How to Make Roman Costumes
The Roman era remains one of the most popular periods to imitate in modern-day stage performances and Halloween dress-up. Clothing during the time tended to be simple and consisted of few materials, making Roman costumes easy to reproduce today. When flashing back 2000 years to achieve an ancient Roman look, remember that attire was more diverse than just the typical toga. Tunic styles depended on class and whether a person was born an emperor, peasant or slave.
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Things You'll Need
- Light-colored robe or linen dress
- Rope
- Piece of fabric in red or gold
- Scissors
- Glue
- Gold or silver trim
- Inexpensive jewelry
- Sandals or boots
Instructions
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Check you closet for a light-colored robe or visit a local shop for an inexpensive linen dress. Romans primarily wore earth tones with a small shock of bright color. Plus-size dresses also work well for men's costumes, while a nightgown works for women. Loosen elastic in men's costume and press out. For women, cut off one sleeve of the gown for an off-the-shoulder look.
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Glue gold trim around neck and edges of dress. For a female costume, glue silver trim to hem and across bodice. For male Romans, cut dress sleeves off at the elbow and split up to shoulder. Men can also add a dark-colored robe to wear over the white tunic. Cut the robe diagonally from one shoulder to the opposite hip. Do the same in back, but leave fabric attached. Bring fabric up over shoulder and keep in place with glue.
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Add braided rope or a small chain belt. If no rope is available, a leather belt will do. Drape a sash in a contrasting color such as red or purple across the costume.
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For a more elegant look, add gold cuffs or for women, include bracelets, earrings and necklace. The higher class of Roman, the more intricate the tunic detail. You can also decorate the bottom of sleeves with straight braid or ribbon. Cut a slit in the front neckline and intertwine the same type of ribbon in shoelace patter.
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Finish costume off with flip flops, sandals or, for a man, boots. Style hair in tight curls. Add ribbons for girls. Men can include a headdress made of silk leaves. Other accessories of the Roman Empire include a spear, a scroll or a toga-type sheet to drape across the shoulders.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a picture of a well-known Roman figure such as Julius Caesar for inspiration. Keep in mind, tunic length was decided by class or character. A young man or peasant would wear a knee-length dress, while an older man or senator would don a full-length dress.
In colder weather, remember to wear layers under costume.
