Phenotype and Fashion
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. 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, Nestorian fashion provides both utility and a medium for identity.
History
The Junc Era (2500 RH to 3500 RH)
The Juncs were the original inhabitants of Nestor and saw clothing as purely utilitarian. They lived in the forests, where shade, trees, and a mild climate made clothing unnecessary except for occasional protection (bad weather, combat, ceremonies). Minimal or no clothing was the norm for centuries. Clothing was completely utilitarian and not seen as social necessity.
Munc Arrival (3500 RH to 4000 RH)
The Muncs, a more organized and expansionist group, brought new cultural norms. They expanded into the Junc territories before the Erinic Empire invaded as refugees and after the the invasion as expansionists. They viewed the Juncs as primitive due to their lack of clothing and saw nudity as a sign of lower development. This began a slow decline in the Junc naturalist way of life. The Muncs needs something to prove that they are better then the Juncs and they claimed smart people wear clothes. This also sparks the idea in Muncarian culture that clothing is important as a status symbol.
The Erinic Occupation (4000 RH to 5200 RH)
The Erinic Empire invaded and occupied Nester Mayor and Minor, including regions like Giondo and Muncor. The Erinic elite enforced modesty standards, making full-body clothing mandatory for formal settings. Giondo’s old biological/pragmatic approach was suppressed, forcing them to adapt. Some resistance occurred, with certain tribes and villages holding onto their traditional ways in defiance.
The Slow Decline (5200 RH to 7686)
After the Erinic Empire fell, Nestorian society retained many of its enforced clothing norms due to cultural inertia. The few remaining pragmatic tribes in Giondo and Juncor kept their traditions, but they were increasingly marginalized. By the 7660s, less than 10,000 people still followed the original clothing philosophy, making it nearly extinct.
In the mid-7500s, the growing Munc cities developed a distinct fashion identity that emphasized social status through clothing. While tribal communities saw clothing as a tool, urbanists used it to signal wealth and influence.
The Revival (7686 to Now)
The princess as a new trendsetter
The new crown princess (Anissa) born into a Giondo royal family, was never forced into strict clothing norms due to neglect from the royal household. Naturally pragmatic, she questioned why clothing was necessary when it didn’t serve a purpose. Since she wasn’t tribal but royalty, her naturalist lifestyle wasn’t dismissed as “backwards” but seen as a personal quirk. As she became more public in 7686, her flawless skin and relaxed attitude made people re-evaluate their assumptions about the previously claimed primitive view on clothing. The current king and her father coined the description of her as the “Princess in the Garden of Aiden” reputation turned what was once seen as primitive into something beautiful, elegant, and even desirable.
Current view on pragmatic clothing
The total number of pragmatic-nudists rose from <10,000 to 30,000+ with a growth rate of 5-15% per year. While full public nudity is still very uncommon, the idea of clothing as a tool (rather than a requirement) is spreading. Today, public full nudity is extremely rare and often still illegal, especially outside of Giondo and Juncor. But the idea that comfort is more important that looks or even "modesty" is becoming very popular and the new fashion trend in Nestor. The requirement almost all tribes and institutions still uphold is to cover the gentals at all times for hygiene reasons and preventing sexualisation efforts.
Impact on Nestorian Society
Fashion trends are shifting toward loose, comfortable, and minimalist styles, influenced by current trends of a relaxed approach. Stigma is weakening, but complete nudity remains rare outside of traditionalist villages and private spaces. The royal family's newfound association with pragmatism has made the older Giondo and Junc philosophies more acceptable to the mainstream. A cultural split remains between urban, fully-clothed Nestorians and those embracing the new trending philosophy. Even as urbanist styles spread, the Nestorian tradition of going barefoot or wearing only light, flexible footwear never faded. Some attribute this to the endurance-based lifestyle of early Giondo warriors, while others credit the scientific theory or since 4 years, the current queen.
Rural communities in mostly Giondo, Nider and Juncor still reject some urbanist styles, preferring loose or practical clothing, while Muncor's city dwellers embrace modern fashion entirely. In Muncor, is seen as status symbol. Even though there are plenty of debates on what clothing style is better, this isn't causing a problem anymore. However, the Muncorian city-dwellers do feel a little awkward interacting with some tribes and they think some of the tribes are backwards. But in other states, the idea that less clothes equal less status or intelligence is not large, but exposed gentals does make the vast majority to feel like the person in question is less developed. This has caused some missunderstandings with very traditional places in Juncor but not anywhere else.
Men's Fashion
Nestorian men's clothing is defined 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.
Accessories like bandanas and simple necklaces with soulstones, reflecting a sense of understated sophistication. Practical footwear, such as sturdy boots, complements the utilitarian style. In warmer or informal settings, barefoot traditions thrive, emphasizing a connection to nature. Many men who work with their hands often wear (fingerless) gloves if their Nazel intake is average, if the man don't take Nazel, this is less common.
Women's Fashion
Nestorian women's fashion embodies a graceful, ethereal charm, rooted in 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 reflect modesty without sacrificing individuality. Accessories like headbands, scarves, and delicate necklaces add subtle elegance to the overall aesthetic.
Lighter colors, such as whites, creams, and pastels, are prominent, symbolizing care and comfort. In coastal regions, women often wear woolen slippers designed for outdoor use, while inland traditions embrace simpler, functional attire.
Regional and Seasonal Variations
Nestorian clothing adapts to both regional climates and seasonal changes. Coastal regions favor layered woolen garments to combat cool breezes, while inland areas, particularly Juncor, are influenced by a history of minimal clothing due to regional cultures. Nudity—defined as minimal clothing with the crotch covered for modesty—remains a common cultural practice, fostering a spiritual connection with nature. During colder seasons, robe-like garments resembling bathrobes are used for warmth in nudist tribes.
Seasonal shifts also impact fashion choices. Winter attire includes thicker woolen cloaks and layered ensembles, while summer sees lightweight cotton garments and breathable designs.
Accessories and Cultural Symbols
Accessories are an integral part of Nestorian fashion, often carrying personal or cultural significance. Soulstones, intricately crafted glass marbles, are cherished symbols of individuality. Each person typically owns a small number of soulstones throughout their life: one for display, one to wear, and one to gift during marriage. These can be incorporated into necklaces, rings, or other jewelry.
Scarves, predominantly worn by women, serve both functional and modesty purposes. In colder climates, scarves cover the upper chest, while at Level 3 and above, they are worn less often unless for warmth. In normal temperature and causal enviroments, the Nestorians often wear quite a mininalist amount of clothes believing that minimal clothing presure will make the skin healthier. Headbands, adorned with tribal or personal details, are worn by both genders to keep hair out of the eyes, protect the ears from cold, and block out unwanted noise.
Other Aspects
Nestorian wool is treated with a substance to make it water-resistant, but for heavy rain, jackets or cloaks are used. Women’s clothing is often soft and “fluffy,” symbolizing care, while older women transition to practical yet still soft designs. In coastal regions, women often wear woolen outdoor slippers, and men favor sturdy boots. The barefoot tradition is prevalent, with slippers used indoors to prevent spreading dirt.
Color symbolism plays a significant role, with darker tones representing strength and combat readiness, and lighter tones symbolizing care and comfort. Men with feminine inner qualities may wear lighter colors, and women in combat often don darker hues. Wool is highly valued for clothing, but the meat from wool-producing animals is rarely consumed.
Most Nestorians own only a few outfits, usually between three and ten, due to the cultural preference for quality over quantity. Clothing is crafted by tribal communities, ensuring individuality and rarity of identical outfits.