How to Make Ancient Greek Clothing

Ancient Greek clothing is rather easy to make, as the designs are based on simple pieces of rectangular fabric. The peplos was a floor length dress worn by women in ancient Greece. The chiton was worn by both men and women, and the length could vary from floor-length to a short tunic that came down only to the upper thigh. White bedsheets make a great fabric for either the chiton or peplos. You can modify the design by sewing bright, colored fabric to the hems at the feet or shoulders to make the clothing more decorative.

Things You'll Need

• Bed sheet
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Pins
• Needle
• Thread
• 2 brooches

Instructions

Making a Peplos

1. Find a bed sheet or other piece of large rectangular fabric. Add 18 inches to your height to determine the height of the sheet you will need. Ask someone to measure the distance between your elbows while your arms are outstretched. Double this measurement to determine the width of the sheet. Measure and cut the sheet to size.

2. Fold the sheet in half so it is half as wide. Cut along the fold from the top down about 18 inches with a pair of scissors.

3. Sew the side that is open beginning from about 18 inches from the top down to within a few inches of the bottom, using a 1/4-inch seam. Then turn the sheet inside out to hide the seam.

4. Fold the tops of the front and back down by 18 inches. Then pin the tops of the sheet together using two brooches (or safety pins) at about shoulder length apart.

5. Measure and cut a thin piece of bright fabric to a length that can be tied around your waist as a belt.

6. Slip the peplos over your head. Adjust the brooches so they fit comfortable on your shoulders.

7. Tie the belt around your waist. Then pull some of the fabric over the belt until the bottom of the fabric is above your feet.

Making a Chiton

1. Measure and cut two bed sheets to any length you desire, each to a width that will reach from fingertip to fingertip with your arms outstretched.

2. Place the two sheets together. Sew or pin the top edges together at points three inches apart, leaving 12 to 18 inches open in the center to slide it over your head.

3. Sew the sides together from top to bottom using a 1/4-inch seam. Then, turn the sheet inside out to hide the seams.

4. Cut a thin piece of fabric to a length that can be tied around your waist for a belt.

5. Slip the chiton over your head and tie the belt around your waist. Pull a few inches of fabric over the belt so it hangs over the belt.

References

• KET Distance Learning: Make a Greek Dress
• VRoma: The Peplos