How did the sewing machine specifically impact the availability of clothing for the working class?
Answer
It democratized dress by making durable, ready-to-wear clothing affordable
By automating the labor-intensive process of sewing, factories could produce clothing at a speed and volume that was previously impossible. This dramatic increase in output lowered costs, transforming clothing from a scarce, expensive commodity into an affordable, ready-to-wear product. This allowed working-class families to own multiple outfits and maintain better hygiene, effectively democratizing access to functional clothing.

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