Homo Faber and Clothing

A difficulty in conceiving clothing as both a need and an implement is likely rooted in a deeply-ingrained concept of Human as Homo Sapiens, in which the species is conceived as distinctive because of its Knowledge, and that Knowledge is conceived as essentially contemplative or theoretical.  Accordingly, while clothing is easily conceivable as a unprecedented vital need, i. e. in most cases, a thinker needs to be wearing at least something, any use of an implement involves only applied Knowledge, and, thus, is conceived as inessential.  In contrast, the concept of Human as Homo Faber entails that its existence is essentially Practical or Technical.  On that basis, clothing, as the primary stratum of Human engagement with its environment, is both needed for that engagement, and needed qua Practical or Technical.  In other words, given the revision of the traditional concept of Human, it is as an implement that clothing is a vital need.