How to Make a Toga Quickly

Quickly change into an easy-to-assemble toga even in a rush.

The 1978 movie “National Lampoon’s Animal House” brought the toga party into popular culture, transforming togas from ancient Roman garb to oft-required dress codes at fraternity parties. In the style of the movie, students of both sexes frequently assemble these outfits from bed sheets and style them in a wide variety of ways. Though a toga costume can be created with care and precision for maximum historical accuracy and a professionally made appearance, a last-minute toga party necessitates a quick costume solution.

Things You'll Need

• Approximately 2 yards of fabric, 55 inches in width
• Safety pins

Instructions

1. Turn the fabric vertically, with the short ends on the top and bottom. Position the midpoint of the short top end of the fabric beneath your left underarm.

2. Wrap the sides around your body at chest level as though wrapping a towel. When the fabric reaches the right side of your body, lift the two top corners above your right shoulder and tie them in a double knot.

3. Pin the edges of the fabric together to make a seam on your right side. Begin just under your arm and work downward.

Tips & Warnings

• Limit fabric to one yard for a short toga.

• Hide pins on the inside of the fabric.

• Use decorative rope to accentuate the waistline or bust line of a female toga.

References

• RetroSewing.net: How to Make a Toga or Greek Goddess Costume
• “From Abba Zabba to Zoom;” David Mansour; 2005