How to Make an Ancient Toga

Wear a toga to your next costume party.

Wrap yourself up like an ancient Roman by wearing a toga to your next costume party. Togas were typically worn by members of the upper class, according to Fashion Era; therefore, the fabric and draping of the toga was very elaborate. Instead of looking around to find a real toga, and the tunic over which it was worn, re-create the look by wearing a white sheet over a white T-shirt and shorts. Keep the toga look authentic by wearing the proper accessories to accompany the toga, such as a headpiece and gladiator sandals.

Things You'll Need

• White T-shirt
• White shorts
• Queen-size white flat sheet
• Safety pins
• Thin belt

Instructions

1. Wash or purchase a plain white, queen-size flat sheet. Iron out any wrinkles the sheet may have before draping yourself in the fabric. Put on a white T-shirt and shorts to wear under the toga.

2. Open the sheet up and hold it in front of you. Turn the sheet so that the longer side is parallel to your face and the shorter side runs the length of your body.

3. Grab the left corner of the long side of the sheet. Pull the left corner to your left shoulder. Lay the corner onto your shoulder, turn your head and press your chin down onto the corner of the sheet.

4. Keep your chin on the shoulder corner. Pull the sheet across your body, right above your chest, and under your right arm. The sheet should be tight against your body.

5. Wrap the sheet around the back of your body and under your left arm. Keeping your chin on that corner to ensure it stays tight is imperative; however, you can recruit someone to help you wrap the back or you can hold the corner with your left hand and switch off with your right hand once you have wrapped the sheet around to your left side.

6. Pull the sheet tightly under your left arm and circle your body once more. At this point you can release the left corner because it will be secure from the second wrapping. Once the sheet has been wrapped around your back, pull the sheet up to your left shoulder. Pin the left corner, located at your left shoulder, to the remaining fabric from the sheet so that the toga stays tight against your body. Let any extra fabric drape in front of you.

7. Shorten the toga to your knees by wrapping a belt around your waist. Pull the extra fabric upward and drape it over the belt.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear the proper accessories with your toga such as gold cuffs and a garland on your head.

• Pair gladiator sandals with your costume.

References

• Roman Colosseum: How to Make a Toga
• Fashion Era: Roman Costume History