Ancient Greek Clothing Styles
Although ancient Greek clothing was simple, it was designed for comfort and individuality. Men and women dressed differently and used their clothing to distinguish themselves from the different societies around them, which they perceived as barbaric. They wore loosely fitting garments, hats, jewelry and even sandals for special occasions and plainer tunics for work around the house, horseback riding or exercising.
Other People Are Reading
-
Purpose
-
Greek clothing was built for functionality and freedom of movement. Ancient Greeks were not particular about what they wore as long as the "outfit" was comfortable and long-lasting. It was worn for concealment and protective purposes, not for fashion. The summers were arid and hot, so the less fabric the better.
Material
-
Clothing was often made at home either with spun wool or imported linen fabric. It was dyed vivid colors or decorated with ornate patterns. Lighter fabric was used to construct men's clothing since they often worked out in the heat, riding horses or exercising. The women wore heavier fabrics and longer tunics to conceal their bodies.
-
Types
-
Rectangular pieces of fabric were used to construct tunics. The square material was draped around the body and fastened at the sides and shoulders with pins. A belt was worn in the midsection to add definition. These bright pieces of cloth were styled around the body to fit different occasions and fashion trends.
The chiton was worn by men during work. It was shorter than the women's tunics and when worn over only one shoulder (usually the left) called an exomie. Women wore peplos and often clasped their tunics with a brooch at the shoulder. Infants wore nothing at all.
Warm cloaks, known as hemation, were worn over tunics to protect against harsh, cold weather. Hemations also doubled as blankets when the men were sleeping outside and away from their homes.
Shoes
-
Ancient Greeks did not like shoes, and some individuals spent their entire lives without ever setting foot in a pair of them. Shoes were for business purposes only and were made from leather and fashioned into boots or sandals. Footware was never worn in in the house.
Accessories
-
Women adorned their bodies with a variety of accoutrements. They had epiblemas, or shawls, which they draped over their tunics and enjoyed jewelry such as earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Ancient Greek women even wore high-peaked crowns or hats for special occasions or to show prestige.
-
