Ancient Greek Costume

Doric was a popular style for women and the most fashionable garment. It was a rectangular piece of cloth approx. 2 meters in length and least 3 meters in width. It was draped folded over at the top and dropping full length to the ankle. The material was mostly linen and fine wool. The silk that came from China and the Muslin and cotton from Egypt was restricted to the higher gentry. The well-off women wore circlets of gold and valuable stones. Amethyst was a fashionable stone. It even had a mythological story to its origin!

Initially, during the archaic period, the Ancient Greek Costumes were usually white or off-white – especially for the common man. They were further forbidden to wear red chitons and himations in theaters or public places. However, colors had been adopted and were widespread by the 5th Century. Homer has recorded the fashion of extravagant costumes woven with threads of silver and gold

Different periods of Greek history left their mark on the costumes worn by the Greeks. The weather too had its affect as some Greeks wore cloaks during cold. Light leather sandals or boots were a part of the ancient Greek costume to be worn for going outdoors. Costumes for babies were generally linen diapers, though older children wore a cloth wrapped around their waist.

Along with the regular chitons, the ‘peplos’ was a part of the costume of women. It was a shorter tunic worn over the chitons, and was mostly embroidered. These basic costumes were worn by Greeks for centuries. In fact, when studying about Greek costumes it becomes quite clear that the people of Greece were definitely concerned about simplicity and comfort of their attire.