How to Make a Greek or Roman Tunic or Toga

Togas and chitons used simple draping methods and required no stitching.

Roman togas were worn as status symbols in the Roman Empire and varied in color, length and style based on the wealth of the wearer. The Greek equivalent of the toga was the chiton, which was worn during the Doric age of Greek civilization. The elegant draping styles of Roman togas and Greek chitons are very popular today for Halloween and costume parties. Each style can easily be personalized with old brooches, belts and pins.

Things You'll Need

• 4 to 6 yards of fabric
• T-shirt
• Pins
• Brooches
• Belts
• Large bed sheet

Instructions

Roman Tunic and Toga

1. Measure out 4 to 6 yards of fabric at a local fabric store. Choose a subtle, solid color if you want a traditional look or a more extravagant print to create a personal toga look.

2. Substitute a Roman tunic with a solid color T-shirt and long skirt (for women) or shorts (for men). Pin one end of the fabric to either side of your waist. Wrap around once and pin again. Check to make sure the fabric is draping over your knees.

3. Toss the remaining fabric over the opposite shoulder you have pinned at the waist. For example, throw the fabric over your right shoulder if you have it pinned on your left side. This creates the diagonal shape over the chest.

4. Loop the fabric around and pin it for the last time at your waist. Embellish your toga with brooches and pins. Ladies can add small belts around their waists or busts to create a more attractive shape, and a shawl to drape over their shoulders.

Greek Chiton

1. Measure out fabric appropriate for the height and gender of the chiton wearer. For women, the height of the fabric should match the person's plus 12 inches. For men, the fabric should touch the knees plus 12 inches. The width should match the person's open arm span. A bed sheet can work for this.

2. Lay the fabric out horizontally. Fold over the top 12 inches. Lift the fabric and fold it in half around the person. The flaps of the folds should be facing outward. Wrap the open sides around and pin. Lift the lose fabric folds above each shoulder of the wearer and pin together.

3. Add belts to create shape and different brooches and pins for embellishments. Men can leave one shoulder unpinned as this was customary for Greek men. Weave leave and flower garlands for ladies' hair and both sexes can wear sandals to add to the ancient Greek look.

Tips & Warnings

• Although it is tempting, do not use a bed sheet to make your Roman toga. The sheet's square shape is not right for the look of a toga. On the other hand, a square bed sheet is appropriate for a Greek chiton.

• The edges of your fabric might fray. This might be a look you are going for but if not, trim the edges and create a simple hem.

References

• How to Make a Toga: Mainpage
• Fashion Era: Ancient Greek Costume History

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Roman Empire: Roman Dress
• Central Washington University: Greek Clothing