How to Make a Toga With Laurel

You don't have to be Caesar to wear a toga.

From preschooler to college student to mother of five, with some fabric and imagination anyone can be a Roman for a day. Togas originated in Rome where they were the only clothing worn, marking citizenship. Different decorations indicated pride or power of a certain level within the state. Eventually the Romans replaced the togas with more practical wear, reserving them for special occasions and for those in the Senate. Today, togas can be seen around Halloween time or during a toga-themed party.

Things You'll Need

• Sheet or fabric of your choice cut to sheet size
• Large safety pins
• Coat hanger
• Fake or real leaves
• Green construction paper
• Glue

Instructions

1. 

   Fold the sheet to fit your height.

   Prepare your costume. Choose what you are wearing underneath your costume. A t-shirt and shorts works, but you could even use a bikini or small bathing suit, if you want limited real clothing showing. Wrap your sheet or fabric around your body under your armpits so that it meets itself on the other side. Fold any extra fabric underneath your arms, hiding the excess material next to your body, so that the sheet length does not drag on the ground.

2. 

   You can recreate an authentic toga by creating a diagonal strap.

   Attach the ends of the sheet or fabric together with a large safety pin. Secure it tightly, using extra pins if necessary. There may be excess material on the sides. Pin them to the inside of the wrap so that the pins do not show. The extra length of the sheet should be behind you. Grab it and pull it over the opposite shoulder, so that the length acts as a decorative strap, draping diagonally across your front. Attach this piece to the wrapped material.

3. 

   Make sure the laurel leaves are forward facing and overlap.

   Make your laurel headpiece. Bend a coat hanger into a circle that will fit your head. It does not have to be perfect; it will be covered by leaves. Glue your leaves to the hanger in a forward-facing style, overlapping them so that none of the wire shows. If you are using real leaves, make sure the ones you have collected are big enough to cover your headpiece and sturdy enough to withstand the glue without ripping. If you are fashioning fake leaves, either buy them at a crafts store, or cut large leaf-like shapes out of green construction paper.

References

• Tie a Toga.com: How To Tie a Toga and Instructions on How to Make a Toga
• Catalogs.com; How to Make a Toga; Ryan Walters
• Somewhat Muddled Musings of a Homeschooling Mom; Making a Laurel Wreath...or how to have a Toga Party!; Aug. 2011