How to Wrap a Toga for Women

A woman's toga is ideal for the "mediterranean look" at costume parties

A toga is simple to make and wear if you are dressing up for a period or costume party. A women's toga can be made, adjusted and worn so it drapes the body in a very attractive way. There are many cuts and designs for making a woman's toga, but the simplest one is the one-shoulder toga which wraps the front and back of a woman's body and is tied around the waist with a length of tasseled rope.

Things You'll Need

• Length of white cotton cloth (approximately 8 feet for knee-length toga)
• Silken rope with tasseled ends
• Safety pins

Instructions

1. Fold the cloth length-wise. The point where it folds is the exact middle. Gather the cloth breadth-wise at this point and place it on your left shoulder. The two halves of the cloth should fall in equal length on the front and back of your body.

2. Hold the two sides of the toga that cover the chest and attach it to the parallel length of the back. Tuck it neatly with safety pins on both sides so the body does not show. If you feel more comfortable, wear a tank-top underneath. Tie two more pins just above your waist.

3. Take the silken rope and wrap it around your waist twice once the toga draped comfortably around the body. Leave the tasseled ends of the rope hanging. Check in a mirror to see that the safety pins are tucked in and the sides do not open when you walk. The toga should allow free movement and feel comfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• Using cotton cloth or a fine material which falls well on the body will make your toga appear more attractive.

• Experiment with different lengths and choose one that you feel comfortable in.

• Make sure the safety pins are tucked in and are secure to avoid accidental pinpricks or exposure.

References

• Toga: Background and Relevance
• Philip Smith: A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities

Resources

• Your Own Toga