What Is a Tunic Shirt?

Some people claim that nothing in fashion is ever new, but rather, that fashions merely continue to be recycled and reinvented. This statement is certainly true of the long, loose-fitting tops referred to as tunics, which have been around since the time of the ancient Greeks.

Origins

Byzantine Greeks were the first people to wear tunics. However, the style did not gain mainstream popularity until the Roman Empire. Tunics were also popular amongst the Vikings.

Roman Tunics

Roman tunics were simple short-sleeve tops that fell below the knee and tended to be worn with a belt. Early Roman tunics consisted of an opening on the top for one's head and on the sides for arms. Over time, tunics evolved into long-sleeve tops. Tunics were sometimes used to add a layer of warmth underneath togas or soldier armor.
The color and designs of Roman tunics held significance. Only citizens were permitted to wear a tunic with a toga. Citizens' togas varied in color. Non-citizens' togas were natural-colored, and either wool or linen. Red tunics were a sign of honor, and it is disputed whether they were worn by everyone in the military or only high-ranking soldiers.

Viking Tunics

Vikings wore tunics as part of the priestly attire. The tunics were wool, unbelted and floor length.

Medieval Tunics

In Medieval times, people wore T-tunics comprised of up to 16 parts sewn together. Tunics were sewn using a warp-weighted loom or an upright two-beam loom.

Modern Tunics

Tunics today are almost exclusively worn by women. They are long, loose-fitting tops that are sometimes worn with a belt. They are usually worn over leggings or tight-fitting pants.
Modern tunics are also sometimes worn in religious contexts by both genders.