Directions for Dressing Like an Ancient Greek

Ancient Greeks are known for their draped clothing. Men wore shorter tunics, while women wore long and sometimes flowing garments. Both wore a heavier cloak if the temperature was cool. The garments were often elaborate with designs and colors. Some of the more common colors for women were violet, green and gray. Men's tunics were often less elaborate unless they were intended for special occasions. Some depictions of ancient Greece show men in full-length robes, which is historically correct, although tunics were more common because they allowed a man to be more active in working or riding a horse.

Things You'll Need

• Men:
• Lightweight rectangle of fabric measuring from the knee or higher to the armpit by 8 feet or more
• Wool or heavier fabric measuring the height of the body by 6 feet or more (optional)
• Cloth belt
• Leather sandals
• 1 package of safety pins
• Women:
• Lightweight rectangle of fabric measuring from the foot to the armpit by 9 to 12 feet
• Wool or heavier fabric measuring the height of the body by 8 feet or more (optional)
• Cloth belt
• Leather sandals
• 1 package of safety pins

Instructions

Instructions for Men

1. Wrap the knee-length rectangle of fabric around the body underneath the armpits several times until there is an arm-length flap left over on the right side of the body. Bring the flap over the left shoulder.

2. Fasten the material to the back of the garment behind the left shoulder using as many safety pins as are necessary. Make sure the safety pins are not visible.

3. Use a strip of cloth or a cloth belt to secure the garment around the waist. This will prevent the garment from becoming loose and slipping open. The belt is historically accurate, although not all men in ancient Greece wore a belted garment all the time.

4. Put on leather sandals or sandals that have the appearance of leather. The fewer buckles the sandals have, the more authentic they will look. Traditionally, most men in ancient Greece did not wear shoes at all, but in modern times, if a man dressed like an ancient Greek is venturing outdoors, he should wear shoes, at least in public places.

5. Wear the heavier garment if the weather is cool or rainy.

Instructions for Women

1. Fold the largest garment in half lengthwise, then hold the center of one side loosely underneath the right armpit. Bring the front and back of the garment together on top of the right shoulder and pin them together. Drape the fabric loosely across the front and back of the body and fasten both sides of the fabric on top of the left shoulder. The left side should be open and the garment should be floor length.

2. Wrap or drape the leftover fabric hanging on the left side around the body, leaving the arms bare. Historically, women had several techniques and styles for draping their garments, so experiment with wrapping and draping the extra cloth until it and looks the way you want it to. Feel free to use safety pins, but keep them hidden within the folds of the garment.

3. Use a strip of cloth or a cloth belt to secure the garment around the waist. The garment should be somewhat loose around the belt.

4. Wear leather sandals or leather-like sandals when going into public places, even though many women in ancient Greece did not use footwear.

5. Use the heavy garment if the weather is cool or rainy.

References

• Kidipede: Greek Clothing
• Ancient Greece: Culture and Society
• Rich East.org: Clothing Of The Ancient Greek Women