Why Wrap?

Through experiments with various people I found out many answers to questions that I was asking myself. I wrapped some people in different ways, and documented materials, processes and experiences by the volunteer for each one.

When being wrapped the key components made that made a person feel dressed were;

• The material was anchored at some point/s
• It was not going to fall off the body if there was movement
• Compression (not too tight)
• Mouth and eyes were not covered.
• Not feeling suffocated

Feelings of being dressed within various environments:

• Comfort
• Security
• Warmth
• Safe
• Protected

Swaddle?

Swaddling a baby; there is similar sensations in wrapping a baby as there are a grown form?

Babies are meant to feel protected, safe and secure through the layers of material that bind their skin. Creating a slight pressure around the baby's body that give them a sense of security which can help adjust to their new environment after birth. It was commonly believed that this was essential for the infants to develop proper posture.

The bed sheet exercise was interesting to see how participants wrapped themselves, responses were very similar; they felt protected and warm compared to other ways of dressing. The layering inherent to wrapping provides a sense of protection.

DID YOU FEEL DRESSED?

‘For me, dressing is essentially about covering up our naked bodies. Nakedness can be linked closely to feelings of vulnerability so when I was wrapped, I was covered up, so consequently I felt dressed. Whether I felt 'Dressed up' is a completely different question but that was something I didn't feel.’ Becky Smith

So many factors would contribute to each person’s idea of being dressed:

• Modesty
• Temperature
• Childhood/parents
• Past experiences of the person
• People or place
• Time

A comment that was interesting during fabric experimenting was the difference between a stretch and a weave fabric when wrapping and compressing the body; a stretch felt like it moved and existed with the body, like a second skin, whereas the weave fabrics with more stability existed separately to the body – as if it could not interact properly.

Dictionary.com defines wrap in many different ways..

To Wrap:

1. To enclose in something wound or folded about
2. To enclose and make fast
3. To wind, fold or bind
4. To protect with coverings, outer garments etc.
5. To surround, envelop, shroud or hide
6. To fold or roll up
7. To wrap ones self
8. To become wrapped, as about something; fold

Why wrap your body?

As a means of dressing, this way of dressing is a way of protecting the body and protecting the self. It is a shelter from the outside.

Being ‘wrapped up’ in something or being fixated on a certain thing. Could this be the clothing that you wrap around you?

As a relaxant? Or way of healing the body, Keeping alive?