A piece of cloth worn around the hips and groin area as minimal clothing in warm climates.
From loin (the hip and lower belly area, from Old French 'loigne') + cloth. Loins referred to the area where the body was considered the source of reproduction and strength.
Loincloths were practical in hot climates because they allow maximum air circulation for cooling—and they're still worn in many African and Pacific cultures for ceremonies because they carry deep cultural significance beyond just clothing.
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