Clothing and Fashion

Although the Xilon have no biological need for clothing, having no external reproductive organs and virtual immunity to the elements, they do like the look and feel of them and use them with a minimalistic approach. Archives suggest that travelers from early Aeradian civilizations noted the use of clothing on more primitive life forms and enjoyed the idea for decorative purposes.

While the exact styles and materials are somewhat varied depending on location, time period and social function, the Xilon culture's overall fashion sense is distinctly tribal in nature. Pants are normally colorful silk, a soft cloth woven from plant fibers similar to cotton, or fur acquired from the local wildlife or plant life, depending on location. Often, there are 2-3 additional pieces of ragged furskins woven into parts of the waistband, so that they drape partway down the thighs. A thick fur or leather sash wrapped around one shoulder and the waist is also common.

Most Xilon favor similar hair styles, no matter where they are from. Krtiyoni tend to have longer hair, either falling loose in a tumble around their shoulders, or tied up into a ponytail. Aljzrace and zethrae often have wavy, layered hair that comes down around the ears, although shorter or longer styles have been popular during different eras.

Xilon rarely wear any sort of covering on their feet. Some do don sandals which are made by fashioning thick blocks of wood with spikes on the bottom, and attaching leather or fur bands to hold the feet down. These sandals are generally worn only for major events as a traditional gesture, or when traveling to unknown regions. For the most part, especially on their own worlds, they prefer to remain barefoot.

It is common for hunters and explorers to wear a large number of wrist and arm bands, usually made from brown or dark red braided fur, or brown or black leather. In fact, wristbands or bracers are almost expected in most regions of the main orbit system. aljzrace in particular favor the use of thin bands of leather or solid gold wrapped around their chests or draped over the shoulders. This is also a very common style for hunters and warriors of any gender from Risus.

In some parts, symbolic body art on the upper body, representing the family line, is standard practice as well.

For those in certain trades, weapons are equivalent to accessories. Bows and arrows, knives and so on are often sported by hunters and warriors, even when they have no immediate need for them. They demonstrate the social function of the individual and, although there is no formal hierarchy within the Xilon culture, those who possess fighting skills are, along with teachers and veteran travelers, held in especially high regard. Culture and Lifestyle  >>