If clothing began as a tool, why is nudity often treated as inappropriate?

Answer: Covering became the norm

Bare skin was seen as a health risk — Wrong. People may worry about sun or cold, but that does not explain why shame about nudity varies so much across cultures and situations.

Humans evolved a natural sense of shame — Wrong. There is no good evidence that people evolved a special shame instinct; social norms are the stronger explanation.

Covering became the norm ✓ — Correct! Once covering the body became normal, many societies began treating some exposure as private or out of place. The meaning also shifts by setting, which is why a beach and a city street can feel so different.