch to outfits, often showcasing intricate craftsmanship. The color palette tends toward lighter shades, such as whites, creams, and pastel tones, which contrast with the darker hues of men's attire. Functional adaptations, such as shorts worn under skirts for practicality and privacy, are widely accepted, particularly in urban areas where mobility and convenience are prioritized.
4. Dress Code
(D) The Nestorian dress code is a structured system designed to promote harmony and mutual respect in public spaces. This system comprises seven levels, ranging from highly restrictive (Level 1) to unrestricted (Level 7). The majority of public and private spaces adhere to Levels 1, 2, or 3, with Level 3 being the most prevalent. A numerical indicator at the entrance of a location informs visitors of the minimum required dress code, allowing individuals to align their attire appropriately.
Level 1 demands complete coverage of the body, including high collars and long sleeves, often required in formal or religious settings. Level 3, the default in most public spaces, mandates modest coverage of the torso, legs, and arms, permitting reasonable comfort while ensuring public decency. Levels 4 through 6 introduce looser requirements, often seen in recreational areas, beaches, or artistic spaces where self-expression is encouraged. Level 7, typically reserved for private or communal settings, permits full freedom of attire or lack thereof, reflecting Nestor’s embrace of personal liberty within specific contexts.
The dress code extends beyond clothing, serving as a cultural marker for behavior and imagery. Films, magazines, and other media prominently display the appropriate dress code level to inform audiences of their content. This approach ensures a balance between freedom of expression and the public's right to avoid exposure to content they find objectionable. In cases where individuals wish to wear attire above the designated level for cultural or personal reasons, a discretionary allowance exists. However, going more than one level above the norm is generally discouraged and may prompt requests to leave the area.
To accommodate transitions between spaces with varying dress codes, facilities often provide robes or coverings to help individuals meet Level 3 requirements without inconvenience. This practice is particularly common near beaches or artistic districts, where dress codes shift frequently.
| Dresscode in Nestor (self enforced) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Level | Description | Places |
| 1 | Very formal | Court, Funerals, Weddings |
| 2 | Formal | School |
| 3 | Normal | Most places |
| 4 | Underwear or Swimwear | Swimming pool or the beach |
| 5 | Topless | Swimming pool or the beach |
| 6 | Nudist (non-sexual) | Public nature parks / some beaches |
| 7 | No rules | Home and few public spaces |
5. Phenotype and Climate Influence
(E) The Nestorian phenotype, shaped by generations of adaptation to the island’s environment, has informed many aspects of the nation’s fashion. The temperate to savanna-like climate necessitates materials that balance warmth during rainy seasons with breathability for sunnier days. Wool, with its insulating properties, is a staple fabric, while lighter, moisture-wicking materials are used during warmer months. The population’s unique physical traits, including softer skin and fine body hair, subtly influence clothing choices. For example, gloves are a common accessory for tasks requiring a firm grip, as the softer, hair-covered skin can make handling tools or objects challenging.
In line with these environmental and physiological considerations, Nestorian fashion has evolved to prioritize function while celebrating individuality. The resulting aesthetic is one of timeless sophistication, seamlessly blending historical elements with modern ingenuity.
6. Other
Nestorian wool is a foundational material in the nation's fashion, known for its softness, warmth, and practicality. Often treated with a specialized substance to increase water resistance, this wool is ideal for the island’s oceanic climate. However, during heavy rains, practical outerwear such as jackets or cloaks is used for full protection. Female clothing is characterized by its softness and "fluffy" texture, symbolizing innocence and care. While younger women commonly embrace this style, older women often transition to more practical designs. Despite this shift, their clothing remains relatively soft and is still typically crafted from wool, reflecting the material's cultural significance.
Inland regions like Juncor present unique cultural adaptations due to the absence of large animals such as deer or birds with usable feathers. This scarcity historically normalized minimal clothing, and nudity—though with the modest covering of the crotch—became a way to connect with nature. Even today, Level 6 spaces, which allow this form of attire, are common in Juncor. During colder seasons, locals use thick, robe-like garments to stay warm, resembling bathrobes in design but tailored for outdoor use. In coastal regions, layering is more common, with women often wearing woolen slippers designed for outdoor use, and men opting for sturdy boots to withstand rugged terrain.
Nestorian necklaces, often have "soulstones" in them, are an essential accessory for both men and women, symbolizing the wearer’s soul. These intricately crafted glass marbles often feature mesmerizing internal details and hold deep personal significance. Most individuals own only a few soulstones throughout their lives: one for display, one to wear, and one to gift to their spouse during marriage. These stones can be incorporated into rings, necklaces, or other personal items, becoming cherished heirlooms.
Scarves, primarily worn by women, serve both functional and modesty purposes. At Levels 1 and 2 of the dress code, scarves are used to cover the upper chest, though they are less common in Level 3 or higher unless the weather necessitates them. Headbands are a ubiquitous accessory for both genders, often adorned with details reflecting the wearer’s tribe, city, nation, or individuality. These headbands serve multiple purposes, from keeping hair out of the eyes to warming the ears and blocking out unwanted sounds.
The practice of going barefoot is a widespread tradition across Nestor, rooted in the cultural value of maintaining a connection with nature. In places where footwear is necessary, soft sandals or proper shoes are worn, but barefoot walking is preferred whenever possible. When transitioning indoors, people often wear slippers to avoid spreading dirt, and many establishments include foot-cleaning stations near entrances.
Color plays a symbolic role in Nestorian fashion, with darker tones typically associated with men and lighter tones with women. This convention reflects societal expectations: darker colors represent strength and combat readiness, while lighter hues signify care and comfort. However, these roles are fluid; men with a feminine inner nature often wear lighter colors, while women participating in combat or self-defense frequently don darker attire. This is why most individuals, regardless of gender, wear dark clothing during martial arts or self-defense training.
Wool remains an invaluable resource, but the meat from wool-producing animals is not widely consumed, as these animals are primarily valued for their material contributions. The principle of "quality over quantity" governs clothing ownership in Nestor, with most people owning only three to ten outfits. It is uncommon to own more than ten garments, as clothing is crafted by tribal communities in cities. This localized production ensures a high degree of individuality, making it rare for two people to wear identical outfits.