Prime symbolism of silver deals with the moon and as such it is an attribute of feminine energy.

Chaldeans referenced silver by the female name of Nanna.

Rosicrucian alchemists attributed silver to the goddesses Artemis (Greek).

Renaissance alchemists divined with silver using Diana’s (Roman) personification.

Arabic alchemists invoked the feminine name of Manat when working with silver as an alchemical symbol.

Some quick symbolic meanings of silver:

• Purity
• Clarity
• Awareness
• Focus
• Single-ness of Purpose
• Femininity
• Persistence
• Vision
• Strength

Silver is symbolic of such attributes as awareness, clarity, and vision because of its bright/clear appearance. 

Silver is a symbol for strength because this metal withstands abuse, weathering, and even heat.  Nevertheless, it can still be molded into desired forms. 

This is symbolic of a subtle strength.  The message here is that we ourselves can be flexible enough to be molded into something better – but strong enough to keep our core integrity in tact.

This metal represents nobility, peace and serenity. It is associated with the qualities of purity and chastity, because the metal withstands the test of fire.

Clothing

Silver inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi. It keeps odor to a minimum and reduces the risk of bacterial and fungal infection. In clothing, the combination of silver and moisture movement (wicking) may help to reduce the harmful effects of prolonged use in active and humid conditions.

Silver is used in clothing in two main forms:

• A form in which silver ions are integrated into the polymer from which yarns are made (a form of nanotechnology)
• A form in which the silver is coated onto the yarns.

In both cases the silver prevents the growth of a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi.

Recorded use of silver to prevent infection dates to ancient Greece and Rome, it was rediscovered in the Middle Ages, where it was used for several purposes, such as to disinfect water and food during storage, and also for the treatment of burns and wounds as wound dressing. In the 19th century, sailors on long ocean voyages would put silver coins in barrels of water and wine to keep the liquid pure. Pioneers in America used the same idea as they made their journey from coast to coast. Silver solutions were approved in the 1920s by the US Food and Drug Administration for use as antibacterial agents.

Resource:symbolic-meanings.com, wikipedia.org